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Finance minister Enoch Godongwana shrugged off and denied claims by opposition MPs that the fuel levy relief he announced in Wednesday’s medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS) was aimed at appeasing voters before the local government elections.

The minister was speaking at a post-MTBPS breakfast organised by RMB in Cape Town on Thursday morning. During the tabling of his MTBPS in parliament on Wednesday, Godongwana announced the government would provide temporary fuel price relief, saying that the fuel levy will be reduced by R3 per litre for diesel and R1.50 per litre for petrol from November 4 until December.

The commencement date raised eyebrows, as this is the day South Africans go to the polls in elections in which the ANC is expected to face bruising electoral battles in key councils, especially the country’s eight metropolitan municipalities.

Godongwana was asked by RMB chief economist Isaah Mhlanga about what has been called an “unusual coincidence” in the timing of the fuel levy coming into effect, and the EFF’s criticism of the announcement as an “election ploy”.

“By the way, I was also shocked when I heard the EFF yesterday, [saying] that [we] are electioneering by announcing it for the fourth. But if it were in December, it would have been done on the second, because the change to the fuel price happens on the first Wednesday of the month. Then the first Wednesday of November happens to be the fourth of November,” said Godongwana.

He said the “coincidence” did not occur to him until EFF MPs pointed it out after he tabled his MTBPS. “These people are leading with elections when the date has got nothing to do with elections at all,” he insisted.

Godongwana said the challenges facing municipalities were deeper and much more complex than broad cost drivers, but they also have a great impact on South Africa’s investment and development case at a macroeconomic level.

He said state capacity as a pillar of National Treasury’s budget and fiscal priorities has come into sharp focus as South Africa heads towards local government elections, but Treasury has always flagged this as a key challenge.

“I think we normally have got a standard kind of approach, where we say we’ve got four pillars. The first one is to achieve macroeconomic stability … The second one deals with the binding constraints [in the network industries]. That’s structural reforms. The third one is state capacity.

“It’s coming into sharp focus … because we are going into an election, but we have always said that’s a problem, because municipalities provide the basic needs, not only in terms of performance and infrastructure, but in the regulatory framework and how long it takes to rezone.”

Godongwana has been known to adopt a tough-love approach towards municipalities over their equitable share allocations and service delivery failures. He said a close friend in business told him it takes 80 days to get a rezoning licence in one municipality, and sometimes it can take up to 200 days in another.

“Those minor things influence how people make decisions about investment. I am just stating those kinds of regulatory challenges that we are talking about. So, we are talking about structural concerns and state capacity and also infrastructure itself.

“Take Johannesburg as a starting point. When you are dealing with Johannesburg, you are not only dealing with leakages; you are dealing with old water infrastructure that needs rehabilitation … We have got to sort those things out so that we can see investment. No one is going to invest if you can’t get water and you can’t get electricity; basic things.”

Mhlanga said the MTBPS showed flexibility to provide breathing room for the successes of National Treasury to take hold in the broader economy while allowing market-friendly stability and predictability.

TimesLIVE

The conference, which brings delegates from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia together under the theme “The return to Africa”, serves as an independent, unifying platform dedicated to advancing African sovereignty, reparatory justice and sustainable solidarity between Africa and its global diaspora.

In a media briefing in Midrand on Thursday, co-convenor Frank Chikane said the conference, to be addressed by international relations & co-operation minister Ronald Lamola, former president Thabo Mbeki and former president of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, would include issues such as reparations, decolonisation, human rights, gender and climate change.

The conference is taking place while Africa is grappling with severe instability, including wars, internal conflicts, famine and rising migration pressures.

In South Africa, tensions over migration have fuelled a wave of protests against foreign nationals, with some groups demanding stricter immigration controls and the deportation of undocumented migrants.

“People of African descent and Africans have been meeting in various international conferences. Whenever we meet together, we always find each other. At one stage we said, ‘We lobby at our entities [but] our problem is much bigger. People were stolen from this continent some centuries ago and enslaved.

“Now they say, ‘we worked for you, we built your cities, and you left us in the Caribbean. We were colonised, we as Africans. It’s difficult to get out of that state.’ We then said, ‘we need to get together’. That’s what this conference is about,” Chikane said.

Africans, people of African descent and indigenous communities had been intensifying calls for reparations for colonialism, demanding compensation for slavery, land dispossession, resource exploitation and cultural destruction.

They had argued on global platforms that colonialism’s legacy continues to fuel inequality and underdevelopment and want former colonial powers to take responsibility through financial compensation, restitution and investment in affected communities.

Chikane said some delegates had expressed concern that they would be coming to a country where “our brothers and sisters are being attacked; we said they will be safe, we are dealing with the matter. They also expressed concerns over the killing of women in Kempton Park.”

Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu, chair of the Kagiso Trust, one of South Africa’s leading development agencies and the main conference sponsor, rallied behind the gathering, saying they wanted to make it a success.

The conference, which will have a declaration and action plans, ends on Friday.

Business Day

Formula One and the sport’s governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), have both said the calendar remains as scheduled despite conflict in the Gulf region and the Iran war.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem told reporters this week that the situation was currently “fine”, the races were going to happen and he would be happy for his staff and teams to go. Qatar is scheduled for November 29 and Abu Dhabi for December 6.

Sainz, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), sounded less sure. “I think they seem very convinced that it’s going to go ahead. On my personal side, I’m not speaking as the GPDA, it’s very difficult to be convinced right now,” the Spaniard told reporters on Thursday ahead of the US Grand Prix in Austin.

“There’s still plenty of things happening in the Middle East, and also there is obviously an election that is going to happen in the US and things that are going to happen in the political side of the world that could affect the next month, month and a half.

The world can change a lot in the next month and we need to stay diligent and reactive to whatever happens and not just go because we want to go right now

Carlos Sainz

“So I think it’s relatively premature to be so convinced. But as it stands, we would go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi and if the FIA and Formula One decide that’s still safe and a good scenario. I think we as drivers have to go with whatever they say.”

The US midterm elections are on November 3. President Donald Trump said on October 8 that the US will not launch an attack on Iran before those elections. The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February, with Tehran firing missiles and drones at Gulf neighbours that host American forces.

Sainz said the drivers lacked inside information and needed to trust in the decision-making of those running the show. “The world can change a lot in the next month and we need to stay diligent and reactive to whatever happens and not just go because we want to go right now,” added the Spaniard.

Italy’s Imola circuit has been lined up as a possible plan B, although winter cold in early December could also make that challenging.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said he would be happier going to Australia at that time of year. “We might have to get some snowploughs out if we race in Imola,” he added. “I think Imola is being kind of touted as the replacement. Hopefully it’s above zero.”

Reuters

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to strengthen their preparedness for Ebola, including maintaining disease surveillance systems, ensuring laboratories can safely test suspected cases and keeping rapid response teams ready for deployment.

The warning comes after Nigeria confirmed an imported case of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory, becoming the fifth country to detect the virus since an outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on May 15.

The WHO said in a statement it was working with health authorities and partners to strengthen measures to contain the outbreak.

“In support, the World Health Organization and partners are working closely with health authorities to strengthen control measures, including case investigation, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, and provision of essential supplies, including personal protective equipment for health workers,” it said.

The WHO called on countries to maintain a high level of readiness as the outbreak in the DRC continues to evolve. It also noted that Kenya had reported nine cases linked to an imported case in recent weeks.

“Countries should maintain strong disease surveillance and rapid alert investigation, ensure laboratories can safely test suspected cases, keep rapid response and clinical teams ready for immediate activation, reinforce infection prevention and control in both public and private health facilities, and pre-position essential supplies, while actively engaging with communities,” the organisation said.

It also urged countries to increase monitoring at points of entry and ensure response plans were in place, saying sustained preparedness was essential to detect cases early, prevent further transmission and protect health workers and communities.

Nigeria’s federal ministry of health and social welfare said the confirmed patient was a woman who had recently travelled to Uganda.

Her symptoms began on October 7, four days after she arrived in Nigeria. She sought medical attention at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11 and laboratory tests confirmed the Bundibugyo virus on October 20.

The woman is in isolation and receiving medical care.

“Investigations are ongoing to establish the likely source of her infection and reconstruct her full travel and exposure history,” the WHO said.

According to the ministry, 44 contacts have been identified and are being monitored while efforts continue to identify other people who may have been exposed to the virus.

Infection prevention and control measures are also being strengthened at the private health facility where the woman sought care.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has activated its incident management system to co-ordinate the response.

“Rapid identification of cases, timely follow-up of contacts and effective infection prevention and control are critical to contain the spread of the virus,” the WHO said.

Despite the evolving outbreak, the organisation advised against travel and trade restrictions targeting affected countries.

“WHO advises against any restriction of travel to or trade with affected countries, and continues to closely monitor and, where necessary, verify travel and trade measures in relation to this event,” it said.

The organisation said that its risk assessment was being regularly reviewed to take account of the latest developments.

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Loud music, free T-shirts, food and even transport to the polls is allowed, but protesters won’t be tolerated anywhere near voting stations.

That’s the word from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) about the state of readiness in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the less than two-week countdown to local government elections.

IEC officials outlined preparations for November 4 at a briefing in Durban, highlighting police will guard election material stores and voting stations to “protect local government elections and prevent disruption”.

IEC KZN assistant manager Phelelani Mkhwanazi said there were 5,028 voting districts with a combination of permanent venues, tents and mobile stations for about 6-million voters.

IEC provincial electoral officer Ntombifuthi Masinga said storage facilities would have three security layers: the premises’ existing security, police stationed there and additional guards contracted by the commission.

She said security companies already servicing IEC provincial offices would extend their coverage to warehouses.

“Police ordinarily did not provide static warehouse guarding, leaving the commission to make its own arrangements, but a national instruction has changed that approach for these elections.”

The change followed incidents in 2024 when members of the public demanded access to stores, even wanting to count election materials.

“We are quite comfortable that we will have three layers of security at all our facilities.”

Mkhwanazi said station deployments would reflect risk assessments, with larger contingents at higher-risk venues. Presiding officers could call on police to maintain order and remove disruptive people.

KZN has been on high alert for several months following ongoing anti-migration and xenophobic attacks which last month prompted premier Thami Ntuli to call in the army.

We are quite comfortable that we will have three layers of security at all our facilities.

IEC provincial electoral officer Ntombifuthi Masinga

Despite the army’s presence, Durban has continued to experience daily protests and violent flare-ups including the killing of a foreigner, who was beaten to death on Thursday in the CBD.

Asked about possible marches and people attempting to check voters’ citizenship, former IEC deputy electoral officer Mawethu Mosery warned against election day political marches and demonstrations.

He said section 75 of the Municipal Electoral Act prohibits political meetings, marches, demonstrations and other political events on voting day.

Mosery said citizenship was checked against the population register during voter registration and foreigners were not included on the roll.

Masinga said said that while training was largely complete.

She said only 66% of required materials were ready on Thursday because of the need to reprint ballot papers following the recent Constitutional Court judgment in the appeal brought by the ANC concerning the submission of candidate lists.

Mkhwanazi said the number of stations without water had fallen from 910 to 197, based on municipal commitments rather than a fresh survey.

He said municipalities, provincial departments and Eskom were helping with water, toilets and electricity.

However, rain could undo repairs to gravel access roads which are a big issue for voting stations in KZN.

He said ward boundaries posed a different risk as those living close to a voting station did not necessarily mean they were entitled to vote there.

Masinga said recruitment and training were largely finished, with mop-up sessions for staff who had missed training. Special vote teams were being prepared for home visits on November 2 and 3.

She said queue workers would be central to the redesigned workflow, directing voters to the correct service points rather than leaving some queues overloaded while others moved quickly.

She said new features on voter management devices are intended to make address checks and voter processing faster.

Tablet cameras, which previously added time to queues because they were an inadequate barcode-scanning solution, have been replaced with separate hand-held scanners, tested in by-elections.

The scanner “worked like a charm”, she said.

In addition, new apps have been developed including one with a live voting roll, the start and finish of counting and the opening and closing of voting stations.

External IT specialists had tested applications under simulated election-day traffic, replacing reliance on physical dry runs, which she said proved very successful.

The officials advised voters to SMS their ID numbers to 32810 to receive their voting station and sequence number. Knowing that number would help staff find their names faster, including on the printed roll and cut time spent in the queues.

This was expected to help speed up queues at large voting stations, such as the Durban City Hall where there are close to 9,000 registered voters. There voters would be directed by their sequence numbers on the roll rather than surname-based divisions.

Mkhwanazi said the roll would be divided into batches of 500 voters. Queue workers would direct each person to the officer handling the appropriate batch. After verification, voters could use an available service point rather than remain tied to a surname-based substation.

Mosery said: “It will make it quick for us to find your name on the voters roll because that’s your sequence number.”

He added that technology failures would not stop voting because the printed voters roll remained the legal document.

Turning to clothing rules, Mosery drew a distinction between ordinary voters and those officially observing for parties.

Ordinary voters can wear party T-shirts but party agents and candidates observing inside stations cannot display party regalia. Section 40 also bars them from attempting to influence voters inside the boundary.

“There was never an intention to restrict voters.”

Outside that boundary, Mosery said there can be T-shirt and pamphlet distribution and loud music.

“All of those things as long as they happen outside the boundary of the voting station, it’s okay.”

He said accepting refreshments or transport did not mean surrendering one’s electoral choice.

“I also always say if they give you fruit there, please enjoy the fruit.”

Parties that could afford it also transported voters, he said: “They pick them up from their homes, bring them to the station. Please enjoy the ride.”

His message was “enjoy those and keep your vote your secret.”

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France has reported the first known human case of Shamonda virus in a patient who died, raising questions about the risks posed by a livestock virus that reached Europe this year, decades after first being detected in Nigeria.

What is Shamonda virus?

Shamonda is transmitted by biting midges and mainly affects cattle, though infections have also been identified in sheep, goats, horses and alpacas.

It belongs to the same group as Schmallenberg virus, which causes reproductive disorders in livestock.

Where has it spread?

First detected in cattle in Nigeria in 1965, it has since been found in parts of Africa and Asia.

First identified in Europe in late July, by October 20 cases had been reported in more than a dozen European countries, including in top cattle breeders France, Germany, Spain and Ireland. France said the virus had probably been circulating in the country since the spring.

How dangerous is it for animals?

Symptoms include fever, diarrhoea and reduced milk production.

More serious complications include abortions and severe foetal malformations. Neurological disorders have also been reported in some horses.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) says the long-term impact of the European variants is uncertain.

What is the risk to humans?

The first documented patient was being treated for a serious illness at a hospital in Lyon and had a severely weakened immune system.

The UN’s World Health Organisation said that based on current information and knowledge of the transmission of closely related viruses, this was an isolated human case and unlikely to lead to wider spread at this time.

French authorities suspect infection occurred through a midge bite in eastern France, where the virus circulated among livestock earlier this year.

They said the patient’s brain complications were very likely linked to Shamonda, though investigations into the infection and death are continuing.

What is its current status?

Shamonda is not a disease listed by the WOAH and countries are therefore not required to notify WOAH of cases under its disease-specific reporting obligations.

Nor is it listed under the EU’s Animal Health Law framework, meaning it is not subject to EU disease-specific mandatory surveillance.

Because of this, available data may not provide a complete picture of its spread.

Reuters

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In the spring of 2024 I was persuaded to spend Saturday watching high school rugby at Robertson in the Boland. Hoërskool Robertson were playing in their annual derby against Charlie Hofmeyr from Ceres and a friend suggested we drive up from Cape Town for the day.

He was putting the sons of several workers on his farm in the Koue Bokkeveld through school, he told me, and they’d be playing for some of the Charlie Hofmeyr junior teams.

Platteland derbies were fun, he added. There would be balls-to-the-wall rugby and cappuccino vendors and war cries and mating rituals from horny teens.

The fixture started in 1994 and the students of both schools had been looking forward to the day for weeks. It would be quite the occasion. Why didn’t I come along?

I was happy I did because that afternoon — with the sun coming out after rain and the first buds of spring not far away — I saw Luan Giliomee for the first time.

He was captaining Charlie Hofmeyr from fullback and while he was neither the biggest nor the widest on display, he was clearly the most confident and gifted. His game management and spatial perception were uncanny.

Like a hot knife through butter ⚡

Luan Giliomee with an unbelievable solo effort 🦈⚫

📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/2uvSZAKO88

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 26, 2026

In front of a crowd of about 5,000, a muddy Charlie Hofmeyr won at a canter — 29-8 — with Giliomee orchestrating it all so faultlessly he might have been using a baton. His entire rugby personality was on display: the knees up gallop from deep; the positional play; the gunslinger’s quick hands. Smart tactical kicking and bravery in the tackle.

It didn’t surprise me to hear later that Charlie Hofmeyr went through the season unbeaten. They weren’t a one-man side. They had hard-working forwards, bovine in their ability not to complain. And I seem to remember that an outside centre of Giliomee had already been given a bursary to study — and play rugby — at the University of the North West. They were by no means a one-man team, though your eye always drifted back in Giliomee’s direction.

Giliomee played Craven Week for Boland in his matric year, and was hoovered up by the Sharks Academy. His leaving school might have been greeted with relief by his parents, Louis and Aldihette, because I remember Louis telling me that while Luan was at Charlie Hofmeyr the family received 17 approaches from schools countrywide.

“There was nothing they could offer Luan that we couldn’t offer him in Ceres as a family,” said Louis, who played for a South Africa Platteland team against the All Blacks at Witbank in 1992.

“We decided to keep him where he was. He went to church. He rode a bike to school. We practiced kicking in the evenings.”

The move begs a question: in this time of JP Pietersen rebuilding, why would you willingly let gold dust slip through your hands? The only explanation is the Sharks have gold bars in the cupboard.

Five months into his time in Durban, disaster. In an under-21 Currie Cup match against the Leopards, Giliomee broke his hip. He also ruptured ligaments and his ankle and knee. Despite being out for nearly four months, he mended well, so well he was able to play in last season’s under-21 Currie Cup final, where the Sharks beat the Lions 63-31.

The rest of the Giliomee story is better known. His debut try for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship (URC) in March against Munster; his selection for the Baby Boks earlier this year and his red card for playing an England player in the air in the semifinal. The red card was later overturned on review but the rescinding came too late — coach Kevin Foote had already chosen his side to play against France in the final, Alzeadon Felix getting the nod.

“I’ll always feel bad leaving out Luan,” said Foote afterwards. “I know he’ll go super far in his career.”

Now Giliomee has gone from the Sharks to the Bulls, with the Bulls’ talented hooker Esethu Mnebelele heading in the opposite direction. The move begs a question: in this time of JP Pietersen rebuilding, why would you willingly let gold dust slip through your hands?

The only explanation is the Sharks have gold bars in the cupboard.

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The Springboks have made winning World Cups look almost routine. The next generation is making one thing clear and that is that South African rugby’s strength is not resting on the shoulders of its veteran champions.

It is being built again, and the United Rugby Championship is where you can see it.

The four South African clubs are backing teenagers and players barely out of their age-grade rugby. They are naming them, trusting them and asking them to deliver in a competition that tests every part of a player’s game.

The Stormers’ selection to face Scarlets is the clearest statement yet. Paul de Villiers captains a team that includes four former Junior Springbok captains in De Villiers, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. The latter at 24 is the oldest of the quartet.

Markus Muller, still 19, makes his first start at inside centre. Haashim Pead gets his first start at scrumhalf. Olly Reid, another product of the under-20 system, is on the bench. And there is Deon Fourie, 40 years old, waiting to bring his experience into the game.

That is not youth for the sake of a headline. It is a team built around trust. The Stormers have put young players in important positions and placed senior players around them who know what the level demands.

Obviously the titles matter, but what matters most is that the under 20 World Champions are being fast-tracked as senior professionals.

Fourie is the perfect counterpoint. At 40, the Stormers and Springbok utility forward continues to set a standard for professionalism and competitive hunger. His presence makes the point: age is not a barrier if you can still do the job. Nor should youth be one if you are good enough to do it.

The Sharks have been just as willing to open the door. Eighteen-year-old Zekhethelo Siyaya made his URC debut last season and impressed enough to become one of the club’s most promising young players. This season, the Sharks’ wider squad blends that emerging talent with Springboks and experienced campaigners, including the remarkable figure of Ma’a Nonu as a mentor to the young backs.

The Bulls have brought under-20 talent into the senior environment too, with Luan Giliomee earning a first start in the Champions Cup this month while established Springboks provide the experience around him.

At the Lions, under-20 world champion centre Ethan Adams has been trusted in the senior match-day mix. The four clubs are making different selections, but the direction is the same: the next wave is being given real responsibility.

That is the story behind the back-to-back Junior World Championship titles. South Africa retained the trophy in 2026, having won it in 2025.

Obviously the titles matter, but what matters most is that the under-20 World Champions are being fast-tracked as senior professionals.

The best thing about this generation is that it is not being presented as a distant promise. These players are already in the picture. They are starting, captaining, coming off the bench and competing for places.

None of the four coaches are rushing them and none are pretending that they need to play in under 20 competitions because they are yet to turn 21.

The club coaches are getting that balance right: young players are being trusted, and veterans are still setting the standard.

South African rugby is rightly proud of the back-to-back World Cup-winning Springboks. But the URC is showing that the depth of the game does not start and end with the national team. It runs through the clubs, the academies and the Junior Springboks who have learnt how to win on the biggest age-grade stage.

The Boks have set the benchmark, and there is a conveyor belt of under-20 World Champion pedigree insistent that they can match this Test benchmark.

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Shortly after coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said there was no rift between him and Mandla Ncikazi, Orlando Pirates confirmed the assistant had left the club.

Pirates said in a statement the move follows discussions with management on Thursday morning where Ncikazi expressed his desire to take up a job as a head coach of a Premiership club, though he did not specify which one.

Ncikazi leaves the club with nine trophies he earned as part of the Pirates’ technical team where he mainly served as assistant to Jose Riveiro and Ouaddou.

“Mandla leaves with our gratitude and our blessing. His contribution to Orlando Pirates has been evident throughout his time with us,” Buccaneers chair Irvin Khoza said.

“We respect his wish to pursue this new opportunity and wish him success as he takes on a new responsibility.”

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou on Mandla Ncikazi.

WATCH presser on #PrimeSportsWithMahlatseTV ➡️➡️➡️https://t.co/1ISyTeWvaS pic.twitter.com/Q7uIXokdVN

— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) October 22, 2026

Speaking on Thursday at his pre-match press conference ahead of the second leg of the Champions League qualifier against Namibian side African Stars at Orlando Stadium on Friday (8pm), Ouaddou said there was no bad blood between him and Ncikazi.

Allegations of a rift between the two came after Ncikazi missed the last few matches, but Ouaddou explained it was because the assistant coach was recovering from surgery.

“The club has issued a statement saying he had surgery and he is recovering. I wish him all the best and that’s all I can say,” Ouaddou said.

“You know we read many things about this. Everything is OK in our club, the environment is OK and people must not start problems.

“There was surgery and I wish him all the best. I read many things and we must not create problems.”

NCIKAZI DEPARTS TO TAKE ON HEAD COACHING ROLE

🌐 Read More : https://t.co/ri0Lhildux

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/T386qiRApJ

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 22, 2026

Ouaddou said preparations for the second leg, where the Buccaneers have a 1-0 advantage gained from Saturday’s first leg in neutral Gaborone, Botswana, have gone well and his team want to finish off the job and return to the group stages of the Champions League.

“We played a difficult game in Botswana under hard conditions and the players gave everything and they produced a positive result.

“At least we can say we have a second half at home where we can get through to the group stages. The most important thing was to focus on recovery of the players and we had two sessions to make tactical adjustments to what we saw in the last game.

“They are ready to come back to the Champions League and we are focused on winning this second half. We will do everything in terms of commitment and organisation to go through to the group stage for our fans.

“Last season, this was one of the targets that we did not reach and our fans deserve this competition and we are going to give everything to make them happy.”

TimesLIVE

North Korea’s internet experienced multiple waves of traffic from places such as Vietnam and the Philippines at the same time as several North Korean websites began experiencing outages over a 32-hour period that began on Tuesday, Doug Madory, Kentik’s director of internet analysis, said on Friday.

“This traffic all started at the same time, and it is coming from Vietnam and Venezuela. That’s definitely a DDoS [distributed denial-of-service] attack,” he said.

Kentik’s data showed that the sharp spikes in traffic began at about 11am local time (2am GMT) on Tuesday. However, the data does not indicate who the perpetrators are, and Kentik only analysed a portion of the traffic directed at North Korea, Madory said.

The outages hit more than 40 official sites using the country’s .kp domain, including those of the foreign ministry and state news agency KCNA, according to South Korean media.

South Korean media also cited security experts as saying that North Korea’s unstable power supplies could have been a cause. The outage appeared unrelated to global internet issues stemming from the disclosure of vulnerabilities in the PHP programming language later in the week.

North Korea’s tightly controlled internet network has been paralysed before. In late 2014, after controversies over a Sony Pictures comedy about a fictional assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, North Korea experienced a hours-long complete internet outage.

Reuters

Zhang said overseas manufactured vehicles account for about 48% of its export volume this year. He said the company is pursuing local manufacturing not only to sell vehicles but also to create jobs and “co-operate with local technologies”.

“Step by step, we are trying to localise production and rely mainly on local manufacturing,” he told an event in Chery’s headquarters in Wuhu

Chery, which sells the Omoda and Jaecoo brands, is one of several Chinese carmakers disrupting the global vehicle industry with advanced technology and prices that legacy car companies have struggled to match

The company said it will start building fast-charging and energy storage stations in countries including the UK, Spain and Thailand from 2027 and will launch robotaxis first in UAE from next year.

Reuters

Business Day reported in July that Irba fined Kartsounis R400,000 in March after the auditing regulator found him guilty of poor work on one of the companies he was tasked with auditing. Kartsounis also played a key role in the firm’s contract with the AG.

External audits by firms such as Crowe are important for the AG and for public sector oversight by providing independent, objective assurance on financial statements and compliance.

The AG in its report to parliament said the July 20 report was the first time it had heard of findings against Kartsounis — stating that nondisclosure of Irba reviews and sanctions raised reputational and audit quality concerns.

“The [audit] committee engaged the firm [Crowe], and the parties agreed for the firm to appoint an additional external engagement quality reviewer to review the 2025/26 auditor-general audit file. The concerns relate to the engagement partner. The firm received a favourable firm-level quality assessment,” the committee told a parliamentary standing committee in a report.

“The committee engaged the firm and considered its representations but concluded that the concern remains.”

The AG’s office is already seeking another external auditor.

The Irba sanction followed a probe that found Kartsounis had failed to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, as required by the International Standards on Auditing.

This related to derivative financial assets and options disclosed as contingent assets, where Kartsounis “failed to respond appropriately to misstatements identified during the audit”.

“As the group engagement partner, he failed to evaluate the sufficiency and appropriateness of audit evidence obtained by the component auditors,” Irba found.

The Irba finding is unrelated to Crowe’s work for the AG.

Crowe was appointed through a competitive tender process in 2017, with the contract extended in 2022.

An audit partner rotation took place in 2024/25 after the previous partner completed the prescribed seven-year period. The current contractual arrangement was due to expire in January 2028.

Kartsounis also played a leading role in the controversial R400m payment by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) to BEE outfit Acapulco, a role first reported by the Sunday Times.

In 2013 Acapulco received a R333.2m loan from the PIC to buy a 25% stake in Lanseria. Under the terms of the deal, Acapulco was expected to raise funds to refinance a portion of the capital loan amount.

The final repayment of the capital loan amount was to fall on the 10th anniversary of the first advance date, which was due in the latter part of 2023.

Acapulco defaulted on the loan, which had ballooned to about R600m, including interest. The PIC moved to protect its security by taking over Acapulco’s shares in Lanseria.

The issue of the valuation of the stake came into play. The PIC and Acapulco hired professional services firm BDO to conduct the valuation. BDO’s valuation of Acapulco’s stake came in at R238m. BDO’s report was swiftly dismissed alongside its mandate and was replaced by Crowe, which PwC found did not undergo the intense due diligence into its valuation expertise that BDO underwent before its engagement.

Mills Fitchet was appointed by the PIC to perform the property valuation of Lanseria, while Crowe was appointed to determine the fair value of the 25% shareholding Acapulco had in Lanseria, after a dispute between it and the PIC.

The PwC report was scathing of Crowe and Kartsounis.

“On December 3 2024, Crowe issued a draft valuation report valuing Acapulco’s 25% shareholding in Lanseria Holdings at R550m. The draft report referenced the Mills Fitchet property valuation, indicating that the property valuation had been considered in arriving at the draft valuation outcome,” PwC noted in its report.

“Between December 3 2024 and January 17 2025, correspondence reflects engagement between the PIC, Crowe and Acapulco, including requests by the PIC for … clarification of the manner in which the Mills Fitchet property valuation had been taken into account in the valuation of the 25% shareholding.

“On January 17 2025, Crowe appears to have unilaterally issued its final valuation report and certificate, valuing the 25% shareholding at R1bn, an increase of approximately R490m from the draft valuation.”

It said the documentation reviewed reflected that Crowe had, among other changes, altered the manner in which the Mills Fitchet property valuation was incorporated into the final valuation outcome.

PwC found that Crowe’s valuation engagement was led by Kartsounis.

“We were unable to confirm that the Crowe engagement team had prior experience in valuations of this nature. The Crowe profile obtained during the engagement describes Mr Kartsounis as an audit specialist and does not include valuation-specific experience in any capacity,” PwC said in a report commissioned by PIC CEO Patrick Dlamini.

Attempts to contact Kartsounis for comment failed, and no response to questions emailed to him had been received by the time of publication.

Business Day

The Ferrari driver will be 42 in January and has a contract for 2027.

Fernando Alonso, the oldest active F1 driver, is 45 and recently signed up for another season with Aston Martin.

“I’m now forced to stay a lot longer because we have a race in Africa, and that’s been my dream, to be able to race in Africa,” Hamilton said at the US Grand Prix on Thursday in a media conference alongside championship leader Kimi Antonelli.

“I have to keep fighting to try and stay fit. If I can still punch out good results over the next year, we’ll keep it going.”

Antonelli, who replaced Hamilton at Mercedes last season and is only 20 years old, encouraged him: “You got to do at least the first one.”

Hamilton, the sport’s first and only black champion, has long campaigned for a race in Africa — a continent that last hosted a race at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit in 1993 — and spoke of his efforts.

“Countless meetings with the stakeholders, so many meetings with [Formula One CEO] Stefano [Domenicali] at his office in London, but also on race weekends, countless calls: ‘What’s happening? Where are we going? Who are you meeting with?’

“Many meetings with different presidents from different countries. Lots of phone calls with different presidents from different countries within Africa,” he recalled. “I think for me, it’s a place that deserves to have a grand prix. It’s about more than just one country. It’s about the continent itself.”

Hamilton said an African race would make people more aware of the continent, but recognised there were concerns.

Human rights campaigners Amnesty International recently accused Formula One of hollow words and offering Rwanda a “sportswashing prize” — an accusation levelled at countries perceived to be using sport to improve a tarnished image abroad.

“Of course I don’t get to choose where we go. Naturally there are problems all over the world today, so I’ve seen many of the stories. But I think we really have to approach it with humility,” Hamilton said.

“Of course, going there doesn’t mean that you neglect the things that are happening there. So hopefully many people start to educate themselves a little bit more about what is happening there and what has happened there for hundreds of years. I hope that does spark the conversation.”

Reuters

Leclerc, who finished second in the race and 7.3 seconds behind four-time Formula One champion Verstappen, dismissed the Frenchman’s claims at the US Grand Prix on Thursday.

“I think it’s nonsense to start saying these kinds of things. Isack has no idea what kind of car we drive, and I have no idea what kind of car he drives,” the Monegasque told reporters at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas.

Hadjar, who finished 10th in Singapore, said the Red Bull car was still very hard to drive even if Verstappen has now won the past two races.

“In Malaysia, it [the Red Bull] was dominant, but I don’t think in Singapore it was the fastest car. That’s what I believe. I think if you put Max in the Ferrari, he would have won the race with more margin. So that’s my opinion. In Singapore, I think it [the Ferrari] was the fastest car,” he said.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said both rivals were stronger than the reigning champions.

“I think it wasn’t a surprise that Ferrari were very strong in Singapore. I think in the data analysis, they’re always the quickest or joint-quickest or outright quickest in basically every corner this year,” the Australian said.

“But they lose on all the straights, whether that’s from drag or power, I don’t know, but we’ve expected them [Ferrari] to be the benchmark at other circuits, and it’s not turned out to be the case. I think they’re very strong. I think clearly Red Bull was very strong. Both stronger than us for sure.

“I think over the past few weeks Red Bull has definitely become the most consistently quick car. But I think each weekend the challenges are kind of rotating.”

Reuters

Indonesia is battling its most intense forest and land fires since 2015 as a severe El Niño drives up temperatures and reduces rainfall, leaving its forest and peatland vulnerable to fire.

While the islands of Sumatra and Borneo are the worst affected by the disaster, fires have also spread on the island of Sulawesi, including in South Sulawesi, where limestone caves house the world’s oldest prehistoric art.

In a cave in South Sulawesi’s Maros-Pangkep, an artwork depicting human-like figures interacting with a pig was dated by researchers from Australia’s Griffith University to be at least 51,200 years old. In a cave on Muna island, off Sulawesi, a reddish-coloured hand stencil was dated to at least 67,800 years.

Near the Maros-Pangkep cave, firefighters worked to put out fires as smoke drifted over the dramatic karst landscape that is a defining feature of the national park and Unesco global geopark surrounding the cave.

Firefighter Muhammad Ikfar said fires burnt near the site for more than a week earlier this month and came within 800m of the cave.

More than 270ha of the national park burnt between September 30 and October 18, Ikfar said.

“The first and most destructive effect is the heat. Even without direct fire touching the paintings, it could ruin them because it changes the temperature around the paintings and accelerates the process of corrosion,” said Griffith University archaeologist Basran Burhan.

The smoke also creates soot, he said. “They create soot on the paintings and cover them so that the paintings will become blurred and difficult to identify.”

On Thursday and Friday firefighters were working to put out fires in other parts of the park, Ikfar said, adding that the conditions were dry with no rain yet.

“If we don’t do something about this quickly, if there aren’t any tactical mitigation efforts for this incident, we will lose one of the most amazing pieces of evidence of human history in Maros-Pangkep,” Burhan said. “And that is a great shame.”

Reuters

The ​quake, with an epicentre ​in Nagqu, a sparsely populated, high-altitude city in northern Tibet, is the strongest to hit China since January 2024.

More than 300 police officers, including traffic and community police personnel, were sent to the epicentre to carry out rescue and emergency relief work, the Nagqu police department said in a separate post on messaging app WeChat early on Friday.

Officers sent to the region checked for damage to homes and helped people move to safer locations, the Nagqu police also said in the WeChat post.

A video the police posted on TikTok sister app Douyin, showed officers packing supplies in a truck in the dark and inspecting a building and rubble with flashlights.

More than 12,000 people have been safely relocated, state media outlet Xinhua reported.

Videos previously released by local official media showed people leaving their homes and seeking shelter outside or in their ‌cars ⁠parked on the street. One resident reported being awakened by the strong quake and hearing the house squeaking during the tremor.

The China Earthquake Networks Centre said in a post that 413 aftershocks had been recorded.

In 2010 a magnitude-7.1 tremor struck Yushu in neighbouring Qinghai province, killing at ⁠least 2,698 ​people and leaving nearly 300 people missing.

Reuters

Local authorities have found at least two people injured in a village near the epicentre, with some houses in villages closest to the epicentre showing cracks, the state broadcaster said. The quake is the strongest to hit the region since January 2024.

The epicentre was in a sparsely populated, high-altitude county in Nagqu, northern Tibet, at a depth of 10km. The average elevation within 5km of the epicentre is about 4,864m, CENC data showed.

Videos released by local, officially run media showed people leaving their homes and seeking shelter outside or in their cars parked on the street. One resident reported being awakened by the strong quake and heard the house squeaking in the tremor.

The quake was clearly felt in the local area, CENC said. The epicentre was about 400km from the Tibetan capital of Lhasa.

Local fire and rescue teams have mobilised and are heading to the affected region, state media said.

A string of smaller tremors of around magnitude 3 and 4 have been recorded in surrounding regions following the magnitude 7 quake, CENC data showed.

In 2010 a magnitude-7.1 tremor struck Yushu in neighbouring Qinghai province, killing at least 2,698 people and leaving nearly 300 people missing.

Reuters

By doing so, communications minister Solly Malatsi aims to solve several problems hindering network deployment in the country, including the high cost of broadband communication; cumbersome and fragmented administrative compliances that slow down the pace of building digital infrastructure; and delays in building and extending networks, which act as a primary obstacle to achieving affordable, high-speed connectivity for all South Africans.

On Thursday, the communications & digital technologies department said it had issued a policy directive to the local telecoms and broadcast regulator to review facilities leasing rules and guidelines for faster deployment of infrastructure projects.

On one level Malatsi is pushing the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) to review the facilities leasing regulations from 2010. These regulations govern how operators lease infrastructure such as towers and ducts from one another.

He noted that the laws governing this aspect have been amended, “and the courts have handed down important judgments, so the regulations need to be updated”.

In addition, the policy direction asks the regulator to consider “the list of essential facilities, wholesale rates, improved timeframes for concluding and implementing leasing agreements and stronger monitoring and enforcement”.

“The policy direction is ultimately aimed at reducing the cost of broadband communication and ensuring all South Africans enjoy meaningful connectivity by eliminating cumbersome and fragmented administrative compliances that affect the pace of infrastructure building,” said Malatsi.

“This will introduce an environment in which the rollout of digital infrastructure is simpler, faster and more consistent. Delays in building and extending networks remain one of the main obstacles to affordable, high-speed connectivity in South Africa and this policy direction is part of our reform programme to achieve this.”

The framework discourages unnecessary infrastructure duplication. However, it recognises that additional infrastructure may be justified for network resilience, quality of service and service differentiation.

To manage information regarding digital infrastructure in the country, Malatsi has tasked Icasa with establishing a secure geographic information system (GIS) database mapping South Africa’s electronic communications infrastructure to assist planners, regulators and operators.

It “will be aligned with the national spatial data infrastructure framework, and access will be regulated to protect sensitive information”, said the minister.

The policy direction is also hoping to tackle the many disputes and conflicts stemming from infrastructure projects.

The authority has been requested to provide a dispute resolution process for conflicts between licensees and landowners. Icasa must also submit an annual progress report to the minister, with the first report due in 12 months.

According to the department, the draft policy direction was published for public comment in March and received 16 written submissions. It said most of the submissions supported the policy directions and informed several changes to the final text.

Business Day

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Former intelligence services minister Ronald (Ronnie) Kasrils on Thursday dismissed claims he was part of secret meetings with apartheid-era defence force and police generals to talk about an amnesty mechanism for them not to face prosecution for apartheid crimes.

“I knew nothing about alleged high-level talks. If there were such talks, I did not participate in anything of that nature,” Kasrils told the commission tasked to investigate allegations of political interference to suppress investigations and prosecutions of heinous apartheid-era crimes.

Kasrils testified before the commission, chaired by justice Sisi Khampepe, as he was the minister of intelligence services in 2004-08 under the presidency of former president Thabo Mbeki. The period covers the commission’s terms of reference.

“I am alleged to have taken part in high-level talks with former generals. It is claimed that these secret talks occurred from 1999 to 2004. The [Lukhanyo] Calata affidavit describes the alleged team in these discussions. I am listed as having been part of this team as the minister of intelligence services, having replaced Joe Nhlanhla. That is incorrect,” Kasrils said.

Kasrils told the commission he was not Nhlanhla’s successor, but former minister Lindiwe Sisulu was in 2001.

“In 2001 [Nhlanhla] was replaced, not by me but by comrade Lindiwe Sisulu. Minister Sisulu served as intelligence minister from 2001 to 2004, the latter being the year that Calata alleges the talks stopped.

“There is no rational way to confuse minister Sisulu with me. I was at the time minister of water affairs & forestry and did not belong to the security cluster.”

The allegation in Calata’s affidavit was based on the book by author Michael Schmidt based on an interview with Maj-Gen Dirk Marais, a former apartheid army general, about alleged secret meetings and who took part.

“According to Schmidt, when Mbeki became president, (deputy president Jacob) Zuma’s ‘security cluster’ team would most likely have included minister of defence Mosiuoa Lekota, minister of justice Penuell Maduna (replaced by Brigitte Mabandla in Mbeki’s second cabinet), minister of intelligence Joe Nhlanhla (replaced by Kasrils), and minister of safety & security Steve Tshwete (replaced by Charles Nqakula),” Calata’s affidavit reads.

Kasrils, however, disputed the claim, saying the factual timeline proved he did not replace Nhlanhla and was only appointed to lead intelligence service in April 2004. From 1999 until 2004, Kasrils was minister of water affairs & forestry.

Kasrils testified Schmidt emailed him in 2020 seeking information about alleged ANC-South African Defence Force talks. He responded saying he did not know anything about such meetings.

“Given my political history and involvement in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission [TRC], it is unfortunate that I now stand accused of seeking to protect apartheid-era officials who were involved in gross human rights violations,” said Kasrils.

Kasrils, who fought against the apartheid regime as a senior member of uMkhonto we Sizwe and the ANC, described the claims against him as ironic.

Testifying earlier this week about the alleged meetings, Mbeki said the claim was “a complete fabrication”.

Given my political history and involvement in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission [TRC], it is unfortunate that I now stand accused of seeking to protect apartheid-era officials who were involved in gross human rights violations.

Ronald Kasrils, former intelligence services minister

The commission is probing whether there was political interference in the police and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) that led to the failure to prosecute TRC cases in the past three decades, while hundreds of murders remain unsolved, with no account of those who disappeared.

The cases were referred to the NPA by the TRC, set up by the first government of national unity to help deal with events under apartheid as a platform for perpetrators of human rights violations to testify about crimes and murders committed during apartheid.

Earlier this year, the commission heard evidence from Jacob Gabriel Cilliers van der Merwe, whose father was killed in 1978, allegedly by MK members, linking Kasrils.

“I am alleged to have approached, through a lawyer, Ms Van der Merwe [wife of the deceased] and wanted to meet with her to discuss the disappearance of her husband outside the TRC.

“He [Mr Van der Merwe] heard about this incident from his aunt. Thereafter, in 1997, Ms Van der Merwe received a threatening phone call and as a result requested that they no longer directly deal with investigating officers because the situation seemed dangerous,” Kasrils’ affidavit reads.

He told the commission that when Van der Merwe’s father was killed he was in Angola, was not involved in any MK operations and knew nothing about the murder.

“I confirm what I had informed you that after serving in London I was deployed in Angola in 1977; I was there until the beginning of 1980 as a political instructor. I was not an operational person in the army. I was not involved in carrying out combat operations,” he said.

He said he knew “absolutely nothing” about the alleged approach to the Van der Merwe family and threats until the Khampepe commission hearings.

The commission continues with public hearings on Friday.

Business Day

Tony Davies has informed defence minister Paul Goldsmith of his resignation, the New Zealand Defence Force said.

“The resignation is for personal reasons and results from errors of judgment made by me in the past, for which I am taking responsibility. The errors of judgment were contrary to the values of the defence force,” Davies said.

“These matters revolved around an inappropriate relationship I had when in a position of unit command, and I regret not disclosing this when I had the opportunity to do so.”

Vice-chief Mat Williams would serve as acting chief, the defence force said.

Goldsmith said he agreed Davies’ position was “no longer tenable”.

“The reasons regarding his decision relate to integrity matters that he did not previously disclose,” he said.

“I will recommend to the governor-general that she accepts Mr Davies’ resignation.”

Davies joined New Zealand’s military in 1984 and was appointed to the top job in 2024.

Reuters

Two pharmaceutical manufacturers — Viatris and Innovata — that won shares of the contracts to supply the triple combination pill taken by most of South Africa’s HIV patients should have been disqualified at the outset, while Cipla had been unfairly shut out, the court found.

In a high-stakes ruling handed down on Tuesday, the court set aside the two contracts for monthly and three monthly packs of pills containing tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir (TLD), which have a combined value of R12.63bn. It gave the department 120 days to reconsider eligible bidders and revise how the contracts are split.

In recognition of the public health catastrophe that would unfold if essential supplies of HIV medicines were disrupted, acting judge Graham Girdwood suspended the setting aside of the awards for 90 days after the department finalises the revised award.

An estimated 8-million people are living with HIV in South Africa, of which 5.7-million are on treatment, according to the latest figures from the Treasury.

The judgment follows separate legal challenges to the tender brought by pharmaceutical manufacturers Cipla Medpro and Hetero SA, which were later combined. Both companies were shut out of the two tenders for TLD.

Aspen, Emcure, Innovata, Barrs, MacLeods, Viatris and Aurobindo won a share of both contracts, while Pharma Dynamics won a share of the monthly pack contract only.

In a major victory for Cipla, Girdwood found it had been unfairly excluded from the tender process and ordered that it be included in the department’s reconsideration of the awards.

He upheld a series of arguments Cipla levelled against the tender process run by the department, finding that the department’s decision to exclude it from negotiations on the grounds that its price was more than 10% higher than that of the highest scoring bidder was arbitrary and irrational, as this rule had not been disclosed.

He also found that the department should have disqualified Innovata and Viatris because they did not hold valid local manufacturing licences when the tender bid window closed, in contravention of the tender rules.

The court found that Barrs and Aurobindo had been irregularly granted local manufacturing status and that the department had failed to verify the historically disadvantaged individual (HDI) ownership status claimed by Innovata and Barrs.

He ordered Innovata and Viatris to be excluded from the reconsideration of the bids, that the final bid prices of Barrs and Aurobindo be restored to their prenegotiation price, as they did not qualify for the local manufacturing preference set out in tender rules, and that the erroneous HDI points given to Innovata and Barrs be stripped from their scores.

The judge ordered the health department to conduct an investigation to determine whether Innovata and Barrs, which were both held by Avacare at the time of the bid, had prepared their submissions independently.

However, the judge dismissed Hetero’s application, saying it was not for the court to determine whether it was involved in price collusion with another bidder, Q-Sol, as alleged by the health department.

Hetero launched legal action after the health department disqualified it from the tender and referred it to the competition commission for investigation for suspected price collusion.

The health department said it was engaging with its legal team to consider the judgment and its implications.

“The department is assessing the feasibility of the timeframes stipulated in the court order, taking into account the procurement processes and operational requirements involved.

“The department will consider the appropriate steps to be taken following the conclusion of its legal consultations,” said the department’s spokesperson, Foster Mohale.

Cipla Africa CEO Paul Miller welcomed the judgment’s provision for continuity of supply while the reconsideration process was under way.

“We recognise the important role of the department of health and remain committed to engaging constructively as it considers the judgment and the next steps,” he said.

Hetero had not responded to Business Day’s request for comment at the time of publication.

The industry association Pharmaceuticals Made in SA (Pharmisa) said the judgment vindicated many of the concerns it had previously raised about the health department’s procurement processes, such as companies misrepresenting their broad-based BEE status and local manufacturing credentials.

“We are hopeful that … there will be transparency and consistency in tenders moving forward,” said Pharmisa chair Stavros Nicolaou.

Business Day

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The public protector (PP) has launched an investigation into allegations of maladministration, improper conduct and prejudice against the City of Tshwane in relation to the water crisis in Bronkhorstspruit.

The investigation follows complaints lodged with the PP on Wednesday by EFF treasurer-general and MP Omphile Maotwe and FF Plus regional leader Willie Spies.

According to the PP, Maotwe alleged in her complaint that the city failed to chlorinate water supplied to residents by the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment plant between September 24 and October 14.

The city also allegedly failed to warn residents that the water was unsafe for consumption during this period, resulting in 408 people, most of them children under the age of four, falling ill. Maotwe further alleged that the city ran out of chlorine due to difficulties experienced with its chlorine supplier.

The PP said Spies called on the PP to investigate alleged maladministration and improper conduct by the city, including the alleged failure to escalate critical information to senior management, inadequate oversight at the water treatment plant and the failure to warn residents about the safety of the water.

Between October 7 and 18, 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness were recorded after residents were exposed to unchlorinated water from the water treatment works.

Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya publicly admitted that the city did not communicate with the residents adequately.

PP spokesperson Oupa Segalwe said after the complaint an investigation team visited the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment plant to verify the allegations and establish what interim measures had been put in place to protect residents from unsafe water.

“The investigation team was informed that the plant had been decommissioned as an interim measure to facilitate the cleaning and disinfection of the entire water system. The team was also advised that water tankers would be deployed to supply water to the affected community.”

Segalwe said the PP will approach the city manager for a formal response to the allegations.

The PP will also work with the Bronkhorstspruit community to monitor the implementation of the city’s interim water provision measures.

TimesLIVE

Bafo Siyabonga Cindi, who was dismissed from the SAPS in May, appeared in the Standerton magistrate’s court facing fraud and theft charges.

This is after his arrest by the Hawks on Thursday at Ermelo Correctional Centre, where he is being detained pending trial in separate stock theft cases registered in Perdekop and Greylingstad.

According to the Hawks, the investigation into the alleged misuse of state funds began in 2024 after the matter was reported by the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit in Standerton.

Cindi was attached to the unit as an investigating officer at the time of the alleged offences.

The Hawks’ Secunda Serious Corruption Investigation investigated the matter before submitting the case docket to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

An application for a warrant of arrest was subsequently authorised. Hawks members executed the warrant at the correctional centre on Thursday.

Cindi had previously been denied bail in the separate stock theft cases in which he is awaiting trial.

The acting provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Brig Bruce Davenport, said the arrest demonstrated the unit’s commitment to holding law enforcement officials accountable for alleged corruption and the misuse of state resources.

“No uniform, badge or rank places anyone above the law. Those who abuse their authority and misuse state resources for personal enrichment will face the full might of the law,” Davenport said.

He said the Hawks in Mpumalanga remained committed to protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system and restoring public confidence through action against corruption.

The matter was postponed to November 5 to allow Cindi time to secure legal representation.

TimesLIVE

Across South Africa, malls are evolving into lifestyle destinations, ageing buildings are finding new purposes and demand for student housing, hospitality and specialised logistics is opening up new markets.

Meanwhile, changing finance models are influencing how developments are funded, while infrastructure investment continues to shape where opportunities emerge and which areas can unlock their potential.

This issue explores the forces reshaping the property landscape, from evolving occupier expectations and the growth of data centres to the commercial case for adaptive reuse.

It also looks beyond individual buildings to consider how better-connected, more inclusive neighbourhoods can bring homes, workplaces, transport and amenities closer together.

As the sector adapts, the challenge is to recognise where demand is shifting, where investment can make a difference and what it takes to build for the future.

Raina Julies

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The MK Party has removed Sibonelo Nomvalo as its secretary-general, marking another change in the party’s top leadership.

The party announced on Tuesday that Nomvalo has been relieved of his duties after concerns relating to the councillor selection process, internal factionalism, matters concerning dual remuneration, delays in campaign materials, and changes within the parliamentary caucus and parliamentary administration that were reportedly not communicated to the president, national officials and the presidency collective, as well as the establishment of high-level deployment committees without the knowledge of the relevant party leadership structures.

The party said the matters have raised concerns regarding organisational co-ordination, internal communication, accountability and adherence to established party procedures.

The change comes days before the November 4 local government elections.

The party has appointed Lindiwe Mtshali as acting secretary-general who is expected to work in consultation with the national chairperson Mxolisi Phakathi to ensure continuity in the co-ordination, administration and organisational affairs of the party.

National spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu will assume additional responsibilities associated with the office of the deputy secretary-general, sharing the functions with Mtshali. Mahlangu will retain his position as national spokesperson.

The interim arrangement is intended to maintain organisational continuity, strengthen co-ordination and accountability, and ensure the effective execution of decisions taken by the party’s authorised leadership structures, it said.

TimesLIVE

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Two alleged Mamelodi extortionists terrorised residents of informal settlements, demanding money from them. Those who refused to pay allegedly faced terrible consequences, including death.

A woman was burnt to death. Another was kidnapped and assaulted, and her shack was dismantled.

A man’s shack was also dismantled.

Vusimusi Mthombeni and Thapelo Phaswane face multiple charges that include murder, extortion, kidnapping, robbery and malicious damage to property.

They appeared in the Pretoria high court on Thursday.

According to the indictment, the pair terrorised residents of Mamelodi East Ext 17 in 2023, allegedly demanding payment for services such as water and electricity.

Mamelodi extortionists have made headlines several times. Convicted taxi boss Vusi Khekhe Mathibela, who was the leader of a gang called Boko Haram, was found to have also been part of an extortion ring.

According to the indictment, in April 2023, Mthombeni and Phaswane dragged Nancy Maria Mokwena from her boyfriend’s shack to open land, where they hit her with a spade before setting her alight. She died from her injuries.

They are also accused of damaging Moses Malefo’s property by dismantling his shack.

Other charges relate to the alleged kidnapping of Mildren Phato as well as the theft of her phone in the same month that Mokoena was burnt to death. Phato’s shack was dismantled too.

The indictment states that the accused kidnapped Phato and assaulted her with an electric cable, intending to cause her grievous bodily harm.

Sowetan understands that Phato was taken to an “office”, where people who allegedly refused to pay extortion fees were taken.

Mthombeni also faces further charges relating to an alleged assault and extortion involving Mpho Mogashoa.

The indictment alleges that in March 2023, Mthombeni assaulted Mogashoa with an electric cable with the intention of causing him grievous bodily harm. He is also accused of attempting to extort R4,000 from him.

Mthombeni is further accused of extorting R4,000 from Elizabeth Ngwako by threatening her.

According to the indictment, he threatened to cut or damage Ngwako’s electricity supply and make her disappear or kill her.

The state alleges that through these threats, Mthombeni unlawfully obtained R4,000 in cash.

Among those set to testify on behalf of the state are doctors, police officers and surviving victims.

The trial was scheduled to begin on Thursday but was postponed after Mthombeni’s new lawyer, identified in court as “Malope”, failed to appear.

Judge Papi Mosopa directed the state to try to contact the lawyer and establish his whereabouts.

After a brief adjournment, prosecutor Adv David Molokomme told the court that he had been unable to reach Malope.

Mosopa expressed frustration with legal practitioners who accept briefs despite knowing they may not be available to represent their clients.

“Your counsel is not reachable, so we will roll the matter to tomorrow. Please keep on trying to call him because it is not like you owe him; you paid him,” Mosopa told Mthombeni.

Sowetan

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An Eastern Cape teacher has been dismissed after an inquiry found that he threatened to rape a Grade 11 pupil who refused to give him her cellphone number.

Onke Tikise, an educator at Holy Cross High School in the OR Tambo Inland District, was also declared unsuitable to work with children after the inquiry found him guilty of misconduct relating to the threat made in 2024.

In an award dated Tuesday, Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) commissioner Mxolisi Alex Nozigqwaba ordered his immediate dismissal and directed that the findings be referred to the South African Council for Educators (Sace) for consideration of further action.

The inquiry heard that the pupil, identified as SM, was standing with a friend near the school gate when Tikise approached her and repeatedly asked for her cellphone number.

When she refused, he allegedly asked whether she would give him permission to rape her because she would not give him her number.

SM testified that the remark left her feeling threatened and scared. She said she avoided Tikise while she was at the school because she feared he might act on the threat.

Her friend, identified as LN, corroborated her account, testifying that she was present when the incident occurred.

LN said Tikise appeared to be drunk when he approached them and asked SM for her number.

The two former pupils testified that SM was afraid to report the incident because she believed the school would not take it seriously.

SM said she was concerned that reporting the matter would have consequences for Tikise’s wife, who also teaches at the school. She also testified that she knew of other incidents involving teachers and pupils that she believed had not been properly addressed.

Tikise denied the allegations, saying he did not know SM and had never threatened her. He told the inquiry that teachers were trained to act in a parental role towards pupils and that he would not have made such remarks.

He also denied drinking at work.

Tikise’s representative argued that the pupil’s account lacked precise details about the date and occasion on which the incident occurred. The representative also questioned why the allegation had not been reported immediately.

However, Nozigqwaba found the differences in the witnesses’ recollections of the event preceding the incident were not material to their accounts of the alleged threat.

The commissioner said it was understandable that the witnesses might not remember the exact date or occasion, given that the incident occurred in 2024.

He also rejected the argument that the delay in reporting the incident undermined SM’s credibility, noting that she had explained her fears about reporting it.

The award referred to a Labour Court judgment which cautioned against dismissing sexual misconduct allegations simply because complainants delay reporting incidents or struggle to recall details clearly.

Nozigqwaba found both SM and LN to be reliable witnesses and said there was no reason to doubt their credibility.

He described Tikise’s version as a bare denial, noting that he focused on denying that he knew the pupil without providing an alternative account of what had happened.

The commissioner concluded that the evidence established, on a balance of probabilities, that Tikise had threatened SM with rape.

A separate charge of sexually harassing another pupil was withdrawn by the department of education because it could not locate the pupil to testify.

In determining the sanction, the commissioner found that Tikise’s conduct amounted to serious misconduct under the Employment of Educators Act.

He said the law required dismissal for educators found guilty of the relevant offences under section 17(1) of the act.

The award further found Tikise unsuitable to work with children under the Children’s Act and directed that the director-general of the department of social development be notified so that his details could be entered into the National Child Protection Register.

The ELRC was also ordered to refer the award to Sace within 14 days of receiving it for consideration of appropriate action.

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A 19-year-old Stellenbosch University student is recovering in hospital after allegedly being set alight by his former girlfriend while sleeping in his room at an off-campus student residence.

The first-year student’s housemates, who rushed to his rescue after hearing his desperate screams and discovering smoke billowing from his bedroom, now fear his injuries could prevent him from writing his upcoming examinations.

His 19-year-old former girlfriend has since been arrested and charged with attempted murder and arson.

Speaking to the Sunday Times on Thursday, a first-year student who asked to remain anonymous described the terrifying moments leading up to the incident on Sunday morning.

He said the residence, situated in Cloetesville, Stellenbosch, was divided into two sections, with nine bedrooms occupied by female students and four by male students.

What began as a quiet Sunday morning quickly turned into a nightmare when he spotted a young woman who stays in the female section allegedly attempting to slide burning paper underneath her former boyfriend’s bedroom door.

“The house was quiet when we heard repeated knocks that woke us up. I went out and saw the ex-girlfriend trying to slide a burning paper under the victim’s door. I asked her what was wrong, but she did not respond. I stopped her and went to the kitchen, where I stayed for a while,” he said.

Moments later, piercing screams shattered the silence.

“I heard him screaming, and we rushed to his room. Only three of us were in the boys’ section. As we approached his room, we saw smoke coming from inside. His door was locked, and he could not find his keys. I managed to kick the door open,” he said.

Inside the smoke-filled bedroom, they found the student standing next to a burning mattress. One side of his body had caught fire.

“There was a lot of smoke inside the room, and the mattress was burning. He had burns on the side of his body,” the housemate said. They managed to extinguish the fire.

An incident of this nature can have a significant emotional impact, not only on those directly involved, but also on their housemates and other students.

Stellenbosch University dean of students Dr Leslie van Rooi

The injured student was rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

The housemate said they suspected the former girlfriend had managed to slide burning material underneath the door, which could have ignited the student’s bedding while he was asleep.

However, the exact circumstances that caused the fire remain the subject of a police investigation.

According to the housemate, the two students were both in their first year at university and were believed to have started dating around August.

He alleged that the injured student had ended their relationship last Monday, less than a week before the incident.

The housemate said the attack had left students at the residence shaken and concerned about their safety.

They were particularly worried about their injured housemate’s academic future, with exams approaching and uncertainty over whether he would recover sufficiently to sit for his papers.

“We have been left traumatised by what happened,” he said.

Stellenbosch University confirmed that a student had been injured in an alleged arson incident at off-campus accommodation over the weekend.

“The university is deeply concerned about a serious incident reported at off-campus student accommodation over the weekend, in which a student’s room was allegedly set alight,” the institution said.

“A student was injured and is receiving treatment in hospital. SU understands that another student has been arrested in connection with the incident.”

The university said the accommodation was privately owned and was neither managed nor operated by the institution.

It said staff from its Commuter Student Communities Unit had visited the injured student in hospital and met with other students living at the premises to provide support.

The institution had also enquired about the welfare of the arrested student.

“An incident of this nature can have a significant emotional impact, not only on those directly involved, but also on their housemates and other students,” said Stellenbosch University’s dean of students, Dr Leslie van Rooi.

“The university recognises the distress this can cause, and we are making sure that affected students have access to the support they need.”

Western Cape police spokesperson Lt-Col FC van Wyk confirmed that cases of attempted murder and arson had been opened at Cloetesville police station following the incident on Lackay Street on Sunday.

He said a 19-year-old man sustained injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital.

“A 19-year-old female was arrested and appeared in the Stellenbosch magistrate’s court on Tuesday for the mentioned charges. The case was postponed to Monday next week for a bail application,” Van Wyk said.

As the criminal investigation continues, the injured student’s housemates are grappling with the trauma of witnessing the aftermath of the fire, while hoping their friend recovers in time to continue his studies.

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Video footage played in the Durban high court murder trial of musician Kiernan “AKA” Forbes has shown a man resembling one of seven accused at two establishments the rapper visited hours before he was shot dead.

The footage screened on Thursday afternoon shows the man leaving a VW Polo and entering AuthentiQ bar and restaurant in Florida, where AKA was seated with friends.

He is later seen leaving AuthentiQ, returning to the vehicle, then walking to Wish restaurant before returning to the Polo again.

While seated in the car, the man is seen with a sling bag, often used by gunmen.

Earlier, KwaZulu-Natal organised crime unit technical detective Sgt Rajen Sanders identified accused number four, Mziwethemba Gwabeni, as the man who allegedly followed rapper AKA from the airport to his hotel on the day he was murdered.

Sanders told the Durban high court on Thursday that Gwabeni was the man seen in video footage at King Shaka International Airport, following AKA.

This was hours before AKA and his celebrity friend, chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, were gunned down outside the now-defunct Wish restaurant on Florida Road in February 2023.

Gwabeni, 36, Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, 30, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, 35, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, 23, Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Ndimande, 29, Malusi Dave, 30, and Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande, 31, pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm.

The second suspect who tailed AKA to the two establishments, is yet to be formally identified.

Sanders, who is an expert in CCTV and video surveillance, is giving evidence involving 17 pieces of footage collected to firm up the state’s case against the seven accused.

The court was shown CCTV footage in which Gwabeni, wearing a black and white jacket, is seen following Forbes at the airport. He was also seen driving a BMW allegedly leased from Imraan Khan, who testified via affidavit.

Further CCTV footage shows the BMW following AKA’s vehicle at the Sanral tollgate near King Shaka International Airport.

Sanders testified that after reviewing the footage with investigating officer W/O Kumarasan Pillay, they concluded the person in the video is Gwabeni.

The state also played footage showing vehicles leased by Gwabeni from Sonwabile Bani — a grey VW Polo and a white Hyundai Grand i10.

The cars were seen passing the Hilton Hotel in Umhlanga, where AKA and his crew were booked.

Bani confirmed in his testimony that the vehicles belong to him.

Gwabeni’s lawyer, Adv William Nicholson, objected to Sanders identifying his client, but judge Nomfundo Sipunzi ruled that the witness could proceed.

The court previously heard evidence that Gwabeni bought a BMW and later sold it to a mechanic who had been repairing it, to defray costs after he failed to pay for the repairs.

In earlier evidence, the state revealed that Gwabeni received R800,000 shortly after AKA was killed.

The trial continues.

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Former Moja Love presenter Julius Moloi, popularly known as Bishop Moloi, has been evicted from a rental property after allegedly accumulating R40,000 unpaid rent in Klerksdorp.

The North West Rental Housing Tribunal ruled in May that Moloi was liable for R31,000 in outstanding rent after allegedly going months without paying the monthly rental of R7,000 to his landlord, Christine Herbst.

He was evicted from the property in July, leaving behind a substantial debt including an unpaid municipal account.

The Sunday Times understands that the property, situated in Meiringspark, Klerksdorp, is next to Moloi’s house, which he had converted into a school that has since closed.

Moloi, a former presenter of the Amabishop and Child Manyonyoba television shows, did not respond to the Sunday Times’ requests for comment this week.

After ignoring text messages, he answered his phone on Thursday afternoon but said he was driving and unable to speak. Later that day, his phone rang unanswered, and he did not respond to subsequent text messages or WhatsApp messages.

The Sunday Times has seen a tribunal ruling dated May 26 and a settlement agreement between Moloi and Herbst, dated July 20, reflecting an outstanding debt of R38,987.

Under the agreement, Moloi committed to paying R2,000 a week towards the debt. However, the Sunday Times understands that he has made only one payment under the arrangement.

Moloi also allegedly left behind an outstanding municipal bill of about R21,000, adding to the amount owed.

According to information obtained by the Sunday Times, Moloi made a single payment of R18,000 in February after moving into the property in November last year.

A warrant of execution against his property, seeking to recover R41,173, was granted on July 6.

ERA Estate, the agency that arranged the rental, was attempting to attach Moloi’s assets to recover the outstanding amount.

Herbst declined to comment but confirmed that the situation had caused her financial difficulties, forcing her to find ways to keep up with her bond repayments.

Moloi previously made headlines in June 2023 after allegations emerged that he had defrauded a man of R150,000 in connection with the purported sale of an RDP house.

The allegations were that Moloi had offered the house for sale despite allegedly not having the necessary ownership documents.

The prospective buyer reportedly demanded his money back, after which Moloi made arrangements to repay the amount in monthly instalments, City Press and TimesLIVE reported at the time.

The data was published as consumers grapple with a spiralling cost of living partly due to geopolitical tensions such as the Middle East conflict, which has sent fuel prices soaring.

It shows that 45% of respondents have never accessed a mental healthcare provider, ironically partly because they cannot afford it, and also due to the stigma still attached to the ailment.

Mediclinic drew the sample for its newly launched generational health survey from residents across all generations and beyond its patient base in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, Limpopo and the Western Cape.

“Much of the health data used today may not always reflect the experiences of communities in South Africa,” said Mediclinic Southern Africa CEO Braam Joubert.

“The findings support trends we see in our hospitals while also giving us a broader view of how people beyond our existing patient base experience and think about their health. This survey provides a unique local reference source and marks the start of a journey to build richer, relevant knowledge.”

The report shows that millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, as well as Gen Z respondents, who were born between 1997 and 2012 — each cohort accounting for 28% of the sample — engage more often with mental healthcare providers and are more open to receiving treatment.

Gen X respondents (born between 1965 and 1980 and also making up 28% of the sample) as well as Baby Boomers (born from 1946 to 1964 and accounting for 16%) were the most likely to say they had never accessed a mental healthcare provider.

Broadly, all generations were susceptible to fears about the perceived stigma still attached to mental illness, said Mediclinic’s national manager of mental health, Leandri Hattingh.

While seven in 10 Gen Z respondents believe mental health should be prioritised, more than one in three expressed concerns about being judged by their friends or family. In the same vein, 32% of Gen Xers and 34% of Baby Boomers perceived mental health conditions as a sign of weakness.

The survey coincides with a recent report from debt counselling firm National Debt Advisors, which highlighted the mental health toll of living payday to payday for the breadwinners of many financially strapped South African households faced with higher transport costs due to fuel.

Electricity is also becoming more expensive after recent tariff hikes, and households must contend with higher borrowing costs after the Reserve Bank raised interest rates to tame inflation.

For millions of working South Africans, the end of the month no longer brings relief, said Sebastien Alexanderson, head of National Debt Advisors.

Instead, as living costs outstrip income, financial pressure spills from bank accounts into homes, fuelling marital conflict, disrupting children’s schooling, and driving widespread psychological burnout.

“Payday used to feel like a fresh start,” Alexanderson said.

“Now it feels like a temporary rescue that lasts two or three days before debit orders clear. When households spend 30 days doing mental math just to survive, the exhaustion is carried into homes and workplaces, hugely impacting the mental health of the entire family.”

Analysis by National Debt Advisors of 109,425 clients who have entered debt review since 2014 shows the average person earns R15,737 a month before deductions and owes R174,787, equivalent to 92.6% of annual gross income.

When households spend 30 days doing mental math just to survive, the exhaustion is carried into homes and workplaces, hugely impacting the mental health of the entire family.

Sebastien Alexanderson, head of National Debt Advisors.

The so-called black tax — the responsibility that many black salary earners face of taking care of their extended families — only adds to the pressure, with Old Mutual’s latest savings and investment monitor finding that four in 10 working South Africans support their children and their parents or other adult dependants, said Alexanderson.

This forces many into debt, he said. “When borrowing extends to family members, financial tensions can spill over into family gatherings and personal relationships, adding to the emotional strain. Unlike traditional creditors, you cannot simply block a relative’s number to escape the pressure of debt.”

The monitor, published at end-July, showed that the financial gap between South Africa’s economic classes is widening, with middle-income to affluent consumers in a stronger financial position compared with last year, while lower-income households face rising financial stress, debt reliance and insecurity.

While many people demonstrate strong intent to save, the drawdown of savings and a reliance on informal, shorter-term savings vehicles indicate that consumers are battling to effectively manage their finances, Old Mutual said.

To highlight the stress that households are under, Alexanderson also cited Stats SA’s 2025 general household survey published in May, which found that 21.5% of early school leavers aged seven to 18 cited a lack of money for fees.

Business Day

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The American ambassador to South Africa and some local conservatives are still upset that our government continues to keep Elon Musk’s Starlink out of the country. But after the trillionaire’s betrayal of Ukraine this week, even die-hard fanboys must surely have a clearer picture of what collaboration with Musk really means.

Speaking to right-wing website The Common Sense on Wednesday, US ambassador and 1970s hair pomade spokesmodel Brent Bozell said that Musk was offering to use his satellites to beam free internet into a number of South African schools, but, because of BBEEE legislation, this humanitarian gift was being denied to the little children.

This situation, he despaired, was “preposterously silly”, which, it has to be said, is quite a big call coming from someone who represents a country currently being collapsed by a former reality TV star.

I can’t tell you exactly how many schools were going to be covered under the plan — a report by The Common Sense referred to “5,000 rural schools” while Bozell mentioned only 500 — but I do know that the offer was generous, with the Common Sense quoting a monetary value of “R500m”.

Given that Musk’s various companies have a combined revenue of roughly $120bn a year, or about $328m a day, that means he was willing simply to give away an amount that would have taken him two or even three whole hours to accumulate. Who says Elon Musk doesn’t do philanthropy?

Now, there is a case to be made that BBEEE is a generally sensible principle being implemented extremely badly; that, instead of providing economic justice for the economic crime of apartheid, it has simply created a new economic elite, and that meaningful economic empowerment remains out of reach for the overwhelming majority of black South Africans the policy was intended to uplift.

We know, now, because we have evidence: he is a man who will sell you a life jacket and then remotely deflate it if he decides he’ll make more money by drowning you.

I can also understand why Bozell is so frustrated, and not just because he spent some of his youth campaigning to prop up white supremacy in South Africa, with that undeveloped part of him perhaps still struggling slightly with seeing black South Africans saying no to a white South African.

No, the real problem for Bozell is that Trump’s polling is in the golden toilet, with the Trump brand rapidly becoming as toxic as an evangelical American’s relationships with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Trumpism needs some quick wins, and it would brighten the president’s day considerably if he could announce to grumbling cult members that American capitalism has defeated the forces of socialist anarchy in the very same country where the white genocide is now getting so bad that a whopping 0.5 percent of the targeted group have applied for refugee status in the US.

In short, I can understand the positions of both Bozell and The Common Sense.

But after this week, I hope they’ll also understand why I and many other people consider Elon Musk to be about as trustworthy as big wooden horse on a beach with a sign on it in Greek reading “DEFINITELY DOES NOT CONTAIN SOLDIERS”.

We don’t yet know why Musk decided to help Russia kill Ukrainian civilians by throttling Ukraine’s Starlink network and limiting its ability to track and shoot down inbound Russian drones.

But we do know, beyond a doubt, that Musk is now not only a decisive player in geopolitics and high-end weaponry, but he is a player who has no principles except self-interest and a few garden-variety teenage incel fantasies about how white people are being victimised.

We know, now, because we have evidence: he is a man who will sell you a life jacket and then remotely deflate it if he decides he’ll make more money by drowning you.

The world has been given notice. Do business with Musk if you must. But you let him into your country at your peril, and if you trust him to run anything more important than a bath, more fool you.

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South Africa’s public procurement system was established on a clear constitutional mandate: state spending must be fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective.

Yet, as a damning Sunday Times investigation revealed last week, government departments and state-owned entities (SOEs) have systematically eroded these safeguards, funnelling nearly R70bn of public money through a parallel procurement system.

Between October 2023 and March 2026, officials repeatedly varied and expanded roughly 3,000 contracts far beyond their original terms, bypassing competitive bidding to pile cash onto existing contractors.

What was conceived as an emergency exception has been transformed into routine practice.

The scale of this shadow regime is staggering. At Eskom — which accounts for R41bn, or nearly 60% of the total expansions — an engineering contract for the Medupi and Kusile power stations awarded in 2006 for R114m has ballooned to R2.5bn.

At Transnet, R5.8bn bypassed competitive bidding in a single year through non-competitive awards and contract variations.

From the department of justice topping up a R26m court-recording contract to R213m, to the Road Accident Fund expanding an expired office lease four times over several years, the practice is widespread.

Particularly egregious is the routine expansion of contracts that have already expired, a practice legal experts rightly condemn as unlawful. Nearly 30 cases involved topping up lapsed contracts, sometimes more than a year after their expiration.

National Treasury explicitly acknowledges that failing to expand contracts before expiry yields irregular expenditure. Yet official justifications rarely involve genuine disasters or unforeseen emergencies.

Instead, officials cite administrative failure: unfinalised tenders, delayed evaluations or, as Sanral candidly noted in one instance, “poor planning”.

By failing to monitor repeat users or order reversals, Treasury has effectively surrendered its regulatory authority.

In hundreds of cases, no tangible explanation was offered beyond the word “expansion”.

This parallel contracting economy thrives due to a collapse in centralised oversight. National Treasury insists expansions are not normal procurement tools, yet admits there is no legal limit on how far a contract can be expanded.

Treasury treats statutory thresholds purely as reporting benchmarks, leaving institutions to approve their own variations without evaluating commercial reasonableness.

By failing to monitor repeat users or order reversals, Treasury has effectively surrendered its regulatory authority.

Without open competition, taxpayers have no guarantee that the state is paying fair prices or receiving value for money.

As procurement specialists warn, repeated contract expansions eliminate market contestability and represent massive red flags for systemic corruption and poor contract management.

This situation cannot be allowed to continue.

Government must close this back door. Hard, legally enforceable caps must be established for contract variations, and the practice of expanding expired contracts must trigger direct accountability and legal consequences.

Until integrity and genuine competition are restored to public procurement, billions of rand in public funds will continue to be diverted under the guise of administrative convenience.

1996 — Daryll Cullinan scores 106 and Hansie Cronje 58 to help the Proteas to a 27-run victory over India in a triangular series ODI in Jaipur. The hosts got off to a good start, reaching 126/0 before South Africa’s bowlers struck to restrict them to 222/7, with Brian McMillan taking 3/32.

2002 — Lebohang Kukame scores for an under-strength Bafana Bafana team en route to a 1-1 draw with Kenya in a four nations tournament semifinal in Tanzania. But then he missed his spot kick in the ensuing shootout, effectively handing Kenya a 5-3 victory on penalties.

2005 — Allrounder Justin Kemp rescues the Proteas, coming to the crease at 117/5 and hitting 73 from 64 balls to lift them to a two-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening ODI in Bloemfontein. South Africa reached the 250 target with three balls to spare.

2007 — The Proteas lose their last six wickets for 35 runs as they collapse to 197 en route to losing the third ODI against Pakistan in Faisalabad by six wickets. Captain Graeme Smith (48) and Justin Kemp (42) were the only South African batsmen to get beyond the teens. The hosts won the match with 11 balls to spare to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

2009 — Mignon du Preez scores an unbeaten 70 as the South African women tie the fourth and final ODI against the West Indies at Newlands to take the series 2-1. The home side made 180/6 before enduring a nail-biter in which Alicia Smith, bowled Anisa Mohammed with the final ball to secure the tie.

2011 — Morne Morkel takes 4/22 to help the Proteas to an 80-run victory over Australia in the second ODI at St George’s Park to level the three-match series at 1-1. Jacques Kallis, David Miller, Graeme Smith and JP Duminy all made half-centuries to get South Africa to 303/6.

2011 — Dane van Niekerk top-scores with 44 as the South African women, needing 316 to win, lose the second ODI against England in Potchefstroom by 96 runs, slipping to 0-2 in the three-match series.

2013 — Imran Tahir takes 5/32 as South Africa bowl out Pakistan for 99 on the opening day of the second and final Test in Dubai.

2014 — Lizelle Lee scores 41 as the South African women are limited to 94/6 to lose the first T20 against Sri Lanka in Colombo by seven runs.

2016 — Brad Binder, already the Moto3 champion, clocks up his sixth win of the season as he triumphs in the Australian motorcycle grand prix at the Phillip Island circuit in Victoria state.

2021 — Aiden Markram top-scores with 40 but the Proteas, on 118/9, lose the T20 World Cup match against Australia in Abu Dhabi by five wickets with two balls remaining.

2025 — Captain Aiden Markram scores 42 as the Proteas chase down the 68-run target to win the second and final Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi by eight wickets and draw the series 1-1.

A win at Newlands and with it a series triumph will certainly elevate the status of a victory at St George’s Park in which South Africa had to overcome numerous obstacles including the loss of so much time in the match because of the weather, then a top order batting collapse and an injury to one of their fast bowlers.

“From a team perspective, we forget that the target is on our backs. Everyone wants us to show our mettle as the current world champions and everything we do is under that microscope. The Durban performance was a realisation of that, but also a realisation of what it means coming up against super strong opposition,” said Bavuma.

“Winning the Newlands Test would be bigger if things go according to plan.”

Breetzke didn’t just take a catch; he saved his team’s ass! 🔥👏#AUSvsSA pic.twitter.com/5nKeZX8RSw

— Arya Ek Deewana (@arya_ekdeewana1) October 22, 2026

It was all the adversity the Proteas overcame that will make St George’s Park 2026 special. “It was very much a spirited effort from us,” said Bavuma.

“A lot was asked of us after the first Test in Durban. I think the biggest one was the character or the mentality of the team and over the course of the five days we’ve definitely spoken well to that. When things got tough, we managed to dig deep, stay in the game and most importantly get the result in our favour.”

Bavuma led from the front, with a magnificent 179 which helped to rescue South Africa from a precarious position at 110/6 on the third morning. The loss of Anrich Nortje to a suspected groin injury after just 3.3 overs in Australia’s first innings placed extra demand on the rest of the South African attack. But it was a burden they bore courageously with Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Simon Harmer and of course Kagiso Rabada, playing his first match after a hamstring injury, all making timely contributions with the ball.

He admitted playing Nortje immediately after his first Test in three years ― in which he bowled 40 overs ― was a risk, but he was grateful for Rabada’s presence and Mulder’s skill especially on the last day.

Mitchell Starc gets a taste of KG Rabada's pace 😮‍💨🇿🇦

📺 Stream #SAvAUS on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/kFjNGCaRG9

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 22, 2026

“KG’s not a big guy in terms of speeches, he’ll speak whenever he sees fit, but I think with the figure that he is, he is inspiring in a lot of ways. When he’s on the field he assumes that responsibility and pressure of leading the attack and I believe it allows everyone else to kind of go about and do what they need to do.”

Mulder was an unlikely hero on the final day, taking 3/64, counting Australia’s second innings centurion, Travis Head, and the obdurate nightwatchman Scott Boland among his victims.

“He’s a guy that feeds off of confidence and I think once he’s within that space he can play freely. I’ve played with him for many years at the Lions so I guess there’s a little bit of bias there from my side when it comes to him, but he’s one of those guys who can make a play when we need him to and look today he did that beautifully in that second innings,” said Bavuma.

South Africa will understandably take plenty of confidence into the series decider that starts at Newlands next Tuesday. Despite Bavuma and the lower order’s performances in helping South Africa to reach 425, the batting remains a concern, and they will have to make at least one change to replace Nortje.

“Momentum is a big thing. That’s something that once you’ve got it you want to protect it and that’s exactly what we’ll be trying to do. With that being said you know it will be a case of when we get to Newlands to understand what’s happening there. I don’t think I’ve played in Cape Town this time of the year so you know it will be different to what we’re used to with the New Year’s Test.”

TimesLIVE

Siphosethu Ndovela appeared in the Pinetown magistrate’s court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody. He is expected to return to court on October 27 for a formal bail application.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda said the robbery took place on the night of August 21, when a 50-year-old man, his 59-year-old wife and their 58-year-old friend left a casino near Umdloti after the man cashed out an undisclosed amount of money.

The trio left the casino at about 11pm in a BMW X3 and a Ford Ranger. When they arrived at their residence in Bartlett Road, Pinetown, they were allegedly confronted by two armed suspects who robbed them of the money and the woman’s handbag.

Netshiunda said Flying Squad officers on routine patrols drove alongside the suspects’ getaway vehicle while the robbery was under way. The officers came under fire but managed to take cover without being injured, while the suspects fled.

A white Toyota Yaris fitted with false registration plates was spotted leaving the scene. Investigations later established that a white VW Polo had also been used in the robbery.

Netshiunda said Ndovela was identified as the owner of the Polo and was arrested on Monday by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit detectives.

Police are searching for the second suspect, whose identity is known to investigators.

TimesLIVE

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Gauteng’s public health system is buckling under the patient load, with over 20-million patient contacts recorded for the 2025/26 financial year and facilities operating beyond their official capacity.

Health MEC Faith Mazibuko told the Progressive Business Forum colloquium on Investing in Health and Wellness that provincial hospitals recorded close to 5.8-million outpatient visits and 670,807 inpatient admissions in 2025/26 across Gauteng.

“Our bed capacity also is not assisting us. For example, Bara (Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital) is registered to only accommodate 1,500 people, but currently you have beds that are almost standing at 2,000,” she said.

“I’m sure one person or the other among yourselves must have heard a complaint from a relative ... ‘I’ve been stuck here at casualty, I can’t find a bed’. It’s because our hospitals are overloaded.“

She said the four academic hospitals —Baragwanath, Charlotte Maxeke, Dr George Mukhari and Steve Biko —are the worst affected as they serve patients “throughout Africa, not only us here”.

Mazibuko said the pressure is worse at clinics as primary facilities saw 8,026,972 patients while outreach programmes reached another 8,491,700. But there are not enough hands to serve them.

We are short of almost more than 4,000 nurses. That is why the current staff of nurses that we have, they will tell you they are overworked, they are tired, they take early retirement, not that they want to retire. It’s because they are exhausted

Faith Mazibuko, Gauteng MEC for health

“We also need more nurses and more doctors. We have a lot of unemployed doctors. But because the challenge is personnel and the fiscus that is there, it makes us not to be able to employ more doctors.“

She said the shortage was visible in snaking queues. “Many of our clinics, they no longer meet the demand. They are either small, others don’t even have a waiting area. When it rains, our people are exposed to rain. When it is cold, our people are exposed to coldness.

”If you go to any clinic at any given time, the queues are long. They are snaking out of that facility.“

Mazibuko said the department procured mobile clinics under its Siyabaphilisa programme because some community members spend more than R45 just to reach a clinic, causing mothers to default on child immunisation.

“Together, these figures represent approximately 33-million healthcare service contacts in one financial year ... This figure shows the demand for public health-care services and the resources that are also required.” she said.

She appealed to business leaders at the colloquium to partner with government to build hospitals in Diepsloot and Olievenhoutbosch and to modernise ageing clinics, saying the province “does not have enough resources” and needs partners with “deep pockets”.

”The human cost of the crisis was highlighted by Prof Monique Marks, a life coach and speaker at the colloquium, who said patients “are getting lost in the system“.

“What we also have, which is hugely frustrating to clients or patients, depending on how we refer to them, I refer to them as clients because they are receiving a service from me, is that when people go particularly into hospitals, but not only into hospitals, there is no continuity of care. There is very poor follow up.” she said.

TimesLIVE

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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will oppose bail for a 59-year-old teacher accused of raping a nine-year-old pupil at Busisiwe Primary School in Zola, Soweto.

Kabelo Temba appeared in the Protea magistrate’s court on Thursday on a charge of rape. The case was postponed to October 29 for a formal bail application.

NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said Temba allegedly raped the pupil in the school toilets on October 6.

The child allegedly disclosed the incident to her mother the same day, while the matter was reported to police on October 10.

“Temba handed himself over to police on Wednesday, October 21, before appearing in court,” Mohlatlole said.

“The state intends to oppose bail because of the seriousness of the offence and the fact that it involves a minor,” he said.

The Gauteng department of education placed the teacher on precautionary suspension following the allegations.

The suspension followed protests at the school by parents, who demanded action and raised concerns about how the allegations had been handled.

The department also initiated psychological support for the pupil.

The NPA said it takes allegations of sexual offences against children seriously and is committed to ensuring cases involving vulnerable victims are handled with sensitivity and diligence.

TimesLIVE

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Crisis-ridden state airline South African Airways (SAA) is fast running out of runway after informing staff that salaries will be late for the second consecutive month.

TimesLIVE has learnt that SAA acting chief human capital officer Lourens Erasmus issued a communique to staff informing them the salaries would be staggered, with ground staff and cabin crew being paid on October 27, while executives will be paid on October 31. Pilots would be paid on October 28, while management and specialists would be paid on October 30.

“SAA apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates employees’ understanding.

“Employees who require a letter for submission to their bank confirming the revised salary payment date may request one from their HRBP,” the internal memo said.

This latest communique follows a similar one in September, an insider with intimate knowledge of the situation but who did not have permission to speak to the media, said.

Last month’s salaries were only paid around October 2, the source added, saying some service providers were now demanding pre-payment, and that the airline was only operational through bank credits.

“SAA is running out of money, and may soon be grounded,” the source said.

The breaking news comes as the airline continues to face substantial financial and operational headwinds, characterised by a mix of escalating operational costs, governance transitions, and a reliance on state guarantees.

According to the National Treasury’s medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS) tabled on Wednesday, SAA’s fiscal exposure expanded during 2026 due to severe pressures placed on its day-to-day operations by the global jet fuel price shock.

To buffer the national carrier against these cash flow constraints, the government provided a R1bn guarantee in August to fund its immediate working capital requirements. The Treasury further noted that SAA holds an additional R223m in government guarantees related to unflown-ticket liabilities and corporate letters of credit, warning that the airline’s residual risk heavily depends on its ability to absorb these operational pressures without requesting further direct state support.

On Thursday afternoon, SAA spokesperson Mphilo Dlamini said: “South African Airways takes its responsibilities towards its employees seriously and recognises the importance of ensuring that salaries are paid timeously.

“Against this backdrop, management has fully engaged employees on this matter and explained that the measures being taken are intended to manage the sustainability of the business and its ability to continue operating,” Dlamini said.

“A majority of the employees will be paid on time ― normal pay day (October 27).

“Those who will receive their salaries later, it will be delayed by only a day or two,” he added.

He also said, as with other airlines globally, SAA is operating in a challenging and volatile aviation environment, with geopolitical developments contributing to increased operating costs, particularly fuel.

“These external pressures add to the airline’s cost base and place pressure on liquidity, requiring management to make difficult but necessary decisions to safeguard the business and ensure its long-term sustainability.”

This is a developing story.

This article has been amended to show that ground staff and crew will be paid on their normal pay day, October 27, and also to add additional comment from SAA.

TimesLIVE

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A 39-year-old police sergeant was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head on Thursday morning, hours after allegedly shooting his 35-year-old wife dead in Abbotspoort village, Limpopo.

The sergeant, who was stationed at Witpoort police station, allegedly shot his wife on Wednesday in Martinique village, in the Villa Nora policing area.

Emergency medical services were called to the scene, where the woman was declared dead.

Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said the suspect fled in his white Isuzu bakkie, sparking a manhunt by police.

At about 6.30am on Thursday, police received information that the vehicle had been spotted parked along the road in Botshabelo section, under the Tom Burke policing area.

Officers who responded to the scene found the bakkie about 100 metres from where the sergeant’s body was discovered under a marula tree. He had a gunshot wound to the head, and his state-issued firearm was found next to him.

An inquest docket has been opened at Tom Burke police station.

“The motive for the incident is unknown at this stage, but domestic violence cannot be ruled out,” Ledwaba said.

Limpopo police commissioner Lt-Gen Jan Scheepers condemned the incident, describing it as an act of gender-based violence and femicide.

TimesLIVE

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US President Donald Trump criticised NBA superstar LeBron James on Thursday for what he called disrespectful behaviour during the singing of the national anthem at a recent NBA game.

“While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country,” Trump said in a Truth Social post accompanied by a video showing James moving his body during the singing of the anthem. “LeBron James should apologise to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!”

The clip Trump shared showed James standing in line with the members of the Philadelphia 76ers, swinging his arms in a warmup-type stretch and performing basketball shooting movements.

A representative for the 76ers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump has repeatedly criticised athletes for their behaviour during pre-game renditions of the US national anthem, notably beginning with NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling protest in support of racial justice.

Trump cancelled a planned White House visit of the Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 after the team disagreed with his call for players to stand during the anthem.

James became a leading voice in the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 and has frequently supported progressive issues as he ascended to the top of the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

Reuters

Zaad supplies seeds and crop-protection chemicals to farmers and other agricultural customers. Based in Bellville, Cape Town, it operates through subsidiaries in Southern Africa and Europe and serves other international markets.

The company said on Thursday that the disposal, which excludes May Seed and other assets being sold separately or restructured out of Zaad, is expected to close by November 30, the extended long-stop date.

The investment company said it expects to receive about R1.4bn from the transaction.

Zeder said it would settle transaction costs and related obligations before distributing the proceeds and may retain some of the money to cover potential liabilities arising from the sale.

Following the disposal, Zeder will retain its 48.6% interest in May Seed, a Turkish seed producer and distributor, through its 97.19% stake in Zaad International (Mauritius).

The investment group has appointed an international specialist transaction adviser to conduct a formal sale process for its May Seed interest.

In its results for the six months ended August, Zeder reported net asset value per share of R1.41, down 16.1% from a year ago. The decrease was largely due to downward adjustments in the valuation of assets held for sale and a R108m special dividend paid to shareholders.

Attributable and headline loss per share narrowed to 2.8c from 10c in the previous period, mainly due to a downward adjustment in the valuation of assets held for sale.

Loss before tax from continuing operations narrowed to R1m compared with R3m in the previous period.

Zeder declared no ordinary dividend for the interim period.

Business Day

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Citroën believes it has room to grow in South Africa as the French carmaker refreshes its line-up, expands its presence in key markets and explores whether a modern interpretation of its iconic 2CV could help attract a new generation of buyers.

Speaking to Sunday Times at the Paris Motor Show last week, Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon said the company was encouraged by recent gains in South Africa despite fierce competition from established brands and a growing influx of Chinese manufacturers.

“It’s a market where we are a challenger, but we are very happy to develop the market share,” Chardon said.

“Of course, we can do more. But last year we were close to 1% and this is a very big expansion. It’s an important market. It’s a demanding market, but we believe that we have a good future in South Africa.”

Citroën’s growth ambitions are being supported by a broad product offensive. At the Paris Motor Show, the company showcased its latest-generation C3, C3 Aircross and C5 Aircross models, while also unveiling the 2CV

Concept as a statement of its future direction.

Chardon said the refreshed range reflects the brand’s focus on affordability, accessibility and comfort, values he believes can resonate with South African buyers.

“We are accelerating. We have almost double-digit growth this year since the beginning of the year,” he said.

“What is important is that we are really pushing to bring the brand consistent with what it has been in the past. It’s a brand that’s affordable, accessible, where comfort plays a very strong role, and we want to be a popular brand.

“Today you see it with the C3 doing very well, the C3 Aircross, C5 Aircross. We have a renewed brand, and this is supporting our growth.”

The 2CV Concept drew particular attention. Inspired by the original model that helped put millions of Europeans on the road after World War 2, the concept is designed to bring affordable mobility into the electric era.

Citroën has announced a target price of about €15,000 in Europe. The concept previews a future model expected within the next two years.

Chardon described the project as more than a nostalgic exercise.

“We don’t live in a museum,” he said. “It’s interpreted to meet current customer expectations.”

“This is exactly the philosophy that we bring today. We want the 2CV to be affordable. The car will be 100% electric, and it’s typically Citroën because the car makes you smile outside and also inside.”

For South Africa, the biggest question is whether the eventual production model could make its way to local showrooms.

“Today I was very happy to meet people from South Africa who said, ‘Why not bring the new 2CV to South Africa?’” Chardon said.

“This car is iconic. I think this could be an interesting lever for future growth in South Africa.”

No local launch has been confirmed. However, Chardon said Citroën’s focus remains on finding the right balance to meet expectations in markets like South Africa.

This car is iconic. I think this could be an interesting lever for future growth in South Africa.

Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon

“I think what is important is to find the right balance between cost, affordability and offering something that answers customer needs,” he said.

“South Africa is a challenging market, but they deserve the best from Citroën.”

If the 2CV revival eventually reaches local shores, it could provide Citroën with a distinctive growth opportunity built on a familiar name, modern electric technology and the promise of affordable mobility.

Citroën, one of the brands within the Stellantis portfolio, is expected to feature prominently in the group’s plans for the South African market.

• Mochiko was a guest of Stellantis at the Paris Motor Show

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By Ankita Bora

Pick n Pay has withdrawn a restructuring consultation process it announced in May and expects its first-half headline loss to narrow by as much as 35%.

The retailer said on Thursday it had reached an agreement with its primary labour partner, the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu), ending the process.

It expects a headline loss per share of 38.85c-44.83c for the 26 weeks to August 30, an improvement of 25%-35% on the 59.77c loss a year earlier.

The narrower loss was driven by higher trading profit at its discount chain Boxer and a smaller trading loss in its core Pick n Pay segment.

The grocer is pursuing a multiyear turnaround plan focused on improving its product offering, closing underperforming stores and cutting costs.

Last month, it appointed Woolworths executive Spencer Sonn as its next CEO. He will succeed Sean Summers on February 1.

Reuters

That character breeds resilience and in the period Temba Bavuma has captained the Proteas, they’ve shown a level of toughness, for which they often aren’t credited.

Be it Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen with the bat at SuperSport Park in 2024, Aiden Markram and Bavuma — on one-leg — in the second innings at Lord’s last year or scraping to a stunning victory on turning track at Eden Gardens against India, these Proteas thrive, with their backs against the wall.

Boland ✅
Cummins ✅

Wiaan Mulder Madoda 😮‍💨🏏

📺 Stream #SAvAUS on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/roeBS54vaC

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 22, 2026

St George’s Park in 2026, must go in the pantheon of great “bounce back” displays under Bavuma’s leadership. They’d been trounced in the first Test, then lost the toss and saw their first innings laying decimated at 110/6 on the third morning, with Australia’s Scott Boland wreaking havoc.

The game had already lost 139 overs by the end of day two, and victory would have been the farthest thing from anyone’s mind as Marco Jansen made his way to the crease on Monday morning to join his skipper.

But there the turnaround started. Jansen was driving Boland on both sides of the wicket — through and over the field — as the Proteas quickly wrestled the momentum away from Australia.

It was bold and forced Pat Cummins into a defensive mindset. Bavuma played one of the great Test innings by a South African, a nine-hour vigil, that mixed courage, solid technique and clear thinking.

Like Matt Renshaw had done to them in Durban, now South Africa, thanks to their captain, with help from Jansen and later Simon Harmer, rattled the Australians.

Boland and the rest of that much-vaunted pace attack, now looked impotent. From 110/6, 77 overs later, Bavuma declared South Africa’s first innings on 425/9.

Mitchell Starc gets a taste of KG Rabada's pace 😮‍💨🇿🇦

📺 Stream #SAvAUS on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/kFjNGCaRG9

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 22, 2026

In the first Test Renshaw had masked the batting problems everyone knew Australia had. The Proteas let slip an advantage at Kingsmead, where Kagiso Rabada’s absence proved pivotal.

Back leading the attack in Gqeberha, Rabada’s mere presence liberated Jansen, who backed up his batting with a remarkable, nasty bowling performance, taking 5/33, and exposing the frailties of the Australian batters. They were bowled out for 99 in 42.3 overs and the fury that display unleashed Down Under will be felt by Cummins, head coach Andrew McDonald and chief selector George Bailey — who is on tour — over the next few days.

They showed more tenacity in their second innings, but the fact that Boland, batted for three hours will only lead to more scrutiny of the likes of Nic Maddinson — a makeshift opener — and especially Marnus Labuschagne, who succumbed to pressure — both in terms of the match situation and all the talk about his continued presence in the team — playing poor shots against Harmer.

Again how the Proteas were tested on the last day. No rain was forecast for Gqeberha, but for two hours no play was possible as the heavens opened over St George’s Park on Thursday morning.

Bowled him 😤💥

Wiaan Mulder does the trick and Head must depart 🏏

📺 Stream #SAvAUS on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/UywcKXv9pN

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 22, 2026

The start was delayed by two hours. “We were scrambling a little bit in the change-room because we were not too sure about the weather,” Bavuma admitted.

Boland and Travis Head, who notched up just his second hundred outside Australia, stayed firm for 82 minutes, until Wiaan Mulder, made the second of four crucial contributions. Having already bowled Steve Smith with a peach in the first innings, he had Head chopping the ball onto his own stumps, five overs before the arrival of the second new ball.

Rabada got Smith to misjudge a pull shot — with a nervous Bavuma refusing to watch Matt Breetzke’s juggling act before holding onto a crucial catch.

Boland’s resistance was ended by a beautiful in-ducker from Mulder, who was surprisingly given the ball after tea. “Lots of guys had already contributed, I felt it was my turn. I just wanted to keep the ball on the stumps,” he said.

Cummins’ wicket came a short while later, also a stunning delivery, that straightened off the pitch, beat the outside edge of the bat, and clipped off-stump. Mulder’s post-tea spell, read: 6-1-11-2.

Rabada and Jansen ended the match with a wicket each.

By the bare numbers, this win scarcely makes sense. Almost 200 overs were lost to the weather, Australia were on such a high after Durban too and the one change they made took five wickets in South Africa’s innings.

But from somewhere deep inside themselves the Proteas summoned what is now becoming their customary “gees”. This extremely tough team, have got themselves back in the series.

Newlands is going to be a lot of fun.

TimesLIVE

Trump is suing Britain’s publicly funded broadcaster for at least $10bn over a misleadingly edited clip of a speech. The case is one of several Trump has privately filed against the news media as part of a wider pressure campaign against coverage he dislikes.

US magistrate judge Enjolique Lett ordered Trump to take questions from the BBC’s lawyers under oath in a ruling from the bench at a court hearing on Thursday, according to the AP. Trump cancelled a deposition in October, citing conflicts with his presidential duties.

Representatives for Trump’s legal team and the BBC did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Trump’s lawsuit filed in December in Florida federal court accuses the BBC of intentionally misleading viewers into thinking he directed supporters to storm the US Capitol by splicing together different parts of a January 6 2021 speech.

The BBC admitted the edits were misleading and apologised to Trump, though it denies being liable for defamation.

In court filings, the broadcaster has accused Trump and his lawyers of dragging their feet in response to their requests for records and other information that is exchanged between parties in a process known as discovery.

The BBC is seeking financial records from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club and the web of business entities associated with him, saying the information is necessary to defend against Trump’s damages claims.

Trump’s lawyers say the requests are too broad and irrelevant to the case. They have also denied in court filings that Trump is avoiding a deposition, saying Trump’s duties and security needs must take precedence.

The edited speech appeared in a BBC Panorama documentary show shortly before the 2024 presidential election, which Trump won.

A leaked internal BBC memo cited the edits as evidence of potential political bias, sparking a public relations crisis for the broadcaster and leading to high-level resignations.

BBC director-general Tim Davie and the CEO of BBC News, Deborah Turness, resigned following the accusations of bias at the British broadcaster.

Reuters

The move sets up a new contest for control of the central bank after the divided country’s western-based High Council of State rejected Issa’s resignation and told him to stay in his post.

The eastern parliament will discuss Issa’s resignation in a coming session, its spokesperson wrote on X.

In August, Issa submitted his resignation to the two legislative chambers, saying he could not continue in his post but without explaining why, according to two documents seen by Reuters at the time.

Libya has been split since 2014 into rival authorities ‌in ⁠the west and east that emerged from the turmoil following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in a Nato-backed uprising in 2011. It is now run by the eastern-based House of Representatives that was elected in 2014 and the High Council of State ​in the west, whose ​members were drawn from a parliament elected in 2012.

After Issa submitted his resignation, both chambers had said he should stay in position until the issue was discussed.

In reaction to Thursday’s decision by the eastern parliament, HCS first deputy Naji Mukhtar Ali rejected what he called “the unilateral measures taken by the presidency of the House of Representatives”.

“You are requested to continue performing your tasks,” Ali told Issa in a letter seen by Reuters that was confirmed by a central bank official and an HCS source.

Issa took up the post in ​2024 when the two legislative chambers agreed on his appointment as a ​way to ⁠end a standoff over control of the central bank.

Separately, the central bank said in a statement on its verified Facebook page on Thursday that it condemned the forced entry of people into its headquarters, violating the governor’s office in his absence.

It did not explain the incident, but it said it holds all those involved responsible for any consequences, “foremost among them the ministry of defence, given its responsibility for protecting and securing the bank’s headquarters.”

In a separate incident, masked men tried to storm the country’s financial oversight agency on Wednesday, in what Libya’s UN mission called an “unacceptable” attempt to install a senior employee by force.

Reuters

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Correctional services minister Pieter Groenewald has told parliament that the escape of convicted criminal Edward Khomotso Madiba from Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre exposed operational negligence, non-compliance with security procedures and possible collusion.

Responding to questions from ANC MP Kgomotso Ramolobeng, Groenewald said the incident had also highlighted structural deficiencies at the facility, including the need for better security lighting and surveillance cameras.

Ramolobeng had asked whether the existing security and risk-management measures at maximum-security facilities were sufficient, given concerns about Madiba’s escape and his reported history of escaping from custody.

The question also sought details of weaknesses exposed by the incident and what changes the department was considering to prevent future escapes, particularly involving inmates with a known history of escaping.

Groenewald said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the failure to comply with standard operating procedures (SOP) had been instituted and would be handled by the investigating team appointed by the national commissioner.

“Furthermore, parades are being conducted during change of shifts to ascertain staff fitness for duty and/or adherence to handing/take over procedures,” Groenewald said.

Madiba escaped from the Rooigrond facility near Mahikeng in the early hours of September 6 while serving a 20-year sentence.

He was rearrested in Pretoria last month after the department activated its national tracing team and worked with other law enforcement agencies to track him down.

Investigations by the department indicated that Madiba “was assisted to escape from prison”.

North West police said his arrest followed intelligence about his movements in the Bojanala sub-district.

Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Arthur Adams said a co-ordinated search operation was launched after reports that the fugitive had been seen near Legonyane village.

After the escape, eight correctional services officials at Rooigrond were served with notices of contemplated suspension pending an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In response to the escape, Groenewald outlined a series of measures the department would consider or implement to strengthen security and the management of high-risk inmates.

These include considering the placement of rearrested escapees in higher-classification secure facilities such as C-Max and Ebongweni Correctional Centre and reassessing escapees already held at the facility for possible placement in Unit 6 for closer monitoring.

The department also plans to deploy more experienced emergency support team officials under the direct command of the head of the centre, increase day and night patrols and ensure that tower posts are fully manned throughout the night.

Groenewald said night shifts would be sufficiently supervised by senior and experienced officials while guidelines would be developed for training officials responsible for managing high-risk detainees and escapees.

Other measures include monthly certification of the effectiveness of security fencing by the facilities manager and head of the correctional centre, with reports submitted to the area commissioner.

Officials will also be familiarised with the findings of escape investigations during personnel and security meetings, while action plans will be developed to ensure investigations into escapes are finalised.

The proposed measures come as the department seeks to address the security failures identified in Madiba’s escape and strengthen safeguards against similar incidents.

TimesLIVE

Fighting broke out on Wednesday and gunfire could still be heard a day after in parts of the town on the Ethiopian side of the border, residents said. The settlement straddles the frontier and also extends into Kenyan territory.

It was not immediately clear what had started the fighting in parts of the town in the south of Ethiopia’s Oromiya region. Officials there were not immediately reachable for comment.

“We have hundreds of people from Ethiopia, mainly children and women,” the commissioner from Kenya’s Marsabit county, Stanley Kamande, told Reuters.

“Many are staying with relatives and well-wishers in several villages on the Kenyan side,” he added.

The Kenya Red Cross said it was conducting an assessment to work out how many people were affected and what their needs were.

“No camp is ready to host those displaced, but we shall most definitely work on it,” Red Cross official Ibrae John said.

The fighting broke out hundreds of kilometres away, on the other side of Ethiopia, from a conflict in the northern Tigray region between government forces and a rebel alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.

Reuters

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British teenager Freddie Slater will make his Formula One practice debut with Audi in Mexico next week, the team said on Thursday.

The 18-year-old, first recruit to Audi’s F1 driver development programme and one of Britain’s emerging talents in junior series, will also take part in first Friday practice in Brazil the week after.

Slater was Formula Three runner-up in his rookie season this year and is moving up to Formula Two, the last rung before Formula One, next year.

“It is the right time for Freddie to step up,” said Audi racing director Allan McNish. “These appearances in Mexico and Brazil will give him valuable experience of a Formula One race weekend and another chance to continue his development before he steps up to Formula Two”.

Slater missed out on the F3 title to McLaren junior driver Ugo Ugochukwu last month after going into the final round in Spain 15 points clear of his US rival.

Reuters

Carrim’s bail application was postponed to October 30 in the Musina magistrate’s court on Thursday after the court could not accommodate the matter on its full roll.

He briefly appeared in court on charges linked to two vehicles belonging to Absa that were intercepted at the Beitbridge border post in July, allegedly while being taken out of the country using fraudulent bank documents.

The vehicles were still under finance and have since been returned to Absa.

Carrim, who was added as an accused in the existing cases this week, indicated he wanted to proceed with his bail application on Thursday.

However, logistical challenges, including arrangements relating to his travel, meant the application could not go ahead.

The prosecutor told the court the matter should be postponed to October 30 for a formal bail application.

Carrim’s lawyer argued that the application should proceed, saying his client had a constitutional right to apply for bail at his first court appearance. Despite his initial insistence, the case was postponed.

Carrim remains in custody following his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport in a separate case linked to his failure to appear before the Madlanga commission.

TimesLIVE

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The South African Revenue Service (Sars) paid 94 top managers a combined R270m in remuneration packages during the 2025/26 financial year, equivalent to about R5.2m a week.

The figures are contained in the Sars 2025/26 annual report which details the tax authority’s remuneration, revenue collection and operational performance.

According to the report, top management received an average remuneration package of R2.87m per person during the year.

The figures come as Sars reported net tax revenue collections of R2.01-trillion, exceeding its revised target of R2-trillion and representing an 8.4% increase on the previous financial year.

Overall personnel expenditure reached R9.34bn while the tax authority paid R627.99m in performance rewards across its workforce.

Former Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter received a total remuneration package of R11.83m during the financial year.

The package comprised a basic salary of R8.445m, bonus payments of R3.07m, allowances of R170,000 and contributions of R141,000.

The deputy commissioner for taxpayer engagement and operations received R7.19m, while the deputy commissioner for enterprise strategy and modernisation received R6.61m.

The deputy commissioner for corporate and enterprise services received R2.62m for five months of service while the chief of staff received R4.79m.

Combined, the five executive positions accounted for R33.03m in remuneration in 2025/26. This was down slightly from R33.11m in 2024/25.

Sars appointed Johnstone Makhubu as its new commissioner, with his five-year term commencing in May this year.

Despite the substantial remuneration bill, Sars reported strong revenue collection during the financial year.

Net tax revenue reached R2.01-trillion, while gross revenue collections totalled R2.468-trillion. The authority paid R457.9bn in tax refunds.

Personal income tax remained the largest contributor to revenue, generating R793.9bn, or 39.5% of total collections.

Value-added tax contributed R500.6bn, accounting for 24.9%, while company income tax generated R349.3bn, representing 17.4% of the total.

Sars said its compliance and enforcement activities secured R319.2bn during the year, up from R304bn in the previous financial year.

The authority maintained a cost-to-net-tax-revenue ratio of 0.75%, meaning its operating costs remained below 1% of the net tax revenue collected.

Sars referred 211 cases, with a combined potential loss to the fiscus of R4.37bn, to the National Prosecuting Authority.

It also secured 135 guilty verdicts, resulting in 12 custodial sentences totalling 77 years of direct imprisonment.

In its efforts to combat illicit trade, the authority conducted 1,632 interventions, resulting in 9,766 seizures valued at R7.84bn.

The seizures included 1.4 million clothing and textile items and 188.2-million cigarette sticks.

The annual report also highlighted the authority’s digital services with its artificial intelligence assistant, Lwazi, answering more than 2.7-million taxpayer questions and receiving an 82.9% positive feedback rating.

Sars issued 5.84-million automated personal income tax assessments with only 1.47% of taxpayers choosing to amend them.

The tax authority reported a clean audit outcome from the Auditor-General of South Africa, with an unqualified audit opinion and no material findings on its financial statements and performance reporting.

TimesLIVE

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The City of Tshwane has urged residents and businesses in parts of Pretoria to boil tap water before drinking it after tests detected microbiological contamination in water supplied from Findlay Reservoir.

The city said in a statement on Thursday the contamination was detected on Wednesday after a sewer pipe burst allowed contaminated water to enter the supply system.

The incident resulted in elevated microbial levels that exceeded the capacity of the existing chlorination measures.

“Upon detecting the contamination, the city immediately isolated the affected source, emptied Findlay Reservoir and switched the Pretoria CBD and surrounding areas to an alternative supply from Salvokop Reservoir,” the city said.

Teams have also started flushing the affected network to remove contaminated water.

The city advised residents and businesses in affected areas to boil tap water before use until further notice. It said safe drinking water would also be provided through water tankers deployed to affected communities, with details of their locations and availability to be communicated to residents.

Residents have been urged to bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, preparing food or brushing their teeth. The water should be allowed to cool before use.

The city has also advised people to discard stored tap water and ice made from tap water and not to use unboiled tap water to prepare food.

Areas affected include:

• Pretoria Central;
• Arcadia;
• Sunnyside;
• Marabastad;
• Asiatic Bazaar;
• Phillip Nel Park;
• Belle Ombre;
• Trevenna and parts of Pretoria and Townlands.

Other affected areas are:

• Asiatic Bazaar Extension 1;
• Cape Boys’ Location;
• Despoort;
• Elandspoort;
• Pretoria Extension 1;
• Pretoria Extension 9;
• Pretoria Extension 11;
• Pretoria Extension 14;
• Pretoria Town and Townlands 346-JR;
• Pretoria and Townlands 351-JR;
• Pretoria and Tshwane;
• Prinsof and Skougronde.

The city said the contamination was separate from and unrelated to the ongoing water crisis in Bronkhorstspruit. Though the affected source has been isolated and an alternative supply activated, residents must continue to follow the boil-water advisory until further testing confirms the water is safe to drink.

“The city will continue monitoring water quality, flushing the affected network and undertaking the necessary corrective work.”

Further updates will be provided as the work progresses, including confirmation of when the advisory can be lifted.

TimesLIVE

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A 34-year-old father has been convicted of murdering and raping his four-year-old daughter and assaulting his three-year-old son in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the man was convicted in the Johannesburg high court on Thursday after pleading guilty to murder, two counts of rape, child abuse, assault and resisting arrest.

In his plea statement, the father admitted to hitting and biting his daughter several times before drowning her in a bath, resulting in her death. He also admitted to raping the child on August 6 2025 and assaulting his three-year-old son on March 13 2025.

The court accepted his guilty plea in terms of section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act.

The children’s 32-year-old mother, who faces charges including murder, child abuse and failing to report sexual offences, has pleaded not guilty.

The state alleges that the mother had seen injuries on the girl but failed to report them to the relevant authorities.

It further alleges that the child was assaulted and sexually abused while her mother was at work. Neighbours reportedly heard the girl screaming and alerted police.

Mohlatlole said the child was found unconscious with severe injuries and taken to hospital, where she later died.

The identities of both accused have been withheld to protect the surviving child.

The case was postponed to Friday for the father’s sentencing and for the state to apply for the separation of the trials.

TimesLIVE

The vehicle was revealed at Omoda X Night in Wuhu on October 20, as part of the 2026 Omoda & Jaecoo International User Summit. Its styling develops the brand’s “Cyber Mecha” design philosophy, characterised by sharp geometric shapes, broad shoulders and a rugged appearance. The concept was shown in silver and green, both with contrasting black roofs.

The design approach has already been previewed on the Omoda C4, which is destined for South Africa. Production of the C4 is scheduled to begin at Chery Group’s Rosslyn manufacturing facility in Gauteng in the third quarter of 2027.

The X takes the styling further, with distinctive LED lighting and a wider body featuring a sculpted waistline. Its rear lights follow a lightning-inspired design, while the arrowhead-shaped daytime running lights echo the rear lighting of the Omoda C5.

Inside, the concept features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch central touchscreen. The dashboard and floating centre console incorporate an X-inspired design, while physical controls remain for frequently used functions such as the air conditioning and drive modes.

Omoda’s proposed Super Intelligent Space system includes a voice assistant designed to understand conversational speech rather than rely on specific commands. A personalised X-Mode setting would allow drivers to tailor certain vehicle settings and responses to their preferences.

Other technology showcased in the concept includes a four-zone microphone system for in-car karaoke, allowing passengers to sing without handheld microphones. An infrared thermal-imaging night-vision system is designed to identify potential hazards up to 90 metres ahead.

Practical features include 200mm of ground clearance, a roof-load capacity of 75kg and 39 storage spaces around the cabin. The concept also has a proposed towing capacity of up to 1,800kg.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has apologised for the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis that has left many children ill and hospitalised.

Between October 7 and 18, 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness were recorded after residents were exposed to unchlorinated water from the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment works.

On Monday Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya addressed the water contamination crisis in Bronkhorstspruit, publicly admitting that the City did not communicate with the residents adequately.

Speaking during the ANC’s door-to-door campaign in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said they are dealing with the issue and challenge.

He said the national government had intervened after the City of Tshwane failed to properly treat water supplied to communities in the Bronkhorstspruit area, apologising to those who had fallen ill.

“The issue in Tshwane was not underreported. The issue of the challenge of water was reported on time and we immediately embarked on finding solutions,” he said.

WATCH | President Cyril Ramaphosa during his door-to-door campaign trail in Daveyton speaks on the water issues plaguing the metros touching especially on what has happened in Tshwane. pic.twitter.com/iOm0bJsaqq

— Sowetan (@Sowetan1981) October 20, 2026

“We’re very sorry that it has resulted in the challenge of illness that has affected a number of people. That’s why the minister of health has become involved — but we will be dealing with that problem because we cannot afford a situation where our people are drawn to illness because of our inability to treat water properly.”

Most patients were rehydrated and discharged within a day, while Bronkhorstspruit Hospital set up an isolation area and overflow beds to manage the influx.

Patients were also treated at surrounding facilities, including:

• local clinics;
• Steve Biko Academic Hospital; and
• Mamelodi and Wilgers hospitals.

Daily admissions peaked on October 13, when 72 cases were reported in a single day, before dropping to 16 new cases by October 18.

Ramaphosa said the water crisis in Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni required national intervention.

“National now has to intervene and come up with solutions. Now, with regard to dealing with that challenge, we are invoking the work of the national water crisis committee. So the national water crisis committee is dealing with the challenge and we are hoping that in a few days we will have a solution.”

The committee was established to ensure that people across the country have access to safe drinking water, he said. “[This is] to make sure that our people have safe drinking water — not only in Tshwane, Johannesburg or Ekurhuleni but throughout the country.”

Water provision remains the responsibility of the municipality but national government had to step in because of the ongoing challenges, he added.

“It’s most unfortunate that it happens in the municipality that has been dogged with water challenges all along.”

Sowetan

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France has reported the first known human case of Shamonda virus in a patient who died, raising questions about the risks posed by a livestock virus that has reached Europe this year decades after first being detected in Nigeria.

What is Shamonda virus?

Shamonda is transmitted by biting midges and mainly affects cattle, though infections have also been identified in sheep, goats, horses and alpacas.

It belongs to the same group as Schmallenberg virus, which causes reproductive disorders in livestock.

Where has it spread?

First detected in cattle in Nigeria in 1965, it has since been found in parts of Africa and Asia.

First identified in Europe in late July, by October 20 cases had been reported in more than a dozen European countries including in top cattle breeders France, Germany, Spain and Ireland. France said the virus had been likely been circulating in the country since the spring.

How dangerous is it for animals?

Symptoms include fever, diarrhoea and reduced milk production.

More serious complications include abortions and severe foetal malformations. Neurological disorders have also been reported in some horses.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) says the long-term impact of the European variants remains uncertain.

What is the risk for humans?

The first documented patient was being treated for a serious illness at a hospital in Lyon and had a severely weakened immune system.

The UN’s World Health Organization said that based on current information and knowledge of the transmission of closely related viruses, this was an isolated human case and unlikely to lead to wider spread at this time.

French authorities suspect infection occurred through a midge bite in eastern France, where the virus circulated among livestock earlier this year.

They said the patient’s brain complications were very likely linked to Shamonda, although investigations into the infection and death are continuing.

What is its current status?

Shamonda is not a disease listed by the WOAH and countries are therefore not required to notify WOAH of cases under its disease-specific reporting obligations.

Nor is it listed under the European Union’s Animal Health Law framework, meaning it is not subject to EU disease-specific mandatory surveillance.

Because of this, available data may not provide a complete picture of its spread.

Reuters

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A total of 134 people at Rhodes University and St Alban’s Prison in Gqeberha have reported gastrointestinal illness, with preliminary tests pointing to contamination in the two institutions’ water distribution systems.

The department of water and sanitation and the Eastern Cape provincial government has launched an investigation into cases, which include 111 people at Rhodes University student residences and 23 at the prison.

The patients experienced symptoms including severe abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration. They have been treated at various healthcare facilities in two municipalities.

In a joint statement on Thursday, the government said initial test results indicated that the contamination was in the university’s and prison’s water distribution systems rather than in the municipal water distribution networks.

“Laboratory test results are still pending and will be communicated as soon as they become available,” the statement read.

The investigation began after the department received a media alert about gastrointestinal illness reported by Rhodes University on October 20. The Eastern Cape department of health and the department’s regional response team were then activated.

A multi-stakeholder technical team, including the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Amatola Water, two municipalities and Rhodes University, has been established to investigate the source of the infections and contain the spread of the illness.

Water samples have been collected from several locations, including the university’s internal storage and distribution system, the municipal distribution network and Makana’s water treatment works.

At St Alban’s Prison, samples were taken from the elevated storage tower where the prison receives water from the Nelson Mandela Bay municipal potable water supply system.

The findings were discussed at an intergovernmental meeting led by water and sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina and Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane, alongside the executive mayors of Makana and Nelson Mandela Bay, Yandiswa Vara and Babalwa Lobishe.

The meeting received updates on the number and location of cases, samples collected by the NICD and water quality tests, as well as urgent measures being taken to protect communities.

The government has urged anyone who develops symptoms to seek medical attention early and report suspected cases to their nearest healthcare facility or local health authority.

“Early reporting protects not only individuals and families but also enables health authorities to respond quickly and prevent further spread.”

Residents have been encouraged to maintain good hygiene, including washing their hands after using the toilet and before handling food.

TimesLIVE

Russia said on Wednesday it was ready to resume US-mediated talks with Ukraine next month, after President Vladimir Putin hosted US envoy Steve Witkoff for talks in St Petersburg.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he hoped negotiations, which would be the first since February, would take place early in November.

Ukraine said Russia fired at least 21 ballistic missiles in three waves, and Zelensky said three of them carried cluster munitions — “bomblets” that disperse over a wide area and are banned by many countries because of the danger they pose to civilians. Russia’s defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Russia said Ukraine launched 630 drones towards Moscow during the night.

The two sides held an exchange of war dead, with Moscow handing over 252 bodies and Ukraine handing over 25, according to the Belta state news agency in neighbouring Belarus. Such exchanges have accompanied moves towards talks in the past.

But while Witkoff spoke of “some degree of momentum” after meeting Zelensky and European and Nato officials in Oslo earlier in the week, the Kremlin expressed doubts.

“The Americans sensed some new nuances (in Oslo) and told us about this. But these nuances, so to speak, do not entirely satisfy us,” Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said.

A senior Russian official, briefed on the results of the Putin-Witkoff talks, said they were relatively short and not substantive. The American brought a set of proposals drafted in Oslo and handed them to Putin for review, the person said.

Another source close to the Kremlin said the US proposals included a scenario where Ukraine would cede all of its Donbas region to Russia in return for receiving a guarantee of its future security from Nato.

Russia says it launched the war, the deadliest in Europe since World War Two, in part to prevent Ukraine joining Nato. It has repeatedly said it would not end fighting unless Ukraine cedes more land, limits the size of its forces and is permanently barred from forming alliances.

Ukraine, which says the invasion was an unprovoked war of conquest, has long dismissed Russia’s conditions as a demand for capitulation that would leave it defenceless against future Russian attacks.

Zelensky’s meeting with Witkoff was aimed in part at smoothing over a deterioration in relations with Washington this month, after President Donald Trump announced a deal to buy Russian diesel and lifted sanctions on Moscow.

Kyiv says Washington failed to provide early-warning data on Russian missile launches, throttled the SpaceX satellite system used to guide Ukrainian drones, and withheld missile defence systems bought on its behalf by Europeans. Washington denies any shift in policy to intentionally hamper Ukraine’s forces.

Trump has repeatedly rebuked Ukraine for attacking Russian oil refineries while saying little about far deadlier Russian attacks on Ukraine. He called for Zelensky to be replaced and said Russia’s actions in Ukraine have been “fine”.

Zelensky, who long avoided any criticism of the Trump administration, has increasingly pushed back against what he describes as a shift towards sympathy with Moscow.

On Thursday Zelensky snapped back at Witkoff for saluting Putin as a “humanitarian” during his visit to Russia, when the US envoy thanked Putin for releasing a 74-year-old American captured by Russian forces in Ukraine.

“Three waves of ballistic missiles have been launched at Kyiv by Russian ‘humanitarians’ since yesterday evening,” Zelensky posted on X. “They used 21 missiles. Unfortunately, numerous sites across the city have been hit and damaged.”

He said two people were killed and 34 injured, including five children, in attacks on a dozen Ukrainian regions.

Russia said it carried out a “massive strike” overnight on port infrastructure in Ukraine’s Odesa region, as well as on vessels used by the Ukrainian military.

In Russia, two people were wounded near Moscow by drones launched towards the capital during the night, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram. Most of the drones were downed at long range, he added.

In the Russian border region of Belgorod, one man was killed and another wounded by Ukrainian drones, local officials said.

With the frontlines of the war largely static, both sides have escalated long-range air strikes this year. Russia has particularly targeted the Ukrainian power grid, while Ukraine has aimed at Russian oil refineries. Both have struck data centres, commercial warehouses and Black Sea shipping.

The war has ground on for more than four-and-a-half years, defying Trump’s pledge during his 2024 election campaign that he could end it in a day. No breakthrough emerged from three short meetings in Istanbul last year and three rounds of US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi and Geneva at the start of this year.

Reuters

The deal, executed by Unicef and financially backed by Gavi, is expected to generate around $50m (R826m) in savings between 2027 and 2029 and will bring the price of the vaccine down to €5.50 (R102) per dose.

The vaccine, called Mosquirix or RTS,S/AS01, was developed by GSK and the non-profit PATH and is now being transferred from GSK to Bharat Biotech for future supply.

GSK is working on a technology transfer to Bharat Biotech, and will continue to supply the adjuvant part of the vaccine to Bharat when the Indian drugmaker fully takes over production of the shot by 2028.

The lower price is expected to take effect by early 2027 and it builds on the transfer of the vaccine’s production to a developing-country manufacturer, Gavi and Unicef said.

The agreement is subject to regulatory and manufacturing milestones, which must be met before Unicef begins procuring doses, including WHO prequalification of a new manufacturing facility.

GSK and Bharat Biotech said last year they plan to cut the price of the Mosquirix vaccine below $5 (R82.59) per dose by 2028.

Gavi and Unicef also struck a deal last year to cut the price of another malaria vaccine made by the Serum Institute of India by 25%.

Reuters

With dark clouds closing in over St George’s park, Australian No 11 Josh Hazlewood flashed at a bouncing delivery from Marco Jansen, with the ball flying to Aiden Markram who held a catch above his head to secure one of the more unbelievable victories in the last three years.

South Africa looked out of the contest at 110/6 in the first innings, midway through the morning session on the third day after the majority of the first two days were rained out. However a heroic innings of 179 from captain Temba Bavuma, with able support from Marco Jansen, who scored 85 and Simon Harmer who made 82, saw the Proteas reach 425/9 declared.

Mitchell Starc gets a taste of KG Rabada's pace 😮‍💨🇿🇦

📺 Stream #SAvAUS on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/kFjNGCaRG9

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 22, 2026

Australia then collapsed in an unedifying heap in their first innings, being dismissed for 99, and were asked to follow-on.

They put up a much stiffer fight in their second innings and on Thursday, in particular, an obstinate display from nightwatchman Scott Boland frustrated the South Africans.

They had already lost the first session’s play to rain, then Boland stuck around for 187 minutes to increase the possibility of a draw.

But a magic post-tea spell from Wiaan Mulder, in which he bowled both Boland for 40 and then Australian captain Pat Cummins for four, set the Proteas back on track.

With a thick dark cloud rolling in, the tension increased, but Kagiso Rabada, who replaced Mulder at the Park Drive end, bowled Mitchell Starc with Jansen delivering the coup de grace.

Mulder finished 3/64, while Rabada picked up 4/77.

TimesLIVE

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The state intends to oppose bail for a 37-year-old woman accused of staging her own kidnapping with two other people to extort money from her family.

Ntombifuthi Mavis Rumo appeared briefly in the KwaThema magistrate’s court on Thursday, while her co-accused, Bonginkosi Mndebele, 27, appeared in absentia because he is in hospital.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the pair face charges of defeating the administration of justice.

It is alleged that on October 7, Rumo, Mndebele and a third suspect who has not yet been charged met and agreed to stage Rumo’s kidnapping because they were experiencing financial difficulties.

The trio allegedly contacted Rumo’s family and demanded money for her release. When the family could not pay, they allegedly released Rumo on October 12 and left her along Vlakfontein Road, asking her relatives to collect her.

Rumo was arrested on Tuesday after her husband brought her to the police following an investigation into the reported kidnapping. After her arrest, she allegedly pointed out Mndebele to police.

The matter was postponed to Thursday for bail investigations and for Mndebele to appear in court.

TimesLIVE

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By Helen Coster

US vice-president JD Vance on Wednesday defended an explosive attack ad by Republican Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign against his Democratic rival in the Ohio governor’s race, telling fellow Republicans to “stop whining” about it and go win the race.

The ad features Democrat Amy Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, disputing Acton’s account of a childhood she says involved a period of homelessness and sexual abuse. Arthur, whom Acton says she has not seen since 1978, urges Ohioans not to vote for her daughter.

Acton has said she was sexually abused by her stepfather when she was 12. Her mother stayed with the stepfather, who was charged with rape but fled the state and was never tried. He died in 2004. Acton said she and her brother were removed from her mother’s custody for severe abuse, neglect and sexual abuse.

Acton’s brother has supported her account.

The ad, which has been widely condemned, underscored the incivility of the run-up to the November 3 midterm elections and could backfire on Ramaswamy and other Republican candidates in Ohio, which has moved to the right during Republican Donald Trump’s presidential campaigns.

Vance, campaigning with Ramaswamy and Republican US Senator Jon Husted on Wednesday, brushed aside the blowback.

“My message to my fellow elected Republicans is: If you actually believe in the things you say you believe in, stop whining about an advertisement and go win the race in 13 days,” Vance said in Cincinnati before attending a rally with Ramaswamy.

The ad initially appeared on social media on Tuesday without identifying its source, but Ramaswamy’s campaign later said it was behind the spot and was spending $4m to promote it.

“Vivek Ramaswamy had the audacity to run a TV commercial which calls it out like it is and calls Amy Acton a liar,” Vance, who rose to fame on his own story of childhood neglect in Ohio, said at the rally with the candidates.

“And my message, ladies and gentlemen, is very simple. Whatever you think about any of the TV advertisements, focus on the substance and focus on the facts.”

Trump said on Wednesday he knew nothing about the ad.

“It’s a very unusual situation to have a mother hate a daughter that much, but I don’t think that has anything to do with Vivek,” Trump told reporters before leaving the White House to campaign in South Carolina.

‘Disgusting attack’

Acton’s brother, Philip Stearns, said in a statement that Ramaswamy’s ad was a “desperate, disgusting attack”.

Acton campaign spokesperson Addie Bullock said Ramaswamy’s decision to promote the ad was “both despicable and entirely predictable”.

As the backlash built on Tuesday, Ramaswamy’s campaign spokesperson Connie Luck issued a statement saying: “We don’t know what happened between Amy and her mother ... but we know that Amy Acton is a serial fabulist.”

Opinion polls show Acton with a narrow lead over Ramaswamy, and the scandal could help cement her position as the favourite in the race, analysts said.

“It was campaign malpractice,” said David Cohen, a political science professor at the University of Akron.

Cohen said it could also mean trouble for Husted, who said in a statement that he would “not have run that ad” and who polls show trailing Democrat Sherrod Brown in a race that will help determine control of the US Senate.

Among Republicans, Cohen predicted, “I think this will either encourage some people to switch parties, or more likely, you’re going to have a lot of people staying home” on election day.

Reuters

When BMW unveiled the E65-generation 7 Series in 2001, it marked a sharp departure from its celebrated predecessor, the elegant E38. The new flagship introduced an imposing, unconventional design and an entirely different approach to vehicle controls, challenging expectations of what a traditional BMW luxury saloon should be.

Initial reactions were mixed. The raised boot lid, which became widely known as the “Bangle Butt”, its substantial proportions and pioneering iDrive system divided enthusiasts and critics alike. Yet beneath the polarising exterior lay one of the most technologically ambitious luxury cars of its era, featuring sophisticated engines, advanced chassis systems and a six-speed automatic transmission that BMW described as a world first for a production car.

Twenty-five years later, the debate has shifted from whether BMW pushed the boundaries too far to whether the E65’s combination of innovation, performance and relative affordability makes it a worthwhile modern-classic prospect.

A polarising technology pioneer

Making its world debut at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, the E65 initially arrived in 735i and 745i forms. The range subsequently expanded to include long-wheelbase E66 derivatives, six-cylinder turbodiesels and the V12-powered 760Li flagship.

Contemporary road tests highlighted a contrast between the car’s complicated controls and its impressive driving dynamics.

In its June 2002 assessment, Car and Driver criticised the unfamiliar iDrive interface, electronic gear selector and unnecessarily elaborate seat controls. However, the publication was considerably more enthusiastic about the way the 745i drove. Its 4.4l V8 delivered strong acceleration, reaching 100km/h in around six seconds, while the six-speed automatic impressed with its responsiveness. Despite weighing more than two tonnes, the BMW displayed remarkable agility for such a substantial luxury saloon.

The V12-powered 760Li attracted similarly mixed opinions. In a 2003 comparison with the Mercedes-Benz S600, Car and Driver praised the BMW’s smooth engine and handling, although the Mercedes ultimately emerged as the more convincing overall package.

BMW responded to criticism with a comprehensive facelift in 2005. Revised headlights, a redesigned rear end and updated interior controls made the E65 more approachable, while suspension improvements and an upgraded engine range strengthened its dynamic credentials. The 735i and 745i were replaced by the more powerful 740i and 750i, respectively, and the 730d received an improved turbodiesel engine.

Although the facelift addressed several of the original model’s shortcomings, the E65’s wider influence is perhaps most evident in its electronics. The centralised control philosophy that initially frustrated reviewers would become a defining feature of modern luxury vehicles.

More successful than its reputation suggests

Despite the controversy surrounding its design, the E65 was commercially successful. More than 340,000 examples were produced globally between 2001 and 2008, exceeding the production total of the preceding E38 generation.

The US was a particularly important market. Approximately 122,000 BMW 7 Series vehicles were sold there between 2002 and 2008, a period covering almost the entire E65 lifecycle, although the figure also includes model-changeover sales. In 2005 alone, BMW recorded 18,165 US sales.

South Africa also contributed to the model’s early success. According to a February 2003 report by CAR magazine, BMW South Africa sold 651 examples of the new 7 Series during 2002. This represented a substantial 32.6% share of the local grand-saloon segment, ahead of its closest competitor.

While the E65 enjoyed considerable success within its class, it remained an expensive vehicle aimed at a relatively small pool of buyers.

BMW South Africa’s April 2004 price list placed the 730d at R633,000, the 735i at R663,000 and the 745i at R765,000. The flagship 760Li commanded R1,120,000, while the revised 750i launched locally in 2005 at R798,000. These prices positioned the E65 firmly at the upper end of the luxury-car market, putting it beyond the reach of many buyers.

Consequently, the relatively small number of examples appearing on South African classifieds today should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of exceptional rarity. Although the E65 was successful internationally, its high original pricing restricted local sales volumes, while more than two decades of ageing, maintenance costs and changing ownership patterns have influenced the number of surviving examples available for purchase.

What does an E65 cost in South Africa today?

According to AutoTrader data covering the period from May 31 2025 to September 30 2026, seven E65-generation 7 Series listings were recorded across five derivatives, with a combined average advertised price of R177,699 and average mileage of 143,512km.

The most affordable example recorded during this period was a 2008 730d, advertised for R119,950 with 232,067km on the odometer. A 2002 735i Exclusive was listed at R149,900, with 210,930km, while a 2005 740i carried an asking price of R189,900 and had covered 140,650km.

The 745i was the most frequently represented derivative, accounting for three of the seven listings. These examples had an average advertised price of R171,398 and average mileage of 91,979km, with an average model year of 2002.

At the upper end of the price range was a 2007 760Li Full Individual, advertised for R269,950 with 145,000km. No 750i examples were recorded during the reporting period.

Although these figures illustrate how substantially the E65 has depreciated, the limited sample requires caution. Four of the five derivatives were represented by just one listing, meaning their prices are indicative rather than definitive market valuations. As the data covers approximately 16 months, it should not be treated as a snapshot of current asking prices or vehicle availability.

Which E65 should you buy?

Choosing the right E65 depends largely on the buyer’s priorities, although the mechanical condition and maintenance history of any individual example should take precedence over its engine or specification.

The 730d is arguably the most practical choice. Its 3.0l M57 turbodiesel developed 150kW and 480Nm in earlier South African models, increasing to 170kW and 520Nm following the 2005 update. The engine has a generally favourable reputation for durability, but buyers should investigate the condition of its intake-manifold swirl flaps, turbocharger, injectors and cooling system. At higher mileages, evidence of regular servicing and previous major repairs becomes particularly important.

For those wanting petrol V8 performance, the 735i offers an entry point into the original E65 range. Its 3.6l N62 engine produced 200kW and 360Nm, although its smaller displacement does not necessarily translate into lower maintenance costs. Like the larger N62 engines, it is susceptible to deteriorating valve-stem seals, oil leaks and coolant-transfer-pipe failures.

The 745i is perhaps the most representative of the early E65 models. Its naturally aspirated 4.4l V8 delivered 245kW and 450Nm, combining strong performance with the original car’s distinctive styling. However, ageing valve-stem seals can cause excessive oil consumption and blue exhaust smoke, particularly after prolonged idling. Oil leaks around the alternator-bracket gasket and coolant leaks from the engine’s internal transfer pipe can also require labour-intensive repairs.

Introduced with the facelift, the 740i uses an updated 4.0l V8 producing 225kW and 390Nm. It benefits from the later model’s styling and electronic revisions, making it an appealing alternative for buyers seeking a more conventional-looking E65. The updated engine eliminated certain earlier secondary-air-system complications, although tired valve-stem seals, oil leaks and cooling-system problems remain important considerations.

The 750i arguably offers the strongest balance of performance and usability among the petrol variants. Its revised 4.8l V8 produces 270kW and 490Nm, providing noticeably stronger performance than the outgoing 745i. Nevertheless, it shares several of the N62 family’s established maintenance concerns, making documented cooling-system and engine-seal repairs particularly valuable.

At the top of the range, the 760Li offers an altogether different ownership experience. Its naturally aspirated 6.0l N73 V12 produces 327kW and 600Nm, combining direct petrol injection with sophisticated variable valve timing and lift systems. However, its high-pressure fuel-injection components, complex cooling arrangements and tightly packaged engine make repairs potentially more demanding. V12-specific components and electronic systems can be expensive to replace, while the additional labour involved in servicing twelve cylinders makes comprehensive maintenance records essential.

Although replacement service components remain available through aftermarket suppliers, more specialised electronic, suspension and V12 parts may require sourcing from BMW specialists or dismantlers. Availability and pricing should be confirmed before committing to a vehicle requiring substantial repairs.

What to check before buying

Regardless of derivative, a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a workshop familiar with older BMW models is essential.

All petrol V8 models should be checked for excessive oil consumption, blue exhaust smoke and evidence of cooling-system leaks. Diesel buyers should pay close attention to the intake system, turbocharger and fuel-injection components, particularly on higher-mileage examples.

The six-speed automatic transmission also warrants inspection. Harsh shifts, delayed engagement and transmission warnings may indicate underlying problems. BMW technical documentation identifies deteriorating mechatronic adapter seals in the ZF automatic transmission as a possible cause of internal pressure loss and gearbox faults. Electrical systems are another important consideration.

Early examples deserve particular attention for water ingress. BMW issued a technical service bulletin concerning E65 and E66 vehicles produced up to March 2002, identifying a potential source of water intrusion around the boot hinges that could affect electronic components.

Suspension repairs may also prove costly, especially on vehicles equipped with electronically controlled dampers, hydraulic active anti-roll bars or rear self-levelling air suspension. Ageing bushes, leaking suspension components and defective control systems can undermine the ride and handling qualities for which the car was originally praised. Comprehensive service records are consequently more valuable than a low odometer reading alone.

Modern classic or expensive curiosity?

Twenty-five years after its introduction, the BMW E65 occupies an interesting position in the modern-classic market. The once-controversial styling has become a recognisable expression of early-2000s automotive design, while technologies that initially seemed unnecessarily complicated helped establish the direction of subsequent luxury vehicles.

The car’s historical significance is difficult to dispute. Whether that translates into lasting collector desirability, however, remains uncertain.

Unlike its increasingly appreciated E38 predecessor, the E65 has yet to establish an equally convincing reputation as a collectable BMW. Its complicated electronics, demanding maintenance requirements and relatively high repair costs continue to weigh against its low purchase prices.

For buyers willing to approach ownership carefully, a well-maintained 745i or facelift 750i could provide an appealing combination of performance, character and flagship luxury. The 730d offers a more economical alternative, while the 760Li remains an intriguing proposition for enthusiasts specifically seeking twelve-cylinder refinement.

Ultimately the E65 is becoming more interesting with age — but that does not necessarily make it an appreciating asset. Its strongest appeal remains the opportunity to experience one of BMW’s most ambitious luxury cars for a fraction of its original price, provided the cost of keeping it on the road has been considered just as carefully.

Billionaire Aliko Dangote launched what would be Africa’s biggest IPO earlier this month, aiming to bring in millions of retail investors. The offer runs until end-October.

Temi Popoola said the Nigerian Exchange Group was using the offering to deepen links with bourses from Egypt and Kenya to Botswana and Ethiopia, with depositary receipt arrangements either in place or awaiting approval.

“Africa is being connected not just by rhetoric, but [by] real solutions on the ground,” Popoola said at the Financial Times Africa Summit.

About 5% of Nigerians, equivalent to 12-million people, participate in capital markets, but only hundreds of thousands trade actively, Popoola said.

Marketing the Dangote offer through WhatsApp, point-of-sale machines and even basic phones could allow the exchange to “leapfrog” years of investor outreach, Popoola said.

“What we expect this offer to do is … make that three to five times the number of active investors that we have in the country,” he said, declining to give a figure.

Popoola said the offer could test investor demand beyond Nigeria and help position it as a deeper pool of capital for companies across Africa.

More listings to come

Popoola said more Nigerian companies were considering listings in markets including London, New York and the Middle East, increasing the need for infrastructure allowing shares to trade across markets.

Seplat, Airtel Africa and Guaranty Trust Holding Company already have secondary London listings and Dangote Cement plans one as soon as November. “Those shares are fungible. Capital is able to flow quite freely … if we can emulate that across many other markets, it’s in the interest of our customers,” he said.

Popoola said private capital was making it harder to attract listings, as larger companies can raise money in other ways.

The exchange expects fewer than 10 Nigerian companies to list over the next year, he added.

Popoola welcomed JPMorgan’s decision to add Nigeria’s domestic sovereign bonds to its new frontier-market local currency index, saying the return of debt investors can pave the way for equity investors.

“That’s exactly what we are seeing now, so this is a very good precursor.”

Reuters

The footballer was fatally shot during a home invasion in October 2014.

Stream courtesy of SABC.

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The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) has announced that its council has approved a no-fee application process for prospective students applying for the 2027 academic year.

The university confirmed this in a statement released on Wednesday.

It urged prospective candidates to take advantage of this opportunity and submit their applications before the closing dates:

• November 30 2026: Applications close for undergraduate programmes, advanced diplomas, honours degrees, and postgraduate diplomas.
• January 30 2027: Applications close for master’s and doctoral programmes.

“The public is strongly cautioned against individuals who may try to exploit this decision by requesting payment in exchange for admission, application processing, preferential treatment, waiting-list placement, or student accommodation. No person can guarantee admission to the university in exchange for payment,” the university stated.

UMP specifically flagged a fraudulent email scam which is circulating that demands a payment of R3,500 to secure admission.

Applicants were urged to apply using the official university application website, never pay any individual or unauthorised third party for an application fee or to secure admission, never share a student number, PIN or any other confidential information, and verify any suspicious admission-related requests with the university.

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Former Miss South Africa Mia le Roux officially tied the knot with her long-term partner, Luke ten Oever, on October 16.

The beauty queen shared a video of the ceremony on Instagram, capturing every magical moment, from walking down the aisle and exchanging vows to celebrating with family and friends.

“Mr and Mrs ten Oever,” she captioned the post, accompanied by a quote from Pablo Neruda’s Sonnet XVII: “I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride.”

She also included the wedding date: “16.10.2026.”

Draped in a stunning white gown alongside her husband, who wore a classic black tuxedo, the couple shared a touching snippet of their vows in the video.

View this post on Instagram

In his vows, Luke expressed how Mia had taught him patience and unconditional love. “Mia, my love, you’ve taught me that faith is louder than fear,” he said in the video.

“We’ve fought through fire, and through it all, you’ve taught me the beauty of patience and unconditional love. With all the things I will become in this lifetime, being your husband will forever be one of my greatest honours. Thirty to 40 years from now, I don’t see the things we’ve accomplished; I see us, a lifetime of stories, taking your hand and saying, ’My liefie, ons het dit gemaak [My love, we made it]’.”

Mia thanked her husband for always reassuring her that she was more than enough.

“In a world that has consistently told me that I’m less, you’ve always told me that I’m more,” Mia said. “Thank you for seeing me. I hereby vow that I will always see you. Despite the imperfections, we saw glimpses of something divine.”

Mia announced her engagement to Luke on July 8 2025, in a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing: “I cannot wait to become your wife.”

She also thanked Luke for her unwavering support throughout her Miss South Africa journey. “The immense love, patience, and sacrifice you have shown me this year has been nothing short of incredible,” she wrote.

“From the way you hold space for me with calm and steadiness in life’s tough moments, to the way we lose ourselves in laughter over the silliest things ... My heart will choose you over and over again, even though you have to inspect your cricket kit for an hour first when I ask for a cup of coffee.

“We said yes to forever.”

Mia was crowned Miss South Africa in 2024, making history as the first differently abled woman and first cochlear implant recipient to win the title. She went on to represent South Africa at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, though she withdrew shortly before the finale due to health concerns.

Her wedding will be broadcast on SABC3’s Top Billing on Thursday.

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After the first session on the final day in Gqeberha was washed out, Australia reached tea on 263/6, with Boland still unbeaten on 40 at tea having faced 154 balls.

He will return to the crease in the company of Alex Carey, who has 12. Australia still need to knock off 73 runs to ensure the South Africans have to bat again.

It has been a frustrating day for the Proteas who turned up at the ground on Thursday morning with drizzle ensuring the covers were still firmly in place. With the wind howling across the venue, three different start times were scheduled but minutes before the players were due to start, it began raining again.

Eventually, after the teams took a very early lunch, play began at noon, but batting was relatively easy for Travis Head and Boland. In fact, Boland, who lasted just one ball when he returned to the crease as nightwatchman in Australia’s first innings on Wednesday, showed admirable defensive qualities from the beginning of play. He middled his first three forward defensive shots, and his bat has been as broad as a four-lane highway.

Bowled him 😤💥

Wiaan Mulder does the trick and Head must depart 🏏

📺 Stream #SAvAUS on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/UywcKXv9pN

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 22, 2026

Head reached his 12th Test century, only his second outside Australia, but barely celebrated as he understood the task that awaited.

It took the Proteas 82 minutes to make the breakthrough, when a crestfallen Head chopped the ball onto his stumps from Wiaan Mulder after scoring 121.

His partnership with Boland was worth 59, but it was the number of balls they used up (162) and time they spent together — over two hours — which proved invaluable for the tourists.

Steve Smith didn’t last long after coming to the crease at No 7. The former Australian captain was struggling with a neck ailment, but never looked settled on Thursday. Having already survived a chance on nought when Mulder found the outside edge, which Ryan Rickelton standing up to the stumps would have been exceptionally lucky to hold onto, Smith attempted to pull Kagiso Rabada.

The ball went straight up into the sky, with Matthew Breetzke juggling and then catching it. So tense was the Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma, that he couldn’t watch that catch being taken.

With a second new ball that is only 12 overs old, the Proteas will remain confident of knocking over the last four Australia wickets, but the longer Boland can resist, the less enthusiastic they’ll become.

Sanders told the Durban high court on Thursday that Gwabeni was the man seen in video footage at King Shaka International Airport, following AKA.

This was hours before AKA and his celebrity friend, chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, were gunned down outside the now-defunct Wish restaurant in Florida Road in February 2023.

Gwabeni, 36, as well as Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, 30, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, 35, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, 23, Lindokuhle Mhlaliseni Ndimande, 29, Malusi Dave, 30, and Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande, 31, pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm.

The court was shown CCTV footage in which Gwabeni, wearing a black and white jacket, is seen trailing Forbes at the airport.

He was also seen driving a BMW that he allegedly leased from Imraan Khan, who testified via an affidavit.

More CCTV footage shows the BMW following AKA’s vehicle at the Sanral tollgate near the airport.

Sanders testified that after reviewing the footage with investigating officer W/O Kumarasan Pillay, they concluded the person in the video was Gwabeni.

The state played footage showing vehicles leased by Gwabeni from Sonwabile Bani, a grey VW Polo and a white Hyundai Grand i10, passing the Hilton Hotel in Umhlanga, where AKA and his crew were booked.

Bani confirmed in his testimony this week that the two vehicles belonged to him.

Gwabeni’s lawyer, William Nicholson, objected to Sanders identifying his client in court but judge Nomfundo Sipunzi ruled that the witness could proceed with the identification.

The court previously heard that Gwabeni bought a BMW and later sold it to a mechanic who had been repairing it, in order to defray costs after he failed to pay for the repairs.

The trial continues.

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Click here to find previous episodes of Spotlight with all the movie news you need, and follow the show on Facebook for all the latest news and giveaways.

Spotlight ramps up spooky season with magic, monsters, revenge and plenty of mayhem, from a forbidden forest to DC’s latest horror film and the return of Mzansi’s funniest dating show.

How far would you go for the people you love? In the stop-motion fantasy adventure Wildwood, a young girl sets off into a mysterious forest after her baby brother is taken, facing a dangerous world of magic and monsters to bring him home. From the Oscar-nominated studio behind Coraline, the film is directed by Travis Knight and features an all-star voice cast including Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, Angela Bassett and Awkwafina. With its handcrafted animation and fantastical creatures, Wildwood takes audiences on a magical adventure into the unknown at cinemas and IMAX.

From magical creatures to monsters seeking vengeance, DC Studios brings a chilling new horror story to the big screen with Clayface. When a rising actor’s career is destroyed after he is horribly disfigured, a miracle treatment offers the promise of a comeback, but the transformation comes at a terrifying cost. Directed by James Watkins, known for Speak No Evil and Bastille Day, the film stars Tom Rhys Harries as Clayface alongside Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella and Eddie Marsan. Prepare for nightmares as Clayface arrives in cinemas and 4DX.

From revenge on the streets of Detroit to one of Hollywood’s most controversial scandals, this week brings gripping stories of crime and consequences. If you missed Motor City on the big screen, the action drama is now available on iTunes, Google TV, Prime Video and BoxOffice. Set in the 1970s, it follows a man who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and emerges from prison with revenge firmly in his sights.

The four-part docuseries OJ Unseen: Exploitation of Evil examines OJ Simpson’s controversial attempted television comeback, featuring never-before-seen footage from his hidden camera prank show. Catch it on Investigation Discovery, DStv channel 171.

Mzansi’s funniest dating show is back. Dating #NoFilter South Africa returns for a third season on Bravo, DStv channel 124, bringing more awkward dates, brutally honest reactions and laugh-out-loud commentary. Led by Jason Goliath, the hilarious lineup of comedians, actors and entertainers delivers unfiltered opinions as real singles navigate the highs, lows and cringeworthy moments of dating. With familiar faces and new additions joining the mix, Spotlight caught up with members of the cast to find out what viewers can expect from the new season.

For full interviews, breaking news, trailers and clips, visit our Spotlight Facebook page. See you at the movies.

Presenter Collette Prince is styled and dressed by Claris by Gerrit Pienaar when attending premieres and special events.

Facebook @Claris by Gerrit Pienaar/Instagram: gerritpienaardesigns.

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The Sharks scored after the final hooter for a delicious 40-33 victory over a determined Lyon who just kept coming back and had equalised at 33-33 with a minute remaining. The Durban team’s dangerous backline produced one final moment of magic as fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya freed ruthless winger Litelihle Bester for the match-winning try with a daring offload.

That sort of win, especially on French soil against a team who were the early pacesetters in last season’s Top 14, can do wonders for the confidence of a team. Veteran lock Stephan Lewies, who played his first game back at the Sharks having spent seven years at Harlequins, highlighted the magnitude of the triumph.

“It was a special victory. It always is when you win in Europe, and awesome to do it at a place like Lyon,” he said.

Top finish by Yaw Penxe v Cardiff in March '26 📅

We can't wait for Friday night 🦈#BlackWhiteForever #HollywoodbetsSharks pic.twitter.com/gcU1ImyC6V

— Sharks Rugby Club (@SharksRugby) October 21, 2026

“It was especially pleasing how we stuck in the fight, it was a full 82-minute performance. It showed what the coaches are trying to build, to believe that we are never out of the contest.

“We had to pull close together and when times are tough in the future we can look back on that game when we were relentless and say we’ve been in that situation before.

“When you have that momentum, you want to build on it and it’s important we back that performance up against Cardiff.

“We need to stick to those systems, learn from our mistakes and get better every week. We need to take that performance one [level] up,” the 34-year-old Lewies exhorted.

A well-travelled lock who dominates lineouts and played one Test for the Springboks, at Cardiff Arms Park Lewies will go up against a set piece that had a rare off day against Northampton Saints in their 28-12 Champions Cup defeat at Franklin’s Gardens last weekend.

It’s going to be a big challenge playing Cardiff at home, they know the weather conditions and how the 3G pitch plays.

Sharks lock Stephan Lewies

But Cardiff are coached by Corniel van Zyl, a former Free State Cheetahs lock who played for Italy, and Sharks forwards coach Warren Whiteley warned Lewies and his fellow jumpers will be given a proper test given their hosts will be out to fix what went wrong at Northampton.

“Cardiff are a quality team and Corniel has a lot of experience and is very astute when it comes to the set pieces, especially the lineout,” he cautioned.

Lewies added: “It’s going to be a big challenge playing Cardiff at home, they know the weather conditions and how the 3G pitch plays.

“They have a very good set piece, strong kicking game and the weather plays a part. But it’s a big opportunity for us to get closer as a team, to grow and get better.”

URC fixtures

Friday:

• Cardiff Rugby vs Sharks, Cardiff Arms Park (8.45pm);
• Connacht vs Zebre, The Sportsground (8.45pm);
• Edinburgh vs Lions, The DAM Health Stadium (8.45pm).

Saturday:

• Bulls vs Ulster, Loftus Versfeld (1.45pm);
• Stormers vs Llanelli Scarlets, Cape Town Stadium (4pm);
• Benetton Rugby vs Glasgow Warriors, Stadio Comunale di Monigo (4pm);
• Leinster vs Munster, Lansdowne Road (7pm);
• Ospreys vs Dragons, St Helen’s (8pm).

TimesLIVE

Video courtesy of SABC.

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The epidemic, first detected 3,000km away in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in May, is the second-largest on record and had already hit Uganda and Kenya before the Nigerian case was confirmed on Tuesday — the widest known spread on the continent.

The patient, the Ugandan-born wife of a Swiss diplomat, arrived in Nigeria’s capital Abuja, a major travel hub, on October 3 after a two-week holiday in Uganda, Dr Jean Kaseya, the head of Africa’s top public health body, told Reuters.

‘No one is safe today’

She fell ill three days later, Kaseya said, citing the account given by Nigerian authorities. Initially suspecting malaria, she sought treatment at several facilities before being tested for Ebola on October 19.

“When we identified at-risk countries, Nigeria was not part of this list. It is now,” said Kaseya, director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

That list would have to be redrawn and North and Southern Africa could also be at risk, he added. “We need to consider that no one is safe today.”

The late detection would complicate efforts to trace people the woman may have infected, he said. Ebola spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of someone showing symptoms.

“We need to identify all the contacts ... this one is a little bit tough for someone who took almost two weeks without being tested, coming into contact with health workers, family members, friends,” Kaseya said.

Nigeria has identified 44 contacts so far, a number Kaseya and other Ebola experts said was bound to rise.

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there is no vaccine or treatment. It has infected more than 9,500 people and killed more than 4,600 in the DRC alone.

‘This is far from over’

Uganda reported ​20 cases in May ⁠and June, mostly imported from the DRC, but the World Health Organisation declared the country Ebola-free in August.

Ugandan authorities have said the woman who fell ill in Nigeria had travelled to eastern DRC before transiting through Uganda.

Nigerian officials said they have not confirmed that.

“Our case did not have confirmed travel to DRC. So we presume it was likely picked in Uganda,” Nigeria’s health minister Muhammad Ali Pate told state television on Tuesday.

Kaseya said the Africa CDC was seeking clarification from both countries and from the woman herself.

Whether she was in the DRC is an important question, said Marion Koopmans, a Dutch virologist who sits on the World Health Organisation’s Ebola emergency committee.

If she was, it would reinforce worries about the efficacy of screening at borders and in airports, she said. If not, it would raise the possibility that she somehow got infected in Uganda.

“Either way, it confirms that this is far from over,” she said.

Nigerian officials have pointed to the country’s handling of a case during the West African outbreak in 2014-2016, saying the country is fully prepared to deal with the disease.

But Dr Ayoade Alakija, a Nigerian physician and co-chair of a G7 committee for investment in global health, noted that the first case to reach Nigeria in that outbreak involved a patient who flew from Liberia and was immediately hospitalised.

“It’s a very different scenario,” she said.

Reuters

Carrim was arrested on October 15 at OR Tambo International Airport as he was trying to board an international flight.

Stream courtesy of SABC.

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A local court in the capital New Delhi ordered the release of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das late on Wednesday, said legal website Live Law.

Das and Ranka were among 14 people who scaled barricades on October 13 to enter the Jantar Mantar observatory in central Delhi, a day after it was removed from a list of designated protest sites.

The group unfurled the national flag and chanted slogans demanding the chief election commissioner’s resignation before police detained them, with a court later sending them to prison for five days. On Monday their prison stay was extended for two more days.

The youth-led CJP, opposition parties and left-wing student organisations have held several protests this month demanding chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar quit over a revision of voter lists they said favours Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The election commission has denied favouring any party and said wrongly deleted voters can re-enrol, while the BJP has accused rivals of trying to undermine democracy by wrongly questioning legitimate electoral processes.

The founder of the CJP, Abhijeet Dipke, was separately detained on Friday and released a day later for trying to lead another protest rally in New Delhi.

Reuters

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Much like their parents, pets need good food and exercise to keep weight off. With that in mind, it’s important to be cognisant of what’s in their food and its quality.

The team at Pack Leader, known for their focus on pet nutrition, have put together a guide to understand your pet’s health needs.

It’s not only about how much they eat

Dogs and cats are naturally meat eaters and are designed to thrive on a diet high in animal protein, with low carbohydrates. While they can digest and use carbohydrates to limited degrees, they do not need them.

Several commercial pet foods rely heavily on carbohydrate-rich ingredients and lower-quality plant protein sources, which do not provide the same nutritional benefits as quality animal protein.

The concern is not simply how many calories a food contains, but where those calories come from and what nutritional value they provide. Diets high in rapidly digested carbohydrates and lower-quality ingredients are not compatible for supporting long-term metabolic health and weight management.

Why protein matters

When calorie intake is reduced, adequate protein becomes particularly important. It supplies the building blocks needed to maintain muscle, helps pets feel satisfied after eating and supports their overall condition while they lose excess fat.

Losing muscle alongside fat can affect strength, mobility and the body’s energy needs. A more appropriate approach to weight management is therefore to provide sufficient quality protein and essential nutrients while carefully controlling total calories and fat.

Less food should not mean less nourishment

A lower-calorie food is not automatically the best choice for weight loss if its nutritional composition does not meet the individual pet’s needs.

“Some traditional weight loss pet foods restrict calories without necessarily increasing protein from animal sources by increasing fibre bulk. This approach tricks the body into feeling full, reducing food intake, but deprives pets of the required nutrient intake their bodies need,” says chief operations officer at Pack Lead, Sonja Maricevic.

The aim should be to manage calories without compromising nutrition. This requires considering the quality of the ingredients and the amount of food appropriate for the individual animal.

Pet owners should also remember that even a good-quality diet can contribute to weight gain if portions are too large or treats and table scraps add too many extra calories. Activity levels, age, breed, health and sterilisation status can all influence a pet’s needs.

Turn the bag around

Making informed choices starts with understanding what is in the food being purchased. Rather than relying solely on packaging claims or pictures on the front of a bag, pet owners should examine the ingredients and nutritional information.

Ultimately, helping pets maintain a healthy weight is not about putting them on restrictive diets. It is about making informed choices, feeding appropriate portions, keeping treats in check, providing regular activity and, importantly, understanding whether the food in their bowl is meeting their nutritional needs.

Seeking to draw Russian president Vladimir Putin into negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, Trump has lifted sanctions on Russian diesel exports and waived newly enacted sanctions against Russian officials, oligarchs, banks and state enterprises.

At the same time, he has increased pressure on Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, calling for him to be replaced as the country’s leader. A satellite system used by Ukraine for battlefield communications and drone operations was throttled following an order from inside the White House, Reuters reported last week. It was later restored.

Seventeen Democrats and five Republicans in the House of Representatives urged Trump in an October 15 letter to “apply the Graham law’s sanctions to their fullest extent and without delay”. They added that Putin “has repeatedly shown that he responds to pressure, not goodwill”.

They were referring to legislation championed by the late senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina that Congress passed overwhelmingly and Trump signed into law in mid-September.

The Republican signatories were representatives Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Joe Wilson of South Carolina, Michael McCaul of Texas, Don Bacon of Nebraska and Dan Newhouse of Washington state.

The backlash could pose new hurdles for Trump after the November 3 midterm elections, when Congress takes up defence and spending bills that politicians could use to try to reverse or alter his Russia policies.

Fitzpatrick went further. In a post on X on Monday, he wrote that any move to limit the use of “Starshield” intelligence to warn Kyiv of Russian attacks would be “fully investigated” by Congress with “harsh and punitive budget cuts to any responsible agency or agency head”.

The White House pushed back in an email to Reuters:

“President Trump has been clear that he wants to see this brutal war come to an end,” White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said, adding that Trump “retains the ability to exercise these authorities at any time if he determines that doing so would advance national interests”.

The pushback has raised the possibility that some Republicans could join Democrats in investigations and legislation reversing Trump’s priorities after the midterm elections.

Congress’ post-election work includes attempts to pass a bill authorising defence programmes for another year and across-the-board government spending through September 30 2027 that includes appropriations for the Pentagon and intelligence agencies.

If Congress uses those bills to try to change his Russia policies, Trump could veto them, setting up a showdown.

James Lindsay, a US foreign policy expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the Republican backlash was not surprising given the Senate’s bipartisan votes on the Graham bill.

But passing legislation faces major challenges, Lindsay said.

“Even if Congress can overcome its institutional divisions, its partisan divisions and overcome a presidential veto ... that’s no guarantee the president will act or observe that constraint,” he said.

Despite the growing pushback, many Republicans are backing Trump.

Republican senator Ted Budd told Reuters at a Trump rally in his home state of North Carolina that he supported the president’s pivot towards Putin, saying the recent agreement on Russian diesel sales was important to keep Moscow involved in negotiations to end its war with Ukraine.

“It’s a very minimal dollar amount actually to Russia, but it’s enough of a fig leaf to get them to the table to bring an end to the aggression against Ukraine,” said Budd, an armed services committee member.

The elections, which will determine whether Republicans hold their narrow House and Senate majorities, could shape how legislative battles between the two parties and with Trump turn out.

Trump is not on the ballot, but the elections are widely seen as a referendum on his presidency. Voters are on edge over rising consumer prices and the war with Iran.

An October 13 letter to Trump signed by five senior Senate Republicans, along with six Democrats, criticised his diesel agreement.

House speaker Mike Johnson, a staunch supporter of Trump, has even hinted at his discomfort with current Russia policy.

Asked on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures programme whether he supported Trump’s decision to waive the Russia sanctions, Johnson said: “Congress voted on this decisively.” He added that he was in discussions with Republican members of the foreign affairs and intelligence committees.

“We understand that Putin cannot be trusted,” Johnson said and added that he told White House officials: “We need to talk about it, and I think carefully consider the unintended consequences that may ensue” from putting the new Russia sanctions on hold.

Reuters

Johannesburg Water issued the warning after repairs to a damaged water pipeline at the corner of 6th Street and 8th Avenue were completed on Wednesday night.

The damage occurred when a tree stump fell onto the pipeline during excavation work by a contractor replacing a sewer pipe.

The affected areas include 8th Avenue at the intersections of 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th streets.

Johannesburg Water said the water supply would remain isolated until laboratory results confirmed that the water met the required quality standards.

“Residents in the affected areas are advised not to use the water until further notice,” the utility said.

Alternative water supplies will continue to be provided while the restriction remains in place.

Johannesburg Water said it would notify affected customers once laboratory clearance had been received and normal water supply could safely resume.

Residents can report service-related queries by calling 0860-056-2874 or 010-061-4470, or by emailing fault@jwater.co.za.

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Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sibongiseni “Ox” Mthethwa has vowed the team will die on the pitch if that’s what it takes to win the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round second leg against Zambia’s Red Arrows.

Chiefs, who are winless in their last four games with one defeat and three draws in all competitions, host Red Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (6pm). Amakhosi lost the away leg 1-0 in Ndola last Saturday, so they must overturn the deficit to qualify for the tournament’s group stages.

“We’ve seen how they play, so now the challenge is to outrun them,” Mthethwa said. “We must also win every ball and make sure we don’t concede. We will die on that pitch if that is what we should do to win.

“We went to Zambia to win, but sometimes things don’t pan out the way we want. However, now we have a second chance to change our fate. It’s all in our hands, and it’s up to us to decide our fate.”

The battle continues at home!

All to play for this Friday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kick off is at 6pm.

🎟https://t.co/e6S7VQ8ScQ#TheKingdomRises #CAFCC #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/g2qSqdKl7i

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 20, 2026

Mthethwa has called for togetherness, stressing the importance of reaching the group stages as Chiefs aim to win the Confederation Cup this season.

“We need to stand together as a team, and our fans must also rally behind us. We know the importance of winning this second leg because all we want is to make it to the group stages,” he said.

“Our main aim is to eventually win this Confederation Cup, so we need to pull up our socks and make sure we win the second leg. We know that good things don’t come easy, so we must sweat for this, and we are willing to do everything we can to win.”

After facing Arrows, Amakhosi will then shift focus to the Carling Knockout, hosting TS Galaxy in the tournament’s first round at FNB Stadium next Tuesday, with the Soweto derby against their biggest rivals, Orlando Pirates, also coming up at the same venue, days later.

Sowetan

Three years since the Hamas-led October 7 attacks, they also share hawkish positions towards Gaza, saying they would resume the war there if the militant group, whose founding charter calls for Israel’s destruction, doesn’t disarm.

But they differ on their positions on settlements in the occupied West Bank, and are likely to rely on different coalition partners to form governments, which could broadly set the country on diverging paths.

Here’s a look at the candidates’ views on the conflict with the Palestinians:

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis live in the West Bank, settling in territory Israel captured in a 1967 war, a practice nearly all countries consider illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this.

Netanyahu has presided over a rapid expansion of settlements, including small outposts in parts of the West Bank reserved for civil administration by the Palestinian Authority, where settlements are illegal under Israel’s own laws. Settlers have increasingly attacked Palestinians, and critics say the government has turned a blind eye to such violence.

Eisenkot favours settlement in principle but says that it should comply with Israeli law. He opposes settlements built without authorisation, would dismantle outposts in areas where they are forbidden and has pledged to prevent violence by settlers against Palestinians.

He opposes a decision by the Netanyahu government to build in territory known as E1, which would bisect the West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem, which settlers say is intended to “bury” the possibility of a Palestinian state.

In a sign of how far Israeli politics has shifted to the right, Netanyahu and Eisenkot, along with the leaders of nearly all other Jewish-led parties, oppose the establishment of a future independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

This effectively repudiates the “two-state solution” that underpinned international peace negotiations for generations.

Netanyahu and Eisenkot both say Israel must retain ultimate security control over all territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.

There are, however, differences in their emphasis. Eisenkot’s position on limiting settlements in the West Bank would reserve territory where Palestinians now exercise civil self-rule. Netanyahu’s coalition includes parties that openly call for Israel to fully annex occupied Palestinian land.

Three years since Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel, prompting an Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, and a year since a US-brokered ceasefire ended major combat there, Israeli troops now control about two-thirds of the enclave.

Nearly the entire population of more than 2-million Palestinians lives in the remaining third, mainly in tents or damaged buildings, still under the full political control of Hamas. US-brokered talks have so far failed to agree terms for Hamas to disarm, Israel to withdraw and reconstruction to begin under international auspices.

Both Eisenkot and Netanyahu say Israeli troops will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is disarmed, and that Israel is prepared to restart fighting to achieve this.

Eisenkot says the continued rule of Hamas in Gaza is a profound failure and that within 18 months of taking office he would ensure that the Hamas administration had been replaced, either through a US-brokered plan or through military force.

Netanyahu’s governing coalition now includes far-right Jewish nationalist groups led by settler activists Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who support full annexation of Palestinian land and are under sanctions in several Western countries for promoting settler violence.

Netanyahu also relies on ultra-Orthodox parties that seek exemptions from military service for Jewish religious students.

Opposition parties likely to be courted by Eisenkot for a future coalition to unseat Netanyahu include several right-wing groups but none with leaders as extreme as Smotrich or Ben-Gvir. His supporters are mainly opposed to the military exemption for religious students, which probably rules out an alliance with the ultra-Orthodox.

To unseat Netanyahu, Eisenkot is likely to require the support of the Democrats, which include the rump of the centre-left Labour Party that dominated Israeli politics for generations but has dwindled as the country has shifted to the right. The Democrats are now the only prominent Jewish-led party that supports a two-state solution.

Eisenkot and Netanyahu have both said they would not form a government with parties primarily representing Israeli citizens of Palestinian descent, who comprise about a fifth of the population.

Reuters

Trade, industry and competition minister Parks Tau said on Thursday that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) had issued 25,975 certificates of origin between June 1 and August 31, allowing qualifying goods to enter China without customs duties. Customs declarations increased 199% year on year over the period, according to Tau’s speech at a briefing for South African and Chinese businesses in Pretoria.

The zero-tariff arrangement is temporary and subject to rules of origin and other requirements. Exporters must obtain valid certificates of origin from SARS to qualify for the preference, while certain products remain subject to tariff-rate quotas. The two-year period is intended to provide a bridge towards a longer-term trade arrangement.

Tau said South African and Chinese officials were negotiating an Early Harvest Agreement through the Southern African Customs Union, following the signing of a framework agreement on economic partnership in February.

“Our aim is to give exporters certainty beyond 2028, with safeguards that protect South African industry and jobs,” he said.

The figures offer an early indication of activity under the scheme, which took effect on May 1 and runs until April 30 2028. However, the number of certificates and the increase in declarations do not establish how much additional export revenue the arrangement has generated.

Agriculture is among the sectors with opportunities to expand sales, particularly through exports of citrus, apples, stone fruit and wine. China’s duty-free treatment reduces the tariff costs facing eligible South African products, potentially improving their competitiveness against suppliers from other markets.

South Africa exported about 11.5-million cartons of citrus to China in 2025, accounting for roughly 6% of its total citrus exports, according to agricultural industry figures. The sector generated export earnings of about $2.47bn globally last year, highlighting the scale of the industry that could benefit from wider market access.

China has also opened its market to South African stone fruit, including apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums and prunes. A separate protocol signed in September gave South African cherry producers access to the Chinese market for the first time, creating another potential avenue for export growth.

The opportunities come as South Africa seeks to diversify its export destinations and reduce its exposure to trade disruptions in established markets.

Tau said the government had developed a portfolio of 100 value-added products for the Chinese market.

“The portfolio cuts across agro-processing, beverages, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, machinery, medical equipment, fabricated metals, plastics and rubber, automotive products and other industrial capabilities,” he said.

🇨🇳 🇿🇦 Minister Parks Tau addressing the Briefing Reception on China’s Zero-Tariff Treatment to African countries in Pretoria says China is South Africa’s largest trading partner and an important source of investment. #ChinaZeroTariff pic.twitter.com/KcTg70OOnQ

— the dtic (@the_dtic) October 22, 2026

China is South Africa’s largest trading partner globally, with bilateral trade reaching R642bn in 2025, up from R483bn in 2021. South African exports to China rose to R222bn from R198bn over the same period, while imports from China increased to R420bn from R284bn.

South African agricultural exports to China rose more than 35% year-on-year to nearly $500m in the four months after Beijing introduced zero-tariff treatment for African countries, as the government seeks to turn preferential market access into a longer-term boost for exporters and domestic production.

Chinese ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng said bilateral trade between the two countries reached nearly $15bn between May and August, up almost 24% from a year earlier. South African exports to China rose nearly 25% to $5.3bn, outpacing the country’s overall export growth of 17% over the same period.

Wu said discussions about access for other agricultural products were under way.

The expansion of agricultural access comes as South Africa seeks to diversify its export markets and increase the value of goods it sells abroad. China is South Africa’s largest trading partner, but the relationship remains characterised by substantially higher imports from China than exports to it.

Wu said South African exports to China totalled $5.3bn between May and August, compared with imports of $9.47bn from China, while exports grew faster year on year.

Business Day

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ANC national chair Gwede Mantashe’s public clash with the party’s women’s league has escalated after he said on Wednesday that he did not know what they wanted him to apologise for.

This after the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) on Thursday reiterated a call it made on Monday for Mantashe to apologise, saying his “uncouth behaviour is unbecoming”.

The ANCWL on Monday demanded that Mantashe apologise for trivialising a claim by women during a door-to-door election campaign that some ANC political leaders were demanding sex for jobs during an interview with Newzroom Afrika at the weekend.

However, in response to ANCWL’s initial statement demanding an apology, Mantashe told the SABC that the league had not spoken directly to him on why they wanted an apology.

Mantashe said he wanted to understand if they wanted an apology for speaking Xhosa, or for something else.

“What is it that I’m apologising for?” he said.

The league accuses Mantashe of using inappropriate language while addressing questions around some ANC men asking women for sexual favours before employing them

Asked if his stance was that he would not apologise, Mantashe said: “No, I’m apologising for something I do not know. I don’t know what I should apologise for.“

He said there was nothing in the interview with Newzroom Afrika that required an apology.

The ANCWL accuses Mantashe of using inappropriate language while addressing questions around some ANC men asking women for sexual favours before employing them.

The league this week dug in its heels, saying it would “help” Mantashe understand why his comments were problematic. They were “inappropriate and insensitive” and failed to annunciate the seriousness and empathy “required when addressing allegations that undermine the dignity of women”.

Mantashe, the ANCWL said, had failed to use that television interview to articulate the ANC’s policy on women’s emancipation and instead “reduced the issue to language, culture and linguistics”.

A second statement from the ANCWL on Thursday said ANC policies pushed for women to occupy strategic positions of power within both the party and the government.

Mantashe should not be allowed to vulgarise our language. Instead of acknowledging the need to apologise, he responded with theatrics, feigning ignorance. This further reinforces his primitive and unrefined allusions to women

ANC Women’s League.

The statement reads that women are the most vulnerable in our society, prone to harassment and bullying in every form and at times are murdered for refusing to accede to sexual demands.

“The practice of demanding sex in exchange for employment is a reprehensible abuse of authority. It exploits vulnerable individuals, infringes on their dignity and is a serious violation of labour laws which uphold equal access to employment opportunities for all,” said the statement.

As an ANC member deployed in government and a minister of mineral and petroleum resources, Mantashe had a responsibility to uphold the values and the principles of the ANC and the government’s code of conduct at all times.

“Mantashe should not be allowed to vulgarise our language. Instead of acknowledging the need to apologise, he responded with theatrics, feigning ignorance. This further reinforces his primitive and unrefined allusions to women,” said the ANCWL.

“This uncouth behaviour is unbecoming, perpetuates patriarchy and deserves the strongest condemnation.

“The ANCWL remains steadfast in its demand that comrade Mantashe offer an unconditional apology to women and the nation at large. We also call on him to refrain from belligerent conduct and to take accountability for his actions.”

TimesLIVE

Africa’s top gold producer has directed miners to transfer operations to local contractors or face sanctions under local-content rules affecting major operators including Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti, Zijin and Ghana Manganese Company. Labour unions have opposed the policy, warning it could reduce workers’ pay and benefits.

The ministry of lands and natural resources said late on Wednesday it had instructed the Minerals Commission to ensure no worker employed by a mining contractor suffers a cut in wages, benefits or conditions of service as a result of the shift from owner mining to contract mining.

The regulator has also been tasked with harmonising salaries, wages and employment conditions across the mining value chain and introducing a contractor classification system based on capacity. It must complete the process and submit implementation proposals by November 30.

The ministry said there would be “zero tolerance” for unfair labour practices, cartelisation, bid-rigging and fronting arrangements that undermine local-content objectives.

The Minerals Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Reuters

On Thursday, the rapper took to his Instagram timeline, penning a heartfelt note to his wife in celebration of their 15th wedding anniversary.

Stogie T shared images from their wedding day on October 22 2011.

“Looking back through these frames, you realise how swiftly time moves. Scripture reminds us that our earthly lives are a vapour, a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Yet within that vapour, God’s providence has been our anchor,” he wrote.

“Our wedding was a glorious day, a brilliant, sacred flash of light, joy, and ceremony, but the wedding was only an altar; it is the marriage that is the living sacrifice. The wedding was a memory carved in an afternoon; the marriage is fifteen years of grace, quiet endurance, shared grief, unshakeable joy and two imperfect people held together by a faithful God. We remember those we lost with reverence. We hold the laughter with gratitude and, above all, we praise the Lord who authored this union and sustained it through every season. I cherish this memory but our marriage is a work of eternity. Happy 15th anniversary, my love Bongi. To fifteen more under his grace.”

View this post on Instagram

Another celebrity couple who recently celebrated their birthday was Leleti Khumalo and Skhuthazo Khanyile.

“14 years of pure bliss. We’re truly grateful to God for his grace upon us and our union. Happy anniversary Khanyile,” Leleti captioned the post.

View this post on Instagram

TshisaLIVE

Transmitted by biting midges and most commonly found in cattle, Shamonda has also been found in horses, alpaca, sheep and goats, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said.

“The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is carefully monitoring the situation after French authorities announced the first reported human infection with Shamonda virus, a disease that has until now only affected animals,” the Stockholm-based ECDC said.

“ECDC is in contact with the French authorities and European partners to investigate the potential public health implications.”

The French announcement said the leading hypothesis was that the patient was infected in eastern France, where the virus had circulated among animals this spring and summer.

“Based on the knowledge available regarding the virus, no health risk to the general population has been identified to date,” it said.

Investigations into whether the virus caused or contributed to the patient’s death and how the infection was acquired are ongoing

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

The ECDC said the patient died in early October and noted the victim had been receiving treatment for a serious illness that made them more susceptible to infection than the general population.

“Investigations into whether the virus caused or contributed to the patient’s death and how the infection was acquired are ongoing,” it said.

There are currently no commercially available vaccines against Shamonda virus, WOAH said.

Identified in Nigeria in the mid-1960s, Shamonda was first confirmed in Europe in late July after genomic tests on sick cattle in southern Germany, Switzerland and eastern France.

A report from France’s weekly animal health surveillance bulletin said the virus had also been detected in Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and UK’s Jersey.

A study of French nine dairy farms found milk output fell by up to 75% in affected herds.

Reuters

The facility was officially inaugurated on Tuesday as part of the company’s expansion at its Zone 6 premises in the Coega Special Economic Zone, bringing its total investment at the site to R1.5bn.

The investment includes the R360m rolling mill and additional refining processes at the company’s existing melting facility.

Coega Steels began producing steel billets from recycled scrap metal in 2014 after an initial R400m capital investment. The new rolling mill enables the company to process the billets into finished steel products for the construction, manufacturing, engineering and infrastructure sectors.

With an annual production capacity of 150,000 tonnes, the facility will manufacture reinforcing bars, angles, squares, round bars and flat bars.

Director Amit Saini said the development was particularly significant for the Eastern Cape, which previously relied heavily on finished steel products transported from other parts of the country.

Coega Steels’ total workforce is projected to grow from about 750 to 900 over the next year, while its operations support more than 2,000 indirect jobs

He said the absence of a rolling mill in the province had made it difficult for the company to compete in certain domestic markets because of the costs associated with transporting billets to processing facilities elsewhere.

“With the rolling mill, we can supply the Eastern Cape market and the coastline directly from Nelson Mandela Bay,” Saini said.

The company could either sell its billets or process them into finished products at its own facility, he said.

The new facility is expected to employ about 300 people, with some positions already filled and the remaining posts expected to be taken up by the end of the year. Coega Steels’ total workforce is projected to grow from about 750 to 900 over the next year, while its operations support more than 2,000 indirect jobs.

Saini said between 70% and 80% of the rolling mill’s workforce would comprise South Africans, with the remainder consisting of skilled employees recruited from overseas. The company plans to continue developing local expertise to enable South African employees to take increasing responsibility for operating the plant independently.

“We have developed a lot of skills locally over the years, and I’m sure in the coming years we’ll train more locals and upskill them to run the plant independently,” he said.

Coega Steels shareholder Ku Tha Ilangovan, representing India’s Agni Steels, reflected on the company’s growth over the past 12 years. “With R1.5bn invested on this site, the rolling mill closes the loop from scrap to a finished product at Coega,” he said. “As shareholders, we did not invest in a building or machinery. We have invested in people.”

The company is also investing in renewable energy as part of efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and lower emissions associated with steel production.

Saini said traditional iron ore-based steelmaking could generate between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes of CO₂ for every tonne of steel produced. By comparison, Coega Steels currently generates about 800kg of CO₂ per tonne. About 80% of the company’s emissions come from electricity purchased from the municipality, which is supplied by Eskom.

We aim to make Coega Steels one of the cleanest steel producers in South Africa so our customers here and in export markets that increasingly demand low-carbon emission products can build with confidence and a clear conscience

Amit Saini, Coega Steels director

To reduce its reliance on coal-based electricity, Coega Steels has installed about 8MWp of solar capacity at its operations and plans to add another 19.8MWp by the end of 2027. The company has also installed a 50MWh battery energy storage system which is expected to become operational by the end of October 2026.

Saini said the company wanted to position itself as a cleaner steel producer for domestic and export markets increasingly demanding products with lower carbon emissions.

“We aim to make Coega Steels one of the cleanest steel producers in South Africa so our customers here and in export markets that increasingly demand low-carbon emission products can build with confidence and a clear conscience,” he said.

The rolling mill has been under development since March 2024 and is currently undergoing production trials. It operates on a 12-hour shift, with plans to move to 24-hour production in the coming weeks.

Guest of honour Capt Salvatore Sarno, chair of Mediterranean Shipping Company SA and the Indian Ocean Islands, congratulated Coega Steels on the expansion. Sarno, whose company has supported Coega Steels’ international exports, praised the vision and determination behind the development.

Nelson Mandela Bay mayoral committee member Thsonono Buyeye also welcomed the investment, highlighting the role of co-operation between government and business in stimulating economic growth.

“For our cities to prosper, we need the business community to work with us,” Buyeye said.

He said investments of this nature demonstrated the contribution businesses could make towards addressing unemployment and creating economic opportunities in the metro.

TimesLIVE

The ruling was delivered on October 22 after a virtual hearing the day before. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi confirmed that the appeal had been dismissed. Following the dismissal of their bail appeal, Nonyane and Tibana will remain in custody pending further proceedings.

The couple are accused of allegedly taking money from accounts belonging to 15 deceased estates. They face charges of theft, fraud and money laundering. The allegations stem from the administration of deceased estates where Tibana was appointed as an executor. They face a combined 123 charges.

According to the state, the accused unlawfully concealed the nature, source, location, disposition and movement of the money.

The state alleges that about R1.65m of the proceeds was used to purchase a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 from a dealership in Pretoria.

It further alleged that Nonyane used some of the money to make stokvel contributions and finance the construction of a residential property.

The bail appeal comes as two other accused in the case were granted bail by the Polokwane Magistrate’s court on October 8. Rirhandzu Tibana, the younger sister of Tibana, and businessperson Jabulani Nephtal Maluleke were each granted bail of R60,000.

Malabi said the state did not oppose their release.

As part of her bail conditions, Rirhandzu must report to Letsitele police station every Friday between 8am and 4pm, while Maluleke is required to report to Pretoria police station during the same hours.

The matter has been postponed to November 6 for further investigations.

TimesLIVE

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The South African Football Association (Safa) has disclosed that it will foot the bill for all legal costs incurred by president Danny Jordaan and CFO Gronie Hluyo in their ongoing court case of alleged fraud and corruption.

Jordaan, who was re-elected for a fourth term last month, and Hluyo were arrested in 2024 following a Hawks investigation into the alleged misuse of R1.3m in association funds, and the matter is before the Palm Ridge magistrate’s court.

The case involves allegations of theft, corruption and fraud and has been ongoing since 2024. Grit Communications director Trevor Neethling and former Safa CEO Russel Paul have also been linked to the proceedings.

In a surprise statement sent on Wednesday night, Safa said its national executive committee had resolved to pay the legal costs of Jordaan and Hluyo and will appoint a senior counsel to defend them.

“Safa CEO Lydia Monyepao wrote a letter to the court in December 2024 stating that Safa was never a complainant,” the statement read.

Safa’s shock move is bound to anger the association’s critics who’ve long accused Jordaan of using its coffers to fight personal battles

“The letter further stated that the complainants are disgruntled former Safa NEC members and employees who have no legal right to represent Safa in the proceedings. They have done so in their personal capacity outside the ambit of Safa.”

Safa added that those claims are unjustifiable given that the federation had “consistently received clean financial audits” during the period of the alleged corruption.

“It is worth adding that Safa received unqualified audits for the period of this investigation by the National Prosecuting Authority and the subsequent audit period to date,” the statement continued.

“The NEC further resolved that Safa shall intervene in the criminal proceedings by making a detailed written statement refuting any wrongdoing on the part of the president, the CFO, and former acting CEO, Mr Russell Paul.”

The association has indicated that it intends to institute civil proceedings against anyone it believes has brought Safa and its officials into disrepute.

“Finally Safa shall appoint an attorney and senior counsel to attend the proceedings on a watching brief going forward,” it said.

Safa’s shock move is bound to anger the association’s critics who’ve long accused Jordaan of using its coffers to fight personal battles.

Sowetan

Aramco did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The move marked the first time Aramco had asked staff to evacuate its headquarters since the start of the Iran war.

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis caused extensive damage to the company’s headquarters earlier this month when they struck the building, with fire spreading across several floors.

The facility hosts an operations centre that helps the world’s largest oil company oversee onshore and offshore oil rigs, refineries, export terminals and thousands of kilometres of pipelines.

Separately, two people were killed on Wednesday after Saudi air defences intercepted a drone that was attempting to hit a facility at Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield.

Saudi Arabia has responded to Houthi attacks with a wave of strikes on missile launcher sites, vowing to protect the kingdom, and says it has intercepted many ballistic missiles fired by the group.

Reuters

During Wednesday’s medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS), Godongwana announced that the government would cut the fuel levy by R1.50/l for petrol and R3/l for diesel from November 4 to December 1, aiming to cushion households against record-high pump prices. Thereafter, smaller reductions of R1.50/l for diesel and R1/l for petrol will apply until January 5.

The National Automobile Dealers’ Association (Nada) welcomed the announcement, noting that it would provide much-needed breathing space for motorists. Other organisations, however, warned that the relief offered only a temporary fix.

While several political parties welcomed the MTBPS as “a step in the right direction”, the EFF rejected the fuel levy relief, calling it an ANC strategy to win votes in the upcoming local government elections.

“The fuel relief announced on the eve of the local government elections is a ploy to win votes for a dying liberation movement, not a plan,” the EFF said in a statement. “There is no structural answer to rising fuel prices, which proves that the fuel levy cannot be left to the whim of the minister. Ending it in early December will send workers into the festive season with empty pockets.”

The ANC-aligned labour federation Cosatu appreciated the government heeding its call for “badly needed relief” to the working class and the economy with a R10bn fuel levy reduction for November and December.

“This will ease the burden on commuters, inject money into the economy, lower inflation and hopefully prevent a November repo rate hike,” Cosatu parliamentary co-ordinator Matthew Parks said.

“An overhaul of the fuel taxes and levy is needed, including fixing the Road Accident Fund.”

TimesLIVE

The suit is the first law enforcement action against Epstein’s longtime personal attorney Darren Indyke and accountant Richard Kahn, according to New Mexico attorney-general Raul Torrez.

The lawsuit alleges Indyke and Kahn facilitated, financed, and concealed Epstein’s sex trafficking operation, including at his ranch 48km south of New Mexico’s capital Santa Fe. They are co-executors of Epstein’s estate, valued at $107m (R1.7bn), and respectively eligible for bequests of $50m (R824.1m) and $25m (R412m) from it, according to the complaint.

Accountability cannot end with Epstein and Maxwell. It must extend to those who knowingly made their abuse possible, especially those who stand to profit from it.

Anouska De Georgiou, a key witness at the trial of Epstein’s partner Ghislaine Maxwell

Daniel Weiner, a lawyer representing Indyke and Kahn, rejected allegations the two “knowingly” facilitated Epstein’s abuse of women, saying the crimes took place “behind closed doors, in secluded locations” when neither was present.

The suit will test whether authorities are able to pin down allegations that a network of people and financial arrangements helped sustain and conceal Epstein’s operations.

“Jeffrey Epstein did not operate alone, and his death does not end the pursuit of accountability for the people who helped make his crimes possible,” Torrez said at a press conference in Albuquerque. He was joined by two survivors of Epstein’s alleged abuse, Julia Molchanova and Anouska De Georgiou.

Indyke and Kahn have already been named in civil lawsuits against the Epstein estate, including a complaint last month seeking damages for people pictured in the late financier’s collection of child sexual abuse material.

“Not a single woman has ever accused Mr Indyke or Mr Kahn of committing sexual abuse or witnessing sexual abuse,” Weiner said, adding the New Mexico attorney-general’s office had made no effort to interview the men before filing the lawsuit.

New Mexico’s civil action comes after the Democratic-run state in February reopened an investigation into activities at Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, where he is accused of abusing women and girls for nearly three decades.

Jeffrey Epstein did not operate alone, and his death does not end the pursuit of accountability for the people who helped make his crimes possible.

New Mexico attorney-general Raul Torrez

Eight months into the probe, New Mexico is yet to file any criminal charges.

The state has sued the US department of justice for access to unredacted files on Epstein, accusing President Donald Trump’s administration of stonewalling its investigation.

The justice department said it provided some files but was prevented from handing over most material due to privacy protections.

Not a single woman has ever accused Mr Indyke or Mr Kahn of committing sexual abuse or witnessing sexual abuse.

Daniel Weiner, a lawyer representing Indyke and Kahn

Molchanova and De Georgiou, both prominent survivors of Epstein’s sex trafficking network, applauded the New Mexico lawsuit to stop Indyke and Kahn profiting any further from the late sex offender’s estate.

“Accountability cannot end with Epstein and Maxwell, it must extend to those who knowingly made their abuse possible, especially those who stand to profit from it,” said De Georgiou, a key witness at the trial of Epstein’s partner Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for sex trafficking of a minor and related conspiracy.

Reuters

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Police have confirmed the death of a foreign national in an apparent xenophobic attack in the Durban CBD on Thursday.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda said a case of murder was opened after a foreign national, believed to be in his late 30s or early 40s, was allegedly fatally assaulted by a group of people.

“Information available at this stage suggests a group was marching on Dr Pixley kaSeme Street towards Maud Mfusi Street. Two males reportedly pulled away from the group and approached a man on the roadside. It is alleged the victim was assaulted by a group of about 50 people and was declared dead at the scene.”

Police are following several leads and using all investigative aids to identify possible suspects.

Netshiunda said the motive for the killing is unknown at this stage and community members are urged not to spread unverified information.

Protesters armed with sticks and knobkerries allegedly stormed a visa and permit office in Morningside on Thursday morning.

Private security reported the protesters allegedly fired shots and attempted to force their way into the office near Cowey Road.

The protesters dispersed after police and private security arrived.

TimesLIVE

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The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has appointed medical doctor and health economist Prof Wezile Chitha as its new vice-chancellor and principal, with the university expecting him to take up the position in the first quarter of 2027.

The University dismissed vice-chancellor Prof Sakhela Buhlungu for gross misconduct, ending a disciplinary process that continued despite his attempt to resign last month.

Chitha, who is currently the executive dean of the faculty of medicine and health sciences at Walter Sisulu University (WSU), was unanimously appointed by Fort Hare’s council at a special meeting on October 16.

His appointment follows a recruitment process that included competency-based assessments, strategic presentations and interviews.

According to a council communiqué, shortlisted candidates presented their visions for the university towards 2040 on October 15 before a joint sitting of council, senate and the institutional forum. Representatives of the student representative council (SRC), alumni and organised labour also attended.

Formal interviews followed the next day when council considered the recommendation of the recruitment and selection committee, institutional voting processes and candidate assessments.

Prof Chitha’s appointment marks an important milestone in the University’s continuing journey of institutional re-visioning and rebirth

Fort Hare’s council

Chitha emerged as the highest-ranked candidate in both the senate and institutional forum assessments, which the council said was an important consideration in its final decision.

The qualified medical doctor holds:

• a MBChB degree;
• a master’s in public health specialising in health economics from the University of Cape Town (UCT); and
• a PhD in public health from WSU.

He is also an associate professor of health systems and policy. His previous leadership roles include serving as acting assistant dean for strategic affairs at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and as founding director of the Albetina Sisulu Centre for Global Health and Research.

In addition to his university leadership experience, Chitha was elected president of the Health Professions Council of South Africa for the 2025-2030 term.

His research focuses on:

• health systems;
• public health policy;
• health economics;
• clinical governance; and
• fair access to health care.

The appointment comes as UFH works towards developing its next long-term strategic framework guided by its vision for 2040. The council said the university’s future depends on:

• academic excellence;
• research impact;
• effective governance;
• financial sustainability;
• infrastructure development; and
• the quality of the student experience.

It also expressed confidence that Chitha’s experience in leadership and institutional transformation would help strengthen the university.

“Prof Chitha’s appointment marks an important milestone in the University’s continuing journey of institutional re-visioning and rebirth,” said the council.

Council chairperson Siyanda Makaula congratulated Chitha and called on students, staff, alumni and other stakeholders to support him as he prepared to take up the role.

“We look forward to working with him in strengthening institutional stability, advancing academic excellence and building a future worthy of Fort Hare’s history and aspirations,” said Makaula.

TimesLIVE

Carney and Erdogan are expected ‌to sign a declaration deepening co-operation in four areas including defence and energy, a person briefed on the matter said. A Turkish diplomatic source said the bilateral ties will be upgraded to a “strategic partnership”.

Carney is on a global trade blitz he hopes will help buffer Canada from a trade war with the US, where President Donald Trump has applied sweeping tariffs and questioned the neighbouring country’s sovereignty.

Carney’s plane landed in the Turkish capital Ankara at 8am and he was set to meet Erdogan at the presidential palace at 12pm.

Nato member Türkiye is seeking new investment and collaboration for its burgeoning defence industry, new nuclear power plants and mining sector.

Carney’s office said the visit aims “to position Canada as a key partner in trade and investment”. He is expected to meet with prominent Turkish business leaders during the trip, the Turkish diplomatic source said.

Concrete potential steps that could be taken on trade, investments, the defence industry, security and energy will be discussed during the trip, the Turkish source said.

Though trade between Canada and Türkiye is tiny — Türkiye accounted for less than 0.3% of Canada’s total merchandise trade or C$4.34bn (R51bn) — bilateral trade has risen by nearly 50% in the past five years.

“This trip is part of the geopolitical necessity of signalling to Americans we are not sitting around waiting for them,” said Bessma Momani, professor of political science at the University of Waterloo.

In the past year, Canada has signed more than 20 trade deals as part of Carney’s push to double non-US exports in the next decade. He flew to Beijing in January to reset fractured relations with China, striking a deal that slashed tariffs on electric vehicles and canola.

Despite criticism that China is a security risk, given Canadian authorities previously found China had interfered in at least two federal elections, Carney has described China as a “more predictable” trading partner than the US.

However, Canada continues to send nearly 70% of exports to the US.

Türkiye’s crackdown on the opposition since 2024 and arrests targeting the LGBTQI+ community have drawn criticism. But Carney has focused less on rights than his predecessors.

“Carney will have to walk a very fine line in Türkiye between opening new economic possibilities for Canada while trying to maintain Canada’s middle power role in fighting for equality,” said Anna Agathangelou, a professor of politics at York University.

Ankara said the judiciary is independent, denying investigations or court cases are politically motivated.

At the Nato leaders’ summit in July, Carney and Erdogan launched negotiations for a free-trade agreement, and Türkiye also agreed to join Canada’s Defence, Security and Resilience Bank as a founding member.

Türkiye has held talks with Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRealis, South Korea’s ​Korea Electric Power Corporation and China’s State Power Investment Corporation about potentially building its planned second and third nuclear power plants.

In 2024, Canada removed weapons export controls on Türkiye, including on optical ​technology used in drones Türkiye exports to dozens of nations. Canada mainly exports lentils, aircraft and electronics to Türkiye, and imports ​medical devices, fishing vessels, aircraft engines and jewellery.

Reuters

Story audio is generated using AI

The City of Tshwane has appointed Rand Water to accelerate the rehabilitation of the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works as efforts continue to restore safe drinking water to affected communities.

Tshwane executive mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya said Rand Water had mobilised a multidisciplinary team of operations, maintenance and scientific specialists to assess the plant and implement urgent interventions.

The assessment began on Wednesday and is expected to be completed on Friday, October 23.

Preliminary findings have identified extensive sludge accumulation in the plant’s clear-water tanks, dissolved air flotation units and filters, affecting its treatment efficiency.

The assessment also found weaknesses in maintenance arrangements, operating systems, chemical supply and the availability of critical spare parts.

According to the city, the findings are informing an immediate recovery programme aimed at addressing the plant’s operational deficiencies.

“Cleaning of critical treatment infrastructure is scheduled between 21 and 31 October. The programme also includes installing two raw-water pumps, commissioning a third high-lift pump, installing sludge pumps and recommissioning Phase 2, and installing a spare recirculation pump,” Moya said.

The city said it had already made substantial budgetary provision for the refurbishment programme, with Rand Water’s technical expertise and capacity expected to support the accelerated implementation of the work.

The municipality is also working with Rand Water to establish a sustainable supply of essential water-treatment chemicals, including chlorine and polymer, to prevent future interruptions.

Some interventions may require temporary changes to plant operations, including a shutdown to allow equipment installation. The city said affected communities would be informed in advance about the timing and implications of any shutdown, as well as arrangements for continued alternative water provision.

Despite progress in the recovery programme, the city warned that water from the affected system remained unsafe for consumption.

It said municipal technical teams are continuing to flush the affected distribution network, supported by water-quality monitoring conducted by the city, the department of water and sanitation and the Water Research Commission.

According to Moya, the Water Research Commission has reported improving water-quality results, but the affected system has not yet met the required standards.

Flushing and further testing will continue until the water meets the required standards.

The city cautioned that the rehabilitation programme’s target dates do not constitute a confirmed date for restoring safe drinking water. Current restrictions will only be lifted once testing confirms that the water complies with the required standards.

Residents have been advised that tap water from the affected system must not be used for drinking, cooking, bathing or other household purposes. It may only be used for flushing toilets until further notice.

The city’s health department is working with provincial and national health authorities on public health surveillance, water sampling, inspections and community awareness initiatives.

These efforts include educating residents on the safe use and storage of alternative drinking water.

Moya also engaged traditional, religious and community leaders in Bronkhorstspruit on Wednesday to strengthen community awareness and co-operation. Those involved included iKosi Mkhambi II Mahlangu, senior traditional leader of the amaNdebele Ndzundza Sokhulumi Traditional Authority.

Residents who have sought medical attention for gastrointestinal symptoms but remain unwell after several days have been urged to return to a healthcare facility for further assessment and assistance.

The city said access to the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works was now strictly restricted to authorised personnel while Rand Water leads the technical recovery programme. Visits must be arranged in advance and approved by Rand Water or the city.

The restrictions apply to members of the public, political parties and public representatives, and are intended to protect staff and equipment while urgent work proceeds.

TimesLIVE

“What is your name?” asks a voice in English as a gloved hand holds the man’s face towards the camera.

“David Adrian Kercso,” he responds. Where is he from? “Romania. Romania.”

The video, released by Russia’s FSB security service and published by state media, purports to show the arrest of Kercso, now 23, a Romanian citizen who grew up in England and was sentenced earlier this year to 15 years for spying for Ukraine.

Reuters has not been able to verify all the evidence in Kercso’s case. What is clear is that the arrest video is not what it purports to be: Reuters analysis of the video and of court records of his detention shows that at the time it was made he had already been in Russian custody for months.

It was filmed in a park inside Russia, in the southern city of Sochi. However, Kercso’s arrest was first announced elsewhere, by pro-Russian separatists across the border in Abkhazia, a breakaway region of neighbouring Georgia, who released their own video of him in their custody the day before he first turned up in a Russian court.

The FSB did not respond to requests for comment for this story, including why it would release a video depicting the purported arrest of a suspect who already in custody.

Requests for comment were also sent to the Abkhazian separatists’ SGB security agency, the Russian embassy in London and the Romanian and Ukrainian foreign ministries. None replied.

For Kercso’s family, who said he was lured to the Black Sea coast to pursue a romance with a woman he had met online, the FSB video of a staged arrest is another bizarre turn in a story that alarmed them from the outset. He hopes to lodge an appeal against his conviction.

“I told him to not go there because it’s very dangerous, because it’s a war,” said his mother Julia Kercso. “He never listened to me.”

Mother warned him not to go

In late 2023, Kercso was living in the English city of Reading, west of London, working for a company that recycles electronics, when he connected online with a woman named Valeria.

She was from Abkhazia, a picturesque sliver of Georgia’s mountainous Black Sea coast that has been in the hands of separatists since the early 1990s.

An online romance blossomed, and his family said he travelled via Türkiye in August 2024 to meet her.

Reuters obtained contact information for Valeria from the family but did not receive a reply to requests sent to her for comment.

According to Kercso’s accounts to his family, the couple met in Sochi, and after a few days crossed the border into Abkhazia, where Kercso stayed through the autumn. His mother said the relationship deteriorated when he began to run short of money, and he told his family he would return home.

His trip back was planned for November 28 2024, but he never arrived. That day, he stopped answering phone calls and messages. In subsequent letters from prison, Kercso said that was the day he was arrested in Abkhazia.

The first announcement of Kercso’s arrest came two weeks later from the Abkhazian separatist authorities, who released a video on December 13 depicting their own SGB security service leading the young man from a car into a building.

We have seen this in dozens of cases where individuals detained months earlier are taken to a city street, a forest, or a train station so a staged arrest video can be filmed

Evgeny Smirnov, Russian lawyer

He was shown confessing he had been in contact with Ukrainian intelligence and had been told to film Abkhazian military sites with a drone.

In his letters, Kercso said the initial confession videotaped in Abkhazia had consisted of a text he had been ordered to memorise by his captors. The separatists told him if he recited it on camera he would be sent home. But instead, he wrote, he was taken to the border and transferred into the custody of the Russian FSB.

The day after the Abkhazians released their video, Kercso was in Russian custody, appearing before a judge at Sochi’s Khostinsky district court on December 14, according to court records available online.

It was the first of 10 court appearances that would be registered over the next four months, at which his detention in Russia would be extended roughly every two weeks.

Taken from jail to film ‘arrest’

In his letters, Kercso said the staged Russian video of his “arrest” was filmed in mid-April in Sochi, after he had already been captured in Abkhazia, transferred to Russia and held there for four months. He was awakened in jail around dawn by FSB officers who took him to a nearby location to film it.

Reuters analysis of the video is consistent with this account. Though the exact date cannot be established, ample green foliage is clearly visible, showing it was filmed after the start of spring, and could not have been filmed before he began the four months of detention documented in his 10 Sochi court appearances since December.

The location, a strip of parkland along Sochi’s Matsesta River, can be established from visible features. These include the pathway layout, a bridge pillar, lamp posts, trees, a grassy strip and a wall, all of which match archive and satellite imagery of the area.

Evgeny Smirnov, a Russian lawyer familiar with the case, said it was common for the FSB to compel suspects to film dramatic arrest scenes long after they are detained. “We have seen this in dozens of cases where individuals detained months earlier are taken to a city street, a forest, or a train station so a staged arrest video can be filmed,” he said.

Kercso said in his letters in the months after his transfer to Russia he was beaten, held in isolation and tortured. Reuters could not independently verify the allegations.

When he was sentenced, the FSB said he had transmitted the location of Russian air defence systems in Sochi to a Ukrainian intelligence agency in the summer of 2024. Video released by the agency showed him confessing to the charge.

Kercso said that confession was also coerced. “None of that happened. They stole my life for no reason and fabricated everything,” he wrote. He has learnt Russian in prison, misses his family deeply and dreams of returning home.

“Now I know that coming here was a huge mistake,” he said. “I was blinded by love and didn’t see the warning signs.”

Reuters

Story audio is generated using AI

Beauty and pharmacare retailer Clicks has reported annual turnover of more than R50bn for the first time, while returning R976m in cashback rewards to loyalty programme members.

This reflects Clicks’ ability to grow turnover and deliver savings for shoppers amid strain as the cost of living continues to rise.

The retailer’s group turnover for the year to end-August rose 5.4% to R50.4bn, roughly R138m generated in sales during the period. Its Clicks ClubCrad programme had 13.1-million active members, who it said accounted for more than four-fifths of sales.

The JSE-listed group, with a market capitalisation of more than R57bn, also introduced an additional 10% discount on 3,000 products and partnered with Engen and First National Bank in a campaign aimed at helping members manage rising fuel costs, it said.

The results come as the cost of living remains a concern for many. Annual inflation rose to 4.5% in September from 4.4% in August, while transport costs climbed sharply as petrol and diesel prices surged.

Clicks did not disclose the total value of savings customers received through its discounts and fuel campaign. The R976m figure covers cashback rewards paid through ClubCard, rather than all savings from the retailer’s promotional offers.

The expansion builds on a year in which Clicks opened a net of 41 stores and increased its share of the retail pharmacy market

The group’s turnover rose, with its retail business continuing to expand despite intense competition and limited increases in selling prices. Retail turnover rose 4.2%, while sales at comparable stores, excluding the impact of new stores, grew more slowly.

Clicks said low selling-price inflation and increased promotional activity had constrained retail turnover. Delays in implementing a warehouse management system at its Cape Town distribution centre also affected retail sales in the first half of the year.

Its distribution business, United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD), performed better on turnover, buoyed by growth in contracts to supply medicines and other products in bulk. However, the business faced pressure on profitability after losing two distribution contracts and receiving a smaller adjustment to medicine prices than in the previous year.

The group’s profit rose at a slower pace than turnover, while its trading margin narrowed slightly. Headline earnings per share rose 4.4% to 1422c.

Retail trading profit increased, supported by other income and cost management, but the decline in UPD’s trading profit weighed on the overall result.

Clicks expects competition and discounting to remain intense in the year ahead, it said. The group said rising fuel prices and higher interest rates would put further pressure on household spending, while low selling-price inflation is expected to continue.

Nonetheless, it plans to keep expanding its store network, opening 40 to 50 new stores and pharmacies in the 2027 financial year. It also intends to grow UniCare, its specialist pharmacy brand, and township market contender KwaMakhi.

The expansion builds on a year in which Clicks opened a net of 41 stores and increased its share of the retail pharmacy market. The group is also seeking to strengthen its position in premium beauty retail, having agreed after year-end to increase its stake in ARC Store to 61% through an R507m transaction that still requires competition authority approval.

Even with the pressure on its distribution business, Clicks generated R6.3bn in cash from operations and returned R3.4bn to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.

The group declared a final shareholder payout of 925c per share, also up 4.4% from the prior year.

Business Day

Under the deal, Zuckerberg will get non-voting shares he can sell to potentially foot a multibillion-dollar tax bill in the event the proposal is approved, in exchange for a commitment to remain a resident of California, or wherever Meta maintains its headquarters, for eight years, Meta said on Wednesday.

Zuckerberg, the world’s sixth richest person according to Forbes, told Meta he was considering moving his primary residence outside California because Proposition 40, a ballot measure dubbed the “California wealth tax”, could expose him to a massive tax liability, potentially forcing him to sell voting shares to pay it.

Proposition 40, which asks Californians whether to impose a one-time 5% tax on the state’s billionaires, is far from certain to pass, political analysts said. The state is home to as many as 250 billionaires collectively worth upwards of $2-trillion (R33-trillion).

Zuckerberg, who has a net worth of about $240bn (R3.9-trillion), can immediately sell 20% of the class C shares he receives, representing 10% of his overall economic stake in the company, allowing him to pay a potential tax bill without losing voting control.

The company said on Wednesday it will issue a new class of non-voting class C common stock in January 2027, effectively resulting in a two-for-one split, to fund acquisitions and retain top talent while maintaining Zuckerberg’s control.

Meta’s long-term forecasts, as described in the filing, showed it would need to raise “hundreds of billions” over several years, beginning as early as autumn 2026, as it expects to need capital to finance its AI-related growth plan.

The parent of Facebook and Instagram said a special committee of its board concluded it was “critically important” that Zuckerberg remain in a leadership role and continue to manage the company from its California headquarters, particularly during what it described as “unprecedented challenge and competition in our industry” driven by AI.

Reuters

Jeff Zhang, who most recently served as CEO of Chinese brand Chery’s overseas business, will take on the role of Audi China president on November 1.

He replaces Johannes Roscheck, who will return to Germany having overseen “a period of profound transformation” for Audi in China, CEO Gernot Doellner said.

Audi’s sales in China have been in freefall as the brand, together with parent Volkswagen and fellow subsidiary Porsche, struggles to keep pace in a rapid shift to EVs led by low-cost local brands

Once a highly profitable market for the group, China’s shift away from Western carmakers has prompted Volkswagen to initiate the most dramatic restructuring in its history.

Zhang will lead Audi’s China business together with Rolf Michl, appointed COO of Audi China from November 1 2026. He formerly served as MD of Audi Sport GmbH.

“Our goal is to execute our strategy consistently, respond even faster to our customers’ needs and sustainably strengthen our competitiveness,” Doellner said.

Reuters