<![CDATA[Sowetan]]>https://www.sowetan.co.zaThu, 25 Jun 2026 20:22:28 +0000en1hourly1<![CDATA[FULL LIST | Kelvin Momo, Sjava, Kabza De Small lead Sama nominations ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/s-mag/culture/2026-06-25-full-list-kelvin-momo-sjava-kabza-de-small-lead-sama-nominations/https://www.sowetan.co.za/s-mag/culture/2026-06-25-full-list-kelvin-momo-sjava-kabza-de-small-lead-sama-nominations/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:59:09 +0000Amapiano heavyweight Kelvin Momo is one of the top nominated artists at the 32nd annual South African Music Awards, with a double nod in the Best Amapiano Album category.

He is nominated in the category for both Mthuthuzeli and Thato Ya Modimo.

The awards will return to Sun City on August 15.

Another amapiano powerhouse topping the nomination list is Kabza De Small with Bab’Motha earning recognition for Best Amapiano Album, Best Engineered Album and Best Collaboration.

kelvin Momo
kelvin Momo

Other highlights include Nasty C’s offering Free being nodded for Best Hip Hop Album and Best Engineered Album, while Sam Deep received recognition in Best Collaboration for both Shela and Thandaza.

The nominees...form a breathtaking symphony of South African sound.

RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi

“The nominees announced today form a breathtaking symphony of South African sound. They represent more than outstanding recordings; they represent dreams realised, barriers broken, and creative journeys that continue to inspire,” said RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi.

Here is the full list of nominees:

Best Adult Contemporary Album

• Abel Selaocoe’s Four Spirits (Live) – Abel Selaocoe, Aurora Orchestra, Nicholas Collon, Bernhard Schimpelsberger

• Buzzhead – Kahn Morbee

• Malachi’s Dream – Tim Parr

• Wrapped in Rhythm, Vol. 2 – Tutu Puoane, Metropole Orkest & Jacome Bairos

• You Love Who You Love – Wandile Mbambeni

Best African Adult Contemporary Album

• Isitifiketi – Jabulile Majola

• KwaNtu – Madala Kunene & Sibusile Xaba

• Moya – Simphiwe Dana

• Ngimuhle – Zawadi Yamungu

• Zinza – BandaBanda

Best African Indigenous Faith Album

• Difela – De Bruin Gospel Projects

• Monghali Mesia – Amadodana Ase Wesile

• Ngiya Bonga Baba – The New Believers of God Gospel Singers

• The Journey Continues – Abanqobi

• U Ta Hlamula – Zion Iskhalanga Academy

Best Afro Pop Album

• Amaciko – Lwah Ndlunkulu

• Busisiwe 2.0 – CiCi

• Inkanyezi 2.0 (Live) – Sjava

• Out The Box – Nomfundo Moh

• Touch is a Move (Good Morning) – Samthing Soweto

Best Alternative Album

• From The Hill – Charles Webster

• Furniture – 44coles

• Handsome Luke & The Heartbreakers – Mars Baby

• Listen Properly – Bombshelter Beast

• Throwing Stones – Archi

Best Amapiano Album

• Acquiesce – Babalwa M

• Bab’Motha – Kabza De Small

• Mthuthuzeli – De Mthuda

• N’wana Wa Mutsonga – Kelvin Momo

• Thato Ya Modimo – Kelvin Momo

Best Classical Instrumental Album

• First Light – Marius Small-Smith

• Let the Children Play – John Lundun

• Light the Whole Sky – University of Pretoria Camerata

• Orchestrations – Guy Buttery

• Radio Gogo Worldwide – uBeyond

Best Collaboration

• Abantwana Bakho – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy, Kabza De Small feat Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter

• Dlala Ka Yona – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy Enny Man Da Guitar, Focalistic, Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC, Mellow & Sleazy

• Shela – Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle, Mano

• Thandaza – Sam Deep, Thatohatsi

• Tobetsa 3.0 – Myztro, Leehleza, Shaunmusiq, Ftears

Best Contemporary Faith Music Album

• Passover – Nqubeko Mbatha

• Testify (Live at 012 Central, Pretoria 2024) – Mmuso Worship

• The 37th Psalm (Live at Emperors Palace) – Ncebakazi Msomi

• The Gap – Brenden Praise

• The Ground We’re On – Hle

Best Dance Album

• Amazwi Okubonga – MaWhoo

• Asante III – Mörda

• Indigo Child II: Love & Frequency – Da Capo

• Mayvis – Dlala Thukzin

• The Most Wanted – Jazzwrld, Thukuthela

Best Engineered Album

• Bab’Motha – Kabza De Small (Engineered by Thato & Kabza De Small)

• Free – Nasty C (Engineered by Mike Manitshana)

• Ntu Futurism – L8 Antique (Engineered by Matthew)

• Orchestrations – Guy Buttery (Engineered by Guy Buttery & Fuzzy)

• Touch is a Move (Good Morning) – Samthing Soweto (Engineered by Ross Dorkin)

Best Gqom Album

• Dark or Durban 3 – Funky Qla

• Izinsimbi zaMakoya – DJ Tira

• New Wave – Blacks Jnr, Dankie Boi, GoldMax

• Puku Puku – Dladla Mshunqisi, Beast RSA

• Southside Mixtape – DJ Lag

Best Hip Hop Album

• Bayede – Danya Devs

• Blvck & White – Flvme

• Boss Zonke Forever – Riky Rick

• Free – Nasty C

• The Secret Frequency – MashBeatz

Best Jazz Album

• Ingoma Busuku – Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini

• Intlambululo: Ukuhlambulula – Mandisi Dyantyis

• Intlungu. Intlupheko. Imbilini. – Temba Ncetani

• Ithemba Elitsha (A New Hope) – Lumanyano Mzi

• The Y-Factor Project – Billy Monama

Best Maskandi Album

• Amalandi Amathathu – Saliwa

• Izilotshi – Mbuzeni

• Khotha La (A Tribute To Mjikjelwa) – Ntencane

• Ngabe Ngiloyiwe – Smiramira

• Ng’funa intozami – Mzukulu

Best Pop Album

• Don’t Cry Because It’s Over – Will Linley

• Last Call for Departure – Matt Gardiner

• Less Trouble – Shekhinah

• Not the same – Anica Kiana

• Phases – Tannah

Best Produced Album

• Ingoma Busuku – Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini (Produced by Nduduzo Makhathini)

• Less Trouble – Shekhinah (Produced by Shekhinah, Rudolph Willemse, imnotgoofy, Mzizi, Gregory Abrahams, Iam6teen, Brendon-Lee Earl Johnson, Master A Flat)

• Sacred Cycle – Mauritz Lotz (Produced by Mauritz Lotz)

• Therapy: The Other Side – Langa Mavuso (Produced by Darren Blackansee, Simphiwe Mashinini, Ndumiso Manana, Ndabo Zulu, Christer Kobedi, Civil Motha, Unako Chabeli, Langa Mavuso, Jabulani Nkabinde, Lindelani Lee, Seragi Thantsha, Mnqobi Bayanda Nxumalo, Zooci, Jonathan Takyi Mensah, Onkabetse John Hlongwane)

• Zinza – Banda Banda (Produced by Banda Banda)

Best Produced Music Video

• Abantwana Bakho – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy, Kabza De Small feat Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter (Produced by Nyiko; Directed by Nyiko)

• Leftie (Dlala Ngcobo) – Nasty C & Blxckie (Produced by Nasty C, Ayanda Ngcobo; Directed by Lordnelle)

• Partii – Kamo Mphela, Aymos, QUE DJ & Jay Music feat SpacePose (Produced by Kamo Mphela; Directed by Lindo_Langa)

• Shela (feat. Mano) – Single – Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle, Mano (Produced by Nyiko; Directed by Nyiko)

• Wayside Lover – Msaki, Jesse Clegg & Sjava (Produced by Nombuso Ngcobo; Directed by Marty Bleazard)

Best R&B Soul Album

• Island 22 – Gemma Fassie

• It’s Complicated – Maxine Ceasar

• Resurfaced – Lucille Slade

• Therapy: The Other Side – Langa Mavuso

• You, Me & The 90’s – lordkez

Best Reggae Album

• Dimahr – Dimahr

• Foreign Exchange – Ras Canly

• Forward We Continue – Don Dada

• Rasta Man Step – Layahn King

• Victorious – Red I Scorch

Best Rock Album

• AC/ES – AC/ES

• Back From the Dead – We Kill Cowboys

• Die Ruimte – Francois van Coke

• Onkruid – Karel Bester & Die Kraaines Band

• Scatterling Empire – Acid Magus

Best Traditional Faith Music Album

• Back To The Altar – Ntethe

• Praise & Worship In The Wilderness, Pt. 1 – Bucy Radebe

• Sound of Gratitude (Live at Urban Brew Dome) – Zaza

• The Watchman’s Camp – Sindi Ntombela

• Worship in Newness – Puleng March

Best Traditional Music Album

• Born For This – MetroBeatz RSA

• I Khant Do Dhis Enimo – King Monada

• Pleasure in 20 Years – Pleasure Tsa Manyalo

• Sesi Ka Rose – Makhadzi Entertainment

• Thath’owakho – Soul Brothers

Best Afrikaans Pop Album

• Dis Presies Wat Liefde Doen – Juan Boucher

• Gees – Jakkie Louw

• Miena – Jan Rhaap

• Seisoene – Deon Groot

• Troumateriaal – Brendan Peyper

Remix of the Year

• Aweh (Remix) – lordkez feat. Cassper Nyovest

• Eningi (Remix) – Kabza De Small, feat. Njelic, Mthunzi, Mkeyz, GL_Ceejay, Simmy

• Mabebuza – Mdu aka TRP Remix – Maline Aura, Drega, Mdu aka TRP

• Midnight (Black Motion Remix) – 340ml, Black Motion

• Re-Amathambo (Remix) – Nduduzo Makhathini, Anna Widauer, Fka Mash

Rest of Africa Award

• After Midnight – Gyakie (Ghana)

• Iron Boy – Black Sherif (Ghana)

• Olamidé – Olamidé (Nigeria)

• Real, Vol. 1 – Wizkid, Asake (Nigeria)

• This One Is Personal – Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)

]]>Supplied<![CDATA[BLOW BY BLOW | Bafana shock Korea and reach World Cup last 32]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-24-live-updates-bafanas-must-win-against-south-korea-all-the-build-up-and-action/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-24-live-updates-bafanas-must-win-against-south-korea-all-the-build-up-and-action/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 01:00:00 +0000Refresh story for latest updates, read from bottom up ...

FULL TIME - Bafana Bafana 1 South Korea 0

Bafana Bafana take a bow! Hugo Broos, take a bow! Thapelo Maseko take a bow! Sphephelo Sithole (coming back from that nightmare against Mexico) take a bow! Relebohile Mofokeng take a bow!

Ronwen Williams take a bow. Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau take a bow (what a defence!). Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis take a bow. All the subs take a bow, especially of course Tshepang Moremi.

South Africa, celebrate! What a performance. Written off as zeroes after that not great defeat against Mexico, now they are heroes. Few really thought they would beat this classy Korea. The classy Korea made to look ordinary! Our team is still at the World Cup!!

Really short turnaround - SA meet Canada in Los Angeles in the last 32 on Sunday (9pm SA time). There’s a real chance in that game, actually, especially after this performance.

Goodnight South Africa! Walk on air today, your Blogger writes, genuinely shedding a tear. More than one.

The end of game vids:

90min+7 - That’s it!!!! The final whistle. Bafana Bafana are second in Group A and go to the last 32!!!! The celebrations on the field are wild!

South Africa, are you awake, did you watch!!! Your team are World Cup heroes!!!

Zeroes against Mexico, heroes this morning!!!!

90min+5 - A minute and a half to go!

i90min - 6min added!

87min - Bafana still stifling Korea! They seem stunned.

83min - Bafana still there. South Korea not finding what they need right now!

79min - Ten of those minutes gone. Bafana still frustrating Korea!

69min - Hydration break.

Half an hour (with added time, about) is still too long to go for South Africans’ nerves (at home)! This will be a lot to contend with for the viewers.

SA need to remain positive, on the front foot, not let go because right now they have Korea by the jugular. If they back off Korea will run at them.

Wow.

63min - GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!! GOOOOAALLLL!!!! GOOOOOAAALLLL!!!! GOOOAALLLL!!! GOALLL!!!!

Thapelo Maseko scores for Bafana!!!!!! Dare one dream!!!!

The sub, Moremi, does the running down the left, pass in low finds Maseko to stroke inside the right upright!

62min - SUB: Tshepang Moremi on for Oswin Appollis.

61min - Mexico have scored again.

60min - Cross in, 18. Oh Hyeon-Gyu gets a sharp header in that forces a good stop from Ronwen Williams.

57min - Sub 23. Jens Castrop into space on the left, shoots across the face as Korea look to be a lot more positive and get in some real openings, try to get behind Bafana more.

56min - Mexico have just scored against the Azteca against Czechia. As it stands, a win for Bafana will see them through.

53min - What’s been on your Blogger’s mind this week was last year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the US where Mamelodi Sundowns dismantled Ulsan HD in a 1-0 win, a first victory for an SA club over a South Korean one.

Dared one hope that experience and the Sundowns element in Bafana might be a sign the national team could do the same?

I tried not to get my hopes up. As this game continues, I increasingly am. But Bafana have to score!

50min - But Bafana almost immediately get in another good movement that ends with a Maseko shot in a good position blocked by a defender.

49min - South Korea try to get on the front foot, which they battled to do in the first half. Can they find the answers they need?

46min - And that’s the second half under way!

HALF TIME - Bafana Bafana 0 South Korea 0

Bafana Bafana edged that half. An early let-off, then South Korea weren’t in it. They were largely pinned back by SA. At times Bafana really played some Mzansi football, They went a bit flat in the last 15min. Being super-critical - still a bit tentative when SA have possession. They can be more ruthless. This is also a very well-organised Korea defence with class performers.

The South Africans had some chances. Korea perhaps struggling with the evening heat (about 28C we believe). Both sides will strategise at the break. Can Korea find an answer, because they will be disappointed by that half? Will they be a different side out of the change rooms?

Can Bafana take their first-half advantage, press it home further, be more intense in the final third and crucially get the goal or two they need?

Let’s find out!

45+4 - That’s the break!

45+4 - Corner for Bafana right at the end. Comes to nothing.

45min - 4min added.

38min - Maseko drive not far over the bar.

31min - Great chance Bafana! Thalente Mbatha from the edge of the box forces a parry from keeper 2. Lee Han-Beom, the rebound falls to Evidence Makgopa (perhaps offside?), volleys, finds the keeper alert again. Excellent double save. The flag eventually did go up for Makgopa.

26min - We are under way again.

23min - A hydration break so FIFA can make some money ...

SA definitely in this first quarter blow for blow. South Korea’s pace troubles SA, but Bafana’s defence tends to settle. Bafana’s skill and movement has shown it has the ability to open South Korea. Mofokeng looks a threat whenever he’s around the ball.

19min - Nice break SA! Superb Mofokeng pass releases Thapelo Maseko down the right channel, with just CB 3. Lee Gi-Hyuk ahead of him, who stays his ground.

17min - Korea look pacey and dangerous in attack, but SA will be happy the pace of the game is not so quick at the start. They can get some foot on the ball and probe too. This Korean defence looks excellently organised, but there are some players capable of opening it up on the field for Bafana too.

11min - Ime Okon, nice recovery for a challenge after 18. Oh Hyeon-Gyu initially given a bit of space.

8min - But that was a let-off! Korean balls fly across the face twice, then 19. Lee Kang-In has space but shoots wide.

6min - From a corner, Mofokeng effort deflected for another corner, not far wide.

5min - Some tentative probing at both ends. Can Bafana Bafana avoid an early goal (seems crucial) for the first time in this World Cup?

It’s not the extremely nervy start we’ve seen in the last two games. SA look far more composed, getting some passes in, on the front foot at times. Korea also not coming out guns blazing as Mexico and Czechia did. They seem wary.

3am - 1min - That’s the starting whistle. And we are under way!

2.57am - The anthems are done, Estadio Monterrey looks beautiful. We await kickoff ...

2.50 pm - Right then. We await the national anthems.

2.39pm - An attacking line-up from the Bafana coach.

Three changes from the Czechia draw, one enforced.

Sphephelo Sithole comes in for suspended Teboho Mokoena in central midfield.

Relebohile Mofokeng, who impressed off the bench, now starts ahead of Jayden Adams! Very interesting. And attacking move. A win is needed.

In a like-for-like change, Broos has brought in Evidence Makgopa to start ahead of Iqraam Rayners.

Both did will against the Czechs, Rayners starting and Makgopa as a sub. The coach has seen something in Korea perhaps, that gets Makgopa the nod this time.

Makgopa was his go-to man up-front when Bafana won bronze at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast in 2024.

South Africans will be very interested to see if the bright young creative attacking star of this country’s game, Mofokeng, can make a difference in this must-win game where Bafana have to punch above their weight.

Eyebrows will be a bit raised here in SA at Sithole - who had a tough game, giving away the early opener and being red-carded early in the second half - coming in when Broos might have played Adams next to Mbatha. Sithole has said in the build-up he’s keen to make up for his tough opener in the 2-0 defeat against Mexico.

Bafana XI: Ronwen Williams (capt) - Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Aubrey Modiba - Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha - Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis - Evidence Makgopa

2.36am - And your Blogger is back. Good Morning South Africa.

The starting XIs are out. Very interesting from Bafana coach Hugo Broos. To follow ...

6.50pm - A little on how this LIVE UPDATES BLOG is going to work. Your Blogger is about to turn in and try to get a few hours’ sleep - full day ahead and no rest for the wicked.

This story is scheduled to go live at about 1pm or just after.

Your Blogger will resume reporting from around 2.40am.

See you later!

6.45pm - Quick match facts:

  • Kickoff: 7pm in Monterrey, Mexico; 3am South Africa time
  • Venue: Estadio Monterrey
  • Capacity: 53,000
  • Match officials: Referee: Facundo Tello (Argentina); assistant referee 1: Juan Pablo Belatti (Argentina); assistant referee 2: Gabriel Chade (Argentina); fourth official: Andrés Rojas (Colombia); video assistant referee (VAR): Hernán Mastrángelo (Argentina)

6.41pm - Mahlatse Mphahlele’s take on what Bafana need to do to beat South Korea:

Don’t concede early

In the matches against Mexico and Czechia, Bafana Bafana got off to a poor start by conceding inside the first 10 minutes, and they can’t afford that this time around.

They never recovered against Mexico and had to dig deep against Czechia, with Teboho Mokoena scoring a late penalty to salvage a draw that kept them alive in the tournament. Coming back from a goal down for a win at this level against such a strong side as South Korea would be a tough ask.

Don’t play the occasion

Given that SA has to win at all costs, there is pressure, but the good aspect for Bafana is that the core of the team has played in matches of consequence before.

Mamelodi Sundowns players were in a high-pressure situation a few weeks ago in the Caf Champions League final, where they beat AS FAR, and Orlando Pirates have featured in many cup finals in the last four years. The young Buccaneers responded well to pressure in the closing stages, usurping the Betway Premiership title in 2025/26 from successive eight-time winners, Downs.

Get tactics and formation right

Hugo Broos got his formation and personnel spot on against Czechia, but the issue is whether to tinker a little bit and throw in Relebohile Mofokeng at the start for his creativity.

The other thing that worked wonders in the last game was unleashing Thapelo Maseko and Oswin Appollis on the wings to challenge Czechia’s defence.

Nullify South Korea’s pace

South Korea’s biggest weapons are pace and stamina because they run for 90 minutes, and this is what the Bafana Bafana must guard against.

SA fullbacks Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba will have to bring their A-game because the Koreans usually attack from the wings, where they put dangerous crosses into the box.

Continue where they left off against Czechia

Bafana Bafana ended the last match with attacking momentum and on the ascendancy, where they put Czechia under a lot of pressure, and that’s how their equalising goal came.

They need to have that control and calmness in the early stages of the game so South Korea does not easily settle into the game and has to react to what is thrown at them.

6.22pm - Here is Mahlatse Mphahlele’s lowdown on the some of the quality Korea have in their ranks:

The defence is marshalled by veteran Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich, who is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the German Bundesliga. He operates alongside Lee Han-Beom of Midtjylland in Denmark.

In the midfield, the “Taegeuk Warriors” have Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain, Hwang Inbeom of Feyenoord Rotterdam, Lee Jae-Sung of Mainz and Seol Young-Woo of Crvena Zvezda.

For much-needed goals, South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo relies heavily on Hwang Hee-chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers and hugely experienced 33-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min, who plays for Los Angeles FC.

(Weds) 5.20pm - Good morning to the intrepid risers who have taken it upon themselves to take in this huge 2026 FIFA World Cup clash from a Bafana Bafana perspective.

These are the diehard fans and lovers of Bafana Bafana.

Coffee ready?

Hope it’s a strong one, with all the kick and bite of an Mbekezeli Mbokazi sliding challenge.

Work alerted you may be a little bleary today when you get in?

So after two games - one a bit poor (not so much as many in SA decried, perhaps, though, as your Blogger postulated in his previous LIVE UPDATES piece on the Czechia clash), with a 2-0 home defeat under global lights in the World Cup opener against Mexico at the Azteca, the other much better, with plenty of room for improvement, with the 1-1 draw against Czechia in Atlanta - it has all come down to this.

Bafana Bafana meet South Korea at Estadio Monterrey in a must-win clash for the South Africans to remain in the tournament. Korea need a draw or win.

The top two teams in each of 12 groups and eight best runners-up progress to the last 32.

If Czechia upset Mexico at Estadio Azteca and Bafana beat South Korea, the South Africans will not progress as automatic qualifiers but most likely four points will be enough to go through in third.

Again, I am Marc Strydom, TimesLIVE and Arena Holdings Sports Editor and your LIVE UPDATES BLOG host. I am not in Stadio Monterrey but my rather freezing living room in Melville Johannesburg. Hugely experienced and knowledgeable Senior Sports Reporter Mahlatse Mphahlele is in Mexico providing excellent coverage of Bafana at the World Cup for Arena, and catch his match report at probably about just after 5pm.

Bafana on paper, in experience and pedigree probably have no place beating a superbly drilled, workaholic South Korea with genuine quality all-round. But this is football. They have shown signs of settling at the level, have talent, and yes, your Blogger is going to put his neck up for chopping and say they can pull off an upset. He is going to go further and speculate they just even might.

Pull up your coffees, your heaters and your blankets, tur the lights down low! This is it ladies and gentleman! The final group match for South Africa at this entertaining World Cup. Let’s find out if our team can remain in North America just a little longer.

... to follow, a bit about the game.

  • All the World Cup fixtures here
  • World Cup page here
  • All the group profiles here
  • Star player profiles here
  • Bafana news here
]]>Luke Hales/Getty Images<![CDATA[Gauteng allocates R296m to shore up struggling municipalities]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-gauteng-allocates-r296m-to-shore-up-struggling-municipalities/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-gauteng-allocates-r296m-to-shore-up-struggling-municipalities/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:54:24 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

The Gauteng department of co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) has been allocated a budget of R680.5m for the 2026/27 financial year, with the biggest slice of R295.9m directed at fixing the embattled local government.

Tabling the department’s budget vote at the Gauteng provincial legislature in Johannesburg on Thursday, MEC Jacob Mamabolo said the R680.5m budget forms part of the medium-term expenditure framework allocation of R1.9bn over the next three years.

The budget vote comes as auditor-general Tsakani Maluleke on Wednesday slammed the poor state of local government, revealing in the local government audit outcomes for 2024/25 financial year that none of the country’s eight metros received a clean audit during the period under review. Of Gauteng’s 11 municipalities, only the Midvaal and West Rand councils received clean audits.

It also comes as the Joburg metro, the country’s economic and financial hub, which has a budget of R97.1bn for 2026/27, is battling a debilitating financial crisis that is threatening to cut the city’s power supply as the municipality owes Eskom R5.3bn.

On Thursday, Mamabolo said the R295.9m allocation for local government will support “municipal administration, municipal finance, public participation, capacity development, stakeholder engagement and municipal performance monitoring”.

“A further R197.4m has been allocated to development and planning. This programme drives integrated development planning, disaster management services, infrastructure support and municipal infrastructure interventions. Importantly, this allocation includes R80m dedicated to addressing municipal energy challenges through the implementation of the Gauteng Energy Response Programme,” Mamabolo said.

“An amount of R165.6m has been allocated to administration to ensure that the department remains capable, professional and responsive in supporting municipalities, while R21.6m has been allocated to Traditional Institutional Management to strengthen traditional leadership institutions, support cultural programmes and promote social cohesion.”

While municipalities across Gauteng continued to demonstrate resilience in maintaining essential services, the MEC said the reality facing local government demands an integrated approach.

“In line with this profound principle, it is now a well-known fact that as Gauteng we have well-established Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) forums that bring together the provincial government, all our 11 municipalities as well as national government departments and entities to plan, resolve challenges and bring innovative solutions to the challenges that affect our communities not as stratified entities but as one government,” he said.

Institutional capacity

Mamabolo hailed progress in the professionalisation of municipal administration, saying it is gaining momentum as the filling of senior management positions has improved to 86%. All municipal manager and city manager positions are now occupied, and 88% of critical technical posts have been filled.

These improvements are strengthening institutional capacity and improving the ability of municipalities to deliver services effectively,” Mamabolo said.

Regarding council finances, the MEC said while municipal debtors remain unacceptably high at R173bn and Eskom debt has risen to R31bn, “the Local Government Turnaround Strategy has created a platform through which these challenges are being actively addressed”.

“This budget seeks not merely to fund programmes, it seeks to strengthen institutions, to improve governance, secure essential services, build resilience. It seeks to accelerate digital transformation and to restore public confidence and trust in local government.”

]]>Antonio Muchave <![CDATA[MAHLATSE AT THE WORLD CUP | Latest developments at FIFA World Cup 2026 ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-08-mahlatse-at-the-world-cup-bafana-v-mexico-in-fifa-world-cup-2026-opener/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-08-mahlatse-at-the-world-cup-bafana-v-mexico-in-fifa-world-cup-2026-opener/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:07:00 +0000June 25 2026, 11:55 am

Broos hails planning as Bafana used skill and pace to beat South Korea

Bafana Bafana knew what to expect from South Korea, thanks to meticulous planning by their technical and analysis team.

Speaking after South Africa beat the “Taegeuk Warriors” 1-0 at Estadio Monterrey Stadium on Wednesday (or the early hours of Thursday in South Africa) to finish second in the Fifa World Cup’s Group A, Broos said they planned to counter a team speed that would try to put the ball behind Bafana’s defence.

WATCH | Bafana coach Hugo Broos on how they analyzed South Korea. Click on the link for more

June 25 2026, 5:00

Bafana heroes stun South Korea and make World Cup history

History makers Bafana Bafana march on at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

With the odds stacked against them, they rose to the occasion under the humid conditions of Monterrey to produce a stunning 1-0 win over South Korea on Thursday morning.

Bafana heroes stun South Korea and make World Cup history

June 25 2026, 03:00

BLOW BY BLOW | Bafana shock Korea and reach World Cup last 32

Blow by blow updates from South Africa’s must-win final 2026 FIFA World Cup game in Monterrey

BLOW BY BLOW | Bafana shock Korea and reach World Cup last 32

June 24 2026, 16:12

MAHLATSE’S DAILY WORLD CUP TALKING POINT | SA ready for South Korea, says Broos

The time for talking is over. It’s now time for the Bafana Bafana players to step up and beat South Korea and enhance their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage of the World Cup.

MAHLATSE’S DAILY WORLD CUP TALKING POINT | SA ready for South Korea, says Broos

June 24 2026, 15:03

Bafana must adapt to sweltering conditions in Monterrey, says Broos

Bafana Bafana and South Korea will possibly have another natural opponent to contend with in their must-win final 2026 Fifa World Cup Group A clash at Estadio Monterrey on Wednesday (7pm Monterrey time, Thursday 3am SA time).

It is intensely hot and humid in the area and conditions are hovering around 33°C during the day, and above 28°C around the night kickoff time, something Bafana were not exposed to at their high-altitude base in Pachuca and South Korea in Guadalajara.

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Bafana must adapt to sweltering conditions in Monterrey, says Broos

June 24 2026, 14:00

What Bafana must get right against South Korea

Bafana Bafana have all to do in their crucial final Group A match of the 2026 Fifa World Cup against South Korea at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico on Thursday (3am, SA time).

SA must beat the ‘Taegeuk Warriors’ to have any realistic chance of making history and progressing to the next round of the tournament at the fourth time of asking.

June 23 2026, 10:50

Broos has to get it right again as Bafana face moment of truth

Analysing South Korea, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos pointed out an important factor that their key players are vastly experienced and turn out for top teams in Europe. And he is correct.

The defence of the team South Africa meet in a must-win final 2026 World Cup Group A game at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico on Wednesday (7pm local time, 3am on Thursday in SA) is marshalled by veteran Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich, who is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the German Bundesliga. He operates alongside Lee Han-Beom of Midtjylland in Denmark.

In the midfield, the “Taegeuk Warriors” have Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain, Hwang Inbeom of Feyenoord Rotterdam, Lee Jae-Sung of Mainz and Seol Young-Woo of Crvena Zvezda.

For much-needed goals, South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo relies heavily on Hwang Hee-chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers and hugely experienced 33-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min, who plays for Los Angeles FC.

June 22 2026, 16:00

Bafana must deal with Korea’s organisation and pace

Mexico came with their possession-based style of play, Czechia with physicality and aerial strength, and South Korea with tactical organisation and blistering pace.

Bafana continued their preparations at their Universidad del Fútbol base in Pachuca, Mexico, on Sunday afternoon and depart for Monterrey on Monday to finalise their preparations for their final 2026 Fifa World Cup Group A match.

June 22 2026, 15:16

England, Ghana eye knockout berths as World Cup stakes rise

England and Ghana both have the chance to book their place in the World Cup knockout stage when they clash in Boston on Tuesday after opening-match victories in Group L.

England began their campaign with an entertaining 4-2 win over Croatia, while Ghana edged Panama 1-0, leaving the two teams level on three points ahead of a potentially decisive meeting.

June 21 2026, 17:23

Bafana’s ‘Mr Dependable’ Mbatha will be key against South Korea

It happened once again in the game against Czechia in Atlanta last week.

With Bafana Bafana’s backs to the wall after the disappointing loss to Mexico, coach Hugo Broos turned to “Mr Dependable” in midfielder Thalente Mbatha and he produced a solid performance.

Mbatha, who usually doesn’t get the limelight and flies under the radar for the national team, is not always a certainty to start matches, but always responds positively whenever Broos looks in his direction.

Cast you mind back to the second group stage match of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) against Egypt in Agadir where Broos wanted to nullify the threat of Zizo, Hamdi Fathy, Mohamed Salah, Trezeguet and Omar Marmoush.

South Africa’s Thalente Mbatha in action with Czechia’s Michal Sadilek and Alexandr Sojka.
South Africa’s Thalente Mbatha in action with Czechia’s Michal Sadilek and Alexandr Sojka.

Bafana’s ‘Mr Dependable’ Mbatha will be key against South Korea

June 21 2026, 14:33

Bafana captain Williams says players’ belief is back as they prepare for South Korea

There is a feel-good factor in the Bafana Bafana camp as they prepare for the crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup group stages match against South Korea in Monterrey on Thursday (3am SA time).

Bafana recovered from the awful 2-0 opening loss to Mexico at the Azteca Stadium by taking the game to physical Czechia, and captain Ronwen Williams says that performance has done wonders for the team.

Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Iqraam Rayners of South Africa line up during the Fifa World Cup 2026 match against Czechia at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the US, on 18 June 2026. Picture:
Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Iqraam Rayners of South Africa line up during the Fifa World Cup 2026 match against Czechia at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the US, on 18 June 2026. Picture:

Bafana captain Williams says players’ belief is back as they prepare for South Korea

June 18 2026, 20:08

Bafana fight back for a draw against Czechia to keep their World Cup alive

Bafana Bafana earned a gritty 1-1 draw form their second 2026 Fifa World Cup Group A match at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, keeping their knockout hopes alive.

Teboho Mokoena celebrates scoring from the penalty spot for Bafana Bafana in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A draw against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday. Picture:
Teboho Mokoena celebrates scoring from the penalty spot for Bafana Bafana in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A draw against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday. Picture:

Bafana fight back for a draw against Czechia to keep their World Cup alive

June 18 2026, 20:40

WATCH | Retired striker Pollen Ndlanya says Bafana Bafana should have won against Czechia, who held them to a 1-all in their second World Cup Group A match in Atlanta on Thursday, predicting the last group match against South Korea next Thursday will be more difficult.

June 18 2026, 20:04

FULL TIME - CZECHIA 1 BAFANA BAFANA 1

In the end, Bafana fought, they showed they could play. South Korea will be tough. Perhaps this gives Bafana confidence.

They need three points on June 25 at 3am SA time. They can do it. They can build on this performance and do better. They mostly outplayed Czechia. SA are still in the World Cup!!

BLOW BY BLOW | Bafana fight back to earn brave draw against Czechia

83 minute: GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!!! GOOOALLLLL!!!! GOOOALLLL!!!! Czechia 1 Bafana 1

WATCH | Fans at Castle Lager fan watch at Ekoneni in Vosloorus react to Bafana Bafana first goal at 2026 World Cup.

June 18 2026, 19:25

South Africa need goals.

WATCH | Panic starts to kick in on for Bafana Bafana fans watching the game against Czech Republic at Koneni in Vosloorus after Ronwen Williams conceded an early goal.

June 18 2026, 18:52

45+5 - That’s the halftime whistle!

WATCH | Bafana legend Brian Baloyi is not happy with the changes Bafana coach Hugo Broos made to the starting XI, predicts a draw.

June 18 2026, 18:30

WATCH | Itu remains hopeful.

10min in - Bafana really shaky under Czech’s precision and pace. And now they have it all to do again!

Like in Mexico, Bafana just have to settle ...

6min - GOOOOOOOALLLLLL!!!! GOOOOOALLLL!!!! GOAALLLLL!!! Czechia 1 Bafana 0

Czech score! Class goal, even if Bafana at sixes and sevens. No 9. Adam Hlozek dangerous angled low ball from the right across the box, touch on the edge of the area and 18. Michal Sadilek in acres of space to finish!

June 18 2026, 17:58

WATCH | Bafana Bafana welcomed by fans and TKZee’s Shibobo at Atlanta Stadium.

WATCH | Bafana Bafana welcomed by TKZee's Shibobo when come out for warm-up at Atlanta Stadium. pic.twitter.com/wmwGp5wAu5

— Times LIVE (@TimesLIVE) June 18, 2026

June 18 2026, 17:08

Broos rings changes in starting XI for Bafana’s crucial clash with Czechia

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has made three changes to his starting XI to take on Czechia in their crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup Group A match at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday (noon in Georgia, 6pm SA time).

The coach deployed a defensive 3-5-2 formation and line-up that backfired in Bafana’s 2-0 opening defeat to co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City last Thursday.

Broos rings changes in starting XI for Bafana’s crucial clash with Czechia

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and captain Ronwen Williams (back, obsured) during their pitch inspection at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup game there against Czechia on Thursday.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and captain Ronwen Williams (back, obsured) during their pitch inspection at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup game there against Czechia on Thursday.

June 18 2026, 15:00

Additional 19 fans selected for all-expenses-paid trip to cheer on Bafana Bafana in Monterrey

The department of sport, arts and culture has announced that an additional 19 football fans have been selected to travel to Monterrey, Mexico, to watch Bafana Bafana play their third 2026 Fifa World Cup group stage match against South Korea on June 24.

The competition opened on May 31 and closed on June 2. To enter, fans were required to submit a 30-second video showcasing their passion for South African football.

Additional 19 fans selected for all-expenses-paid trip to cheer on Bafana Bafana in Monterrey

June 18 2026, 13:05

Broos to change Bafana’s approach against Czechia

Expect a different look to Bafana Bafana when they take on Czechia in their crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup clash at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday.

South Africa and tough, physical Czechia are both desperate for a win in their second Group A clash (noon in Atlanta, 6pm SA time) to refresh their campaigns and stay on course for the last 32 after South Africa lost to co-hosts Mexico (2-0) and Czechia lost to South Korea (2-1) last week.

Read: MAHLATSE’S DAILY WORLD CUP TALKING POINT

National coach Hugo Broos addresses a press conference at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the US, on 17 June 2026. Picture
National coach Hugo Broos addresses a press conference at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the US, on 17 June 2026. Picture

June 18 2026, 11:50

Broos to ring changes for Bafana’s crucial World Cup clash against Czechia

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos will ring formation and personnel changes for the crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup clash against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday.

Both teams are under pressure as they go into the clash after they lost their opening matches last week, and another defeat will leave their hopes of progressing to the next round in serious danger.

At his pre-match press conference on Wednesday Broos said South African supporters must expect a few changes after his unusual formation in the 2-0 opening-match defeat against Mexico backfired.

Broos to ring changes for Bafana’s crucial World Cup clash against Czechia

June 18 2026, 10:30

‘Shut up’, Bafana coach Broos tells critics as they prepare to meet Czechia

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has come out swinging at detractors who criticised the team’s performance in their 2-0 2026 Fifa World Cup defeat to Mexico last week, saying he is doing it his way and they must “shut up”.

Broos was the subject of stinging criticism from football supporters after Bafana played an unusual formation that backfired in the tournament opening match in Mexico City last Thursday.

‘Shut up’, Bafana coach Broos tells critics as they prepare to meet Czechia

June 17 2026, 16:45

What Broos needs to do as Bafana meet Czechia

All eyes are on Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos as the team’s crucial second 2026 Fifa World Cup Group A clash against Chechia looms.

South Africans are waiting with bated breath to see how Broos will balance his starting XI against the physically imposing Europeans at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia (noon in Atlanta, 6pm SA time).

What Broos needs to do as Bafana meet Czechia

June 17 2026, 14:16

Broos must get approach right as Bafana have it all to play for against Czechia

Bafana Bafana were welcomed by rainy weather when they arrived in the US state of Georgia on Tuesday for their World Cup clash against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday.

South Africa are under pressure to get something positive from the match and refresh their campaign after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the tournament’s opening match, but it’s not going to be easy against the physically imposing Europeans.

Czechia have problems of their own because they lost their opening match 2-1 to South Korea in Monterrey, Mexico, and a win here in Atlanta will also be top of their agenda to stay in contention for the knockout stage.

Broos must get approach right as Bafana have it all to play for against Czechia

June 17 2026, 12:13

The battle of Atlanta: five key players for Bafana

Bafana Bafana have it all to play for in their second Group A match of the 2026 Fifa World Cup against Czechia at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia on Thursday.

After their 2-0 opening defeat against Mexico, a win against physically imposing Czechia would refresh South Africa’s ambitions of qualifying for the last 32. Bafana’s last group match against South Korea will be played next week in Monterrey, Mexico.

For South Africa to achieve their mission, coach Hugo Broos is going to rely on five key players: Read the full report.

June 16 2026, 16:39

Bafana’s Maseko wants to make up for lost time

The stars have aligned beautifully for attacking midfielder Thapelo Maseko as he finds himself with Bafana Bafana at the 2026 Fifa World Cup after falling in love with the game again in Cyprus.

Several injuries led to him falling down the pecking order at star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns where coach Miguel Cardoso had enough options on the bench.

When he was fit, it was hard to break into the team and lack of regular game time saw him miss out on what could have been his second Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) appearance in Morocco.

Bafana’s Maseko wants to make up for lost time

June 16 2026, 15:30

Bafana in high spirits after prep for Czechia

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was his usual self at their training base at Universidad del Futbol in Mexico as they wrapped up preparations for the 2026 Fifa World Cup match against Czechia in Atlanta on Thursday.

Bafana go into this match under pressure after they lost their opening match of the tournament to Mexico last week, but goalkeeper Ricardo Goss and attacker Thapelo Maseko said they have put the defeat behind them.

Bafana in high spirits after prep for Czechia

June 16 2026, 14:40

Anyone doubting Bafana ‘better think again’, says Thapelo Maseko

Bafana Bafana have been in this situation before, with doubts hanging over their heads after losing the first match of a big tournament, but attacker Thapelo Maseko says they have the experience to turn it around.

Bafana started the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast with a 2-0 loss to Mali in Korhogo, but coach Hugo Broos galvanised the team, and they went on to walk away with the bronze medal.

https://www.businessday.co.za/sport/soccer/2026-06-16-anyone-doubting-bafana-better-think-again-says-thapelo-maseko/

June 16 2026, 13:20

Coach Broos, change approach and unleash Mofokeng for Czechia

Much has been said about Bafana Bafana since their 2-0 2026 Fifa World Cup opening match loss to Mexico, with coach Hugo Broos and the players, in many instances, vilified for that underwhelming performance.

South African supporters are opinionated when it comes to sport and especially Bafana, and the backlash was expected because of their emotional attachment to the senior national team.

Given that disappointingly pedestrian performance against co-hosts Mexico, it was expected there would be a backlash. Whether it was harsh is a matter for personal reflection and judgement.

Three points were lost against Mexico, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. However, Bafana are still alive in this tournament with six points to play for against Czechia and South Korea.

Coach Broos, change approach, unleash Mofokeng for Czechia

June 14 2026, 16:35

Vilakazi urges Broos to unleash Mofokeng against Czechia

Furious debate continues on how Bafana Bafana must approach their important World Cup clash against Czechia on Thursday in Atlanta, and former Bafana Bafana midfielder Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi has joined the conversation.

Vilakazi, who was in the stadium when Bafana capitulated in their 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium last week, is one of the many voices calling for Broos to give Relebohile Mofokeng a chance.

Vilakazi urges Broos to unleash Mofokeng against Czechia

June 11 2026, 22:45

Bafana have a knife at their throats after scrappy defeat to Mexico

One match into the 2026 Fifa World Cup and Bafana Bafana have a knife to their throats.

Their 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico, who finally won an opening match of the World Cup after two unsuccessful attempts, means Bafana must get something from their next match against Czechia in Atlanta, Georgia next week Thursday.

Bafana have a knife to their throats after scrappy defeat to Mexico

June 11 2026, 22:25

Bafana suffer two red cards as they lose against Mexico

FULL TIME - Mexico 2 Bafana Bafana 0

90 + 8 - THAT’S FULL TIME!

LIVE UPDATES | Bafana suffer two red cards as they lose against Mexico

June 11 2026, 22:00

Mexico 1 Bafana Bafana 0

Broos needs answers at the break. The players too.

LIVE UPDATES | Bafana on back foot as Mexico take lead to the break in World Cup opener

June 11 2026, 21:40

LIVE UPDATES | Bafana on back foot as Mexico take early lead in World Cup opener

Mexico 1 - Bafana 0

LIVE UPDATES | Bafana on back foot as Mexico take early lead in World Cup opener

June 11 2026, 21:20

From the World Cup ceremony in Mexico to fan parks in Johannesburg and Durban, here are the moments in pictures:

June 11 2026, 21:05

Phambili nge war Bafanas. LET’S GO!!!!

#BafanaBafana #Fifa2026 #WorldCup #RSAMEX

June 11 2026, 20:48

WATCH | It is almost time for the start of 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Azteca Stadium.

June 11 2026, 20:30

Broos springs some surprises in Bafana starting XI for World Cup opener

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos sprang a few surprises with his formation and the personnel in his starting line-up for Thursday’s 2026 Fifa World Cup opening match against Mexico.

Ronwen Wlliams has taken his place between the posts at Estadio Azteca (1pm in Mexico City, 9pm SA time).

However, of great interest is in front of him where Broos has gone with a three-man defence of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon and Nkosinathi Sibisi.

Broos springs some surprises in Bafana starting XI for World Cup opener

June 11 2026, 20:00

Excitement builds up outside the Azteca Stadium as 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa draws closer.

June 11 2026, 19:50

LIVE UPDATES | Mexico v Bafana in World Cup opener, all the build-up and action

Catch the live updates of the 2026 World Cup opening game at Estadio Azteca here:

LIVE UPDATES | Mexico v Bafana in World Cup opener, all the build-up and action

June 11 2026, 18:46

Watch Fifa president Gianni Infantino on the US hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

June 11 2026, 18:44

Bafana Bafana supporter Mamello Makha confident ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match against Mexico.

June 11 2026, 18:35

Bafana Bafana supporter Masilo Machaka says it’s not going to be easy against Mexico in 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match.

June 11 2026, 17:20

Arena Sports Show | Sundowns and Pirates players are key for Bafana at World Cup

Arena Sports Show host Clauiee Grace Mpanza and regular guest Sizwe Mabena are joined by football analyst Musi Matlaba and footballer Ramahlwe Mphahlele. Here’s what they had to say:

ARENA SPORTS SHOW | Sundowns and Pirates players key for Bafana at World Cup

June 11 2026, 16:36

Pretoria communities unite for Bafana’s World Cup opener | ‘The boys will make us proud. The coach just needs to put out the right line-up’.

With the 2026 Fifa World Cup finally here, the Pretoria community is buzzing with excitement. Mexico and South Africa will open the event when they face off at Mexico City stadium on Thursday at 9pm.

Pretoria community members will be watching the game at different locations.

WATCH | Pretoria communities unite for Bafana’s World Cup opener

June 11 2026, 16: 21

Mexico’s star players — what Bafana are up against in World Cup opener

Coach Javier Aguirre has set Mexico up for uncompromising football that gives precious little away, making fast counterattacks count.

Mexico’s star players — what Bafana are up against in World Cup opener

June 11 2026, 16: 15

An amazing tale — Bafana coach Broos and Mexico’s Aguirre squared up as players in 1986 opener

As Bafana Bafana and Mexico stride out carrying the hopes of their nations in Thursday’s 2026 Fifa World Cup opening game at Estadio Azteca (9pm SA time), South Africa coach Hugo Broos and El Tri counterpart Javier Aguirre might give each other a knowing look.

An amazing tale — Bafana coach Broos and Mexico’s Aguirre squared up as players in 1986 opener

June 11 2026, 16: 10

The wait is over! World Cup starts TONIGHT with Bafana vs Mexico! Some fans are confident, some are nervous… all of them are passionate. Watch, then drop YOUR prediction in the comments!

June 11 2026, 14: 44

Mexico v Bafana, World Cup kickoff and opening ceremony — all you need to know

The 2026 Fifa World Cup kicks off on Thursday when Mexico clash against Bafana Bafana at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Mexico v Bafana, World Cup kickoff and opening ceremony — all you need to know

June 11 2026, 14: 26

A letter to the nation | We are back ... the spirit of the World Cup burns bright in SA

Not just back at the Fifa World Cup 2026 … Back to believing again. Back to dreaming again. Back together again. For 16 years, we South Africans have waited for this moment, writes Ronwen Williams.

RONWEN WILLIAMS | We are back ... the spirit of the World Cup burns bright in SA

June 11 2026, 14:30

Mexico’s star players — what Bafana are up against in World Cup opener

When he returned to the Mexican national team for his third stint in 2024, coach Javier Aguirre introduced defensive discipline and they moved away from their traditional expansive attacking style towards a pragmatic approach.

Bafana Bafana will face a team set up to be uncomfortable to play against, aiming for uncompromising football that gives precious little away and making fast counterattacks count in Thursday’s 2026 Fifa World Cup opening game at Estadio Azteca (1pm in Mexico Coty, 9pm SA time).

Mexico’s star players — what Bafana are up against in World Cup opener

June 11 2026, 14:00

WATCH | Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is targeting a win over Mexico in World Cup opener to calm nerves.

June 11 2026, 12:00

MAHLATSE’S DAILY WORLD CUP TALKING POINT | Wait finally over as tournament kicks off at Azteca

The wait is over. The 2026 Fifa World Cup kicks off on Thursday, and Bafana Bafana end their 16-year wait to return to the tournament when they clash against Mexico in the opening match.

The famed Estadio Azteca will be packed with a wall of green supporters behind coach Javier Aguirre’s tough “El Tri” as counterpart Hugo Broos’s Bafana Bafana will be up against the co-hosts (1pm in Mexico City, 9pm SA time).

MAHLATSE’S DAILY WORLD CUP TALKING POINT | Wait finally over as tournament kicks off at Azteca

June 11 2026, 11:40

‘I don’t regret anything’: Gianni Infantino on the US hosting the Fifa World Cup

Instead of waiting for tough questions from the floor, Fifa president Gianni Infantino took the initiative and wasted no time dealing with the elephants in the room.

The first matter that needed attention at his pre-2026 Fifa World Cup press conference at Estadio Azteca, where Mexico meets Bafana Bafana in Thursday’s opening game (1pm in Mexico City, 9pm SA time), was Iran’s status at the tournament, as the US and Israel’s war against that nation continues to rage.

Then there was the hugely contentious issue of Somalian referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the US amid that country’s controversial Immigration policies under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has earned Fifa international condemnation. Another was the expensive match-day tickets.

‘I don’t regret anything’: Gianni Infantino on the US hosting the Fifa World Cup

June 11 2026, 11:01

POLL | Will Bafana Bafana beat Mexico in the World Cup opening game?

Sixteen years after Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic rocket shook Johannesburg in the 2010 opener, the football gods have engineered the perfect sequel.

On Thursday night the 2026 Fifa World Cup officially bursts into life as co-hosts Mexico welcome South Africa’s Bafana Bafana to the legendary, hyper-charged Estadio Azteca.

It is a high-stakes curtain-raiser, and the fans are deeply divided on how this blockbusting Group A clash will unfold. Where do you stand?

POLL | Will Bafana Bafana beat Mexico in the World Cup opening game?

June 11 2026, 09:35

The World Cup kicks off: Bafana must not be overawed by the hostile Azteca

The iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City will be packed to the rafters with more than 80,000 passionate and screaming home supporters but South Africa can spoil the party for co-hosts Mexico.

Ahead of Thursday’s huge-viewership 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match (1pm in Mexico City, 9pm SA time) to raise the curtain on the biggest tournament yet — the expanded 48 participants play to an extravaganza of 104 matches across the US, Mexico and Canada — Bafana coach Broos said in his pre-match press conference his team are ready and will block the noise from the stands.

The World Cup kicks off: Bafana must not be overawed by the hostile Azteca

June 11 2026, 09:00

16 years on, the shoe that scored the first goal at 2010 World Cup

16 years ago today, Siphiwe Tshabalala was one of the stars of the 2010 World Cup Bafana Bafana team. He made history by scoring the first goal of the tournament, a thunderbolt with his left foot. As a much-anticipated event for the country, our first, the goal put him in the history books.

While many reminisce about the moment itself, the songs including Waka Waka and the casual Fridays that have become part of our DNA, many forget the shoes behind the kick that gave Bafana Bafana their tournament highlight.

“We had what was called a share of play ambition, which was to get 71% of players on the pitch in Nike footwear. We had nine of the starting 11 in Nike boots,” said Bronson Mokabela, marketing general manager at the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc).

16 years on, the shoe that scored the first goal at 2010 World Cup

June 11 2026, 08:45

LUCKY MATHEBULA | South Africa and Mexico again: why June 11 is more than a football anniversary

Sixteen years after the sound of the vuvuzela announced South Africa to the world, June 11 returns with an almost poetic symmetry.

South Africa and Mexico meet again on the same date that opened the 2010 World Cup, the match that ended 1–1 after Siphiwe Tshabalala gave Bafana Bafana the lead and Rafael Márquez equalised late.

Now, as the 2026 tournament opens in Mexico City with Mexico again facing South Africa, the fixture is more than a sporting coincidence. It is an invitation to remember what football can reveal about a nation to itself.

LUCKY MATHEBULA | South Africa and Mexico again: why June 11 is more than a football anniversary

June 11 2026, 08:30

BLAST FROM THE PAST | Tshabalala’s stellar goal against Mexico jump-starts World Cup

2010 — Bafana Bafana and Mexico play to a 1-1 draw in the opening match of the World Cup in front of nearly 85,000 fans at Soccer City. The visitors applied the pressure in the first half of this Group A contest, but Siphiwe Tshabalala scored one of the goals of the tournament to put the hosts ahead in the 55th minute. Rafael Marquez levelled the score with 11 minutes remaining, and Katlego Mphela missed a vital chance to clinch the game for South Africa in the last minute of normal time when his shot hit the post.

BLAST FROM THE PAST | Tshabalala’s stellar goal against Mexico jump-starts World Cup

June 11 2026, 08:11

Tyla to perform SA national anthem for Fifa World Cup opening

South Africans around the world will have their eyes fixed on Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday as Bafana Bafana take on hosts Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Adding to the occasion, two-time Grammy-award-winning icon Tyla is set to perform the South African national anthem before kickoff, bringing Mzansi flavour to one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.

She will also be performing a medley of hits, including a collaborative Afropop Fifa track with US rapper Future, titled Game Time.

Tyla to perform SA national anthem for Fifa World Cup opening

June 11 2026, 08:00

EDITORIAL | Bafana can give SA something to celebrate: 63-million of us are willing them to do so

It is history in the making as Bafana Bafana meet co-hosts Mexico at the fabled Estadio Azteca in Thursday’s 2026 World Cup opening game (1pm in Mexico City, 9pm SA time).

The tournament’s opening match has a huge viewership and this one, according to reports, is on track to smash the TV and streaming record for the first game, with projections of 1.1-billion live viewers worldwide.

It is a replay of the opening game when South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup and Bafana drew 1-1 with Mexico in the opener at FNB Stadium.

EDITORIAL | Bafana can give SA something to celebrate: 63-million of us are willing them to do so

June 10 2026, 16:00

Mexico City suspends classes, shifts to remote work for traffic for Bafana World Cup kickoff

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday issued a decree ordering federal workers in the capital to work from home on June 11 and suspending school classes to ease traffic during FIFA World Cup opening events.

The decree aims to improve urban mobility and road safety as Mexico City hosts the World Cup opening match against Bafana Bafana at Estadio Azteca (1pm local time, 9pm SA time) and accompanying events on Thursday.

Mexico City suspends classes, shifts to remote work for traffic for Bafana World Cup kickoff

June 10 2026, 14:22

All-Brazilian line-up to referee Mexico v Bafana World Cup opening game

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio will take charge of the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Mexico and Bafana Bafana, leading a three-man Brazil team for the curtain-raiser in Mexico City.

Compatriots Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia will be Sampaio’s assistants in Thursday’s Group A inaugural clash at Estadio Azteca (1pm in Mexico City, 9pm SA time).

Sampaio also officiated matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and was part of the video assistant referee (VAR) team when it was introduced at the 2018 edition in Russia.

All-Brazilian line-up to referee Mexico v Bafana World Cup opening game

June 10 2026, 13:32

2026 FIFA World Cup, all the fixtures

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with the opening game between co-hosts Mexico and Bafana Bafana at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.

2026 Fifa World Cup: all the fixtures

June 10 2026, 12:26

MAHLATSE’S DAILY WORLD CUP TALKING POINT | Mbokazi cleared to play for Bafana against Mexico

There is good news coming out of the Bafana Bafana camp, with clarification that central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is available for the World Cup opener against Mexico on Thursday.

There had been confusion about Mbokazi potentially being suspended. However, confirmation has been provided that the 20-year-old Chicago Fire defensive star served a one-match ban and was handed a monetary fine after his red card for “unsporting behaviour towards an opponent” in a qualifier against Zimbabwe last year.

MAHLATSE’S DAILY WORLD CUP TALKING POINT | Mbokazi cleared to play for Bafana against Mexico

June 10 2026, 11:30

What Bafana must get right against Mexico

Bafana Bafana will be up against it when they take on co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 Fifa World Cup at the imposing Azteca Stadium on Thursday (1pm in Mexico City, 9pm SA time).

Coach Hugo Broos has pointed out South Africa will have to be at their best against a well-balanced team that will be backed by passionate and intimidating support in the fabled 87,000-seat venue.

What Bafana must get right against Mexico

What Bafana must get right against Mexico

June 10 2026, 11:10

MAHLATSE’S DAILY WORLD CUP TALKING POINT | Mbokazi cleared to play against Mexico.

June 10 2026, 10:42

WATCH | Bafana Bafana preparing for 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match against Mexico on Thursday.

Bafana coach Broos banking on Champions League experience of Sundowns players

June 10 2026, 10:30

Bafana Bafana may have at least five Mamelodi Sundowns players in their starting line-up for the opening 2026 Fifa World Cup match against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Thursday (1pm in Mexico City, 9pm SA time).

Sundowns players are hardened and conditioned to playing at a higher level after competing in the latter stages of the Caf Champions League every season. They reached the last four semifinals and last two finals, adding a second title to the one won in 2016 in 2025-26 with their 2-1 aggregate last-match win against Morocco’s AS FAR last month, even though they lost their Betway Premiership title to rivals Orlando Pirates.

Bafana coach Hugo Broos said it is important to have players with such proven experience in the squad because they are used to playing in high-stakes matches.

Bafana coach Broos banking on Champions League experience of Sundowns players

June 9 2026, 15:10

Bafana will ‘fight like lions’ against ‘complete team’ Mexico, says Broos

Bafana World Cup opening match

June 10 2026, 06:00

EXCLUSIVE | We have the same mentality: Mkhalele on working with Bafana coach Hugo Broos

Helman Mkhalele has lifted the lid on his strong working relationship with Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, saying they have the same mentality when it comes to football.

Mkhalele has been Broos’ assistant coach for just over five years. The pair have been responsible for the revival of the senior national team with two Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) appearances, including a best finish of bronze in 2024, and qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.

The World Cup starts on Thursday with Bafana taking on co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City (1pm local time, 9pm SA time), where they will be looking for a positive start.

EXCLUSIVE | We have the same mentality: Mkhalele on working with Bafana coach Hugo Broos

June 9 2026, 14:03

MAHLATSE’S DAILY WORLD CUP TALKING POINT | Modiba in race to be fit for Bafana-Mexico

June 9 2026 13:37

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos on the pressure of playing against the co-host in opening match of the World Cup.

June 9 2026 12:56

Sports minister Gayton Mckenzie says he has high hopes for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

June 9 2026, 6am

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is confronted with a selection headache ahead of the anticipated Fifa World Cup opener against co-hosts Mexico at the imposing Azteca Stadium on Thursday.

Broos faces selection headache for Bafana v Mexico

June 8 2026, 16:59

Former Bafana Bafana and Everton star midfielder Steven “Schillo” Pienaar has entered the Relebohile Mofokeng discussion.

Pienaar implores Broos to unleash Relebohile Mofokeng at World Cup

June 8 2026, 16:58

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says he is not bothered by people who filmed their practice match against Jamaica at the weekend.

Broos not bothered by people who filmed Bafana’s Jamaica game ahead of Mexico clash

June 8 2026, 10:35am

June 8 2026, 7am

June 8 2026, 6.50am

After two days of travel, sports reporter Mahlatse Mphahlele has arrived in Mexico for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Stay tuned as he brings you all the latest news and updates from Bafana Bafana’s base in Pachuca

June 8 2026, 6.45am

Mexico City resident Manuel Gutierrez on what visitors must expect in the country during the World Cup

June 8 2026, 6.30am

Bafana Bafana supporters brought Mexico City International Airport to a standstill with songs after arrival in the country

June 8 2026, 6am

Bafana meet Mexico in the World Cup opener at the Azteca: here’s what to expect

Just like 16 years ago on that bitterly cold evening at FNB Stadium in Joburg, Bafana Bafana are in the opening match of the Fifa World Cup against Mexico, this time at the Azteca Stadium.

South Africa are making their fourth World Cup appearance and the first since they hosted the tournament in 2010.

Coach Hugo Broos and his men have a monkey on their backs, as they never made it out of the group stages, and their main priority is to get rid of this unwanted record.

TimesLIVE

]]>Arena Holdings<![CDATA[Here are five things you need to know about Matlala’s plea deal]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-here-are-five-things-you-need-to-know-about-matlalas-plea-deal/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-here-are-five-things-you-need-to-know-about-matlalas-plea-deal/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has given the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) information that is verifiable and backed up by documents in exchange for a lenient sentence.

This is according to state prosecutor Adv Santhos Manilall, who told the Pretoria specialised commercial crimes court that Matlala gave them information that will aid in prosecuting senior officials in the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“It will appease the public because the state...will not be criticised for pursuing lower-ranking officials. Corruption is a [complicated] offence, and it is a difficult case to prove, and often times high-ranking officials get off scott-free because there is not enough evidence to charge them,” Manilall said.

“Often times high-ranking officials get off scott-free because there is not enough evidence to charge them.” — State prosecutor Adv Santhos Manilall

Matlala pleaded guilty to fraud, corruption and money laundering charges against him in relation to the R228m SAPS tender that was awarded to his Medicare 24 company in June 2024.

Here are five things you need to know about the Matlala-Idac plea proposal:

  • The negotiations for a plea deal and sentencing took about two months before they reached their conclusion early this week.
  • Matlala has admitted that his company was fraudulently awarded the tender and that he was fronting for Medicare 24 CEO Mike van Wyk in order for him to bypass BEE legislation.
  • Matlala admitted that he paid a gratification of R300,000 to Brig Rachel Matjeng in exchange for purchase orders.
  • The state and Matlala have proposed that he will be a state witness when the state pursues senior officials, and in return he would get eight years of direct imprisonment. The sentence would only apply to the Medicare24 and SAPS tender.
  • The court will on Wednesday make a ruling on the plea and sentence agreement between Matlala and Idac.

Sowetan

]]>Veli Nhlapo<![CDATA[WATCH | Matlala’s plea deal will see more senior officials implicated, court hears ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-watch-matlalas-plea-deal-will-see-more-senior-officials-implicated-court-hears/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-watch-matlalas-plea-deal-will-see-more-senior-officials-implicated-court-hears/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:27:45 +0000The contents of Vusi “Cat” Matlala‘s affidavit implicates more high-ranking officials, a state prosecutor told the Pretoria commercial crimes court on Thursday.

Advocate Santhos Manilall said the plea agreement between the state and Matlala took about two months.

“That has been a long process because information had to be verified and documentation secured to corroborate what he said,” Manilall said.

The state proposed that Matlala be sentenced to eight years’ direct imprisonment.

He said the information that Matlala would give would help the state to pursue high-ranking officials who were tasked with protecting the country.

“I ask the court to weigh the interests of society together with the interests of justice. The state will for the first time not be criticised for pursuing [only] lower-ranking officials.”

Matlala pleaded guilty to fraud, corruption and money laundering. He admitted that he got a R228m SAPS tender irregularly and also paid bribes.

He was awarded a tender in June 2024 to conduct health and awareness assessments on SAPS employees.

Proceedings continue.

Sowetan

]]>Veli Nhlapo<![CDATA[Broos hails planning as Bafana used skill and pace to beat South Korea]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-25-broos-hails-meticulous-planning-as-bafana-used-skill-and-pace-to-beat-south-korea/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-25-broos-hails-meticulous-planning-as-bafana-used-skill-and-pace-to-beat-south-korea/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:55:47 +0000Bafana Bafana knew what to expect from South Korea, thanks to meticulous planning by their technical and analysis team.

Speaking after South Africa beat the “Taegeuk Warriors” 1-0 at Estadio Monterrey Stadium on Wednesday (or the early hours of Thursday in South Africa) to finish second in the Fifa World Cup’s Group A, Broos said they planned to counter a team speed that would try to put the ball behind Bafana’s defence.

Bafana now turn their attention to the last 32, where they are up against co-hosts Canada at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday (9pm SA time). Broos said the South Africans want to keep on marching.

“It is always important when you have good analysts looking at the opposing team,” said the 74-year-old Belgian, who entrenched his hero status among most South Africans by steering Bafana to their first World Cup knockout stage at the fourth time of asking.

“I saw a South Korea team that I expected: with speed, that runs a lot, tries to find the space behind the defence — and we knew that.

“But we also knew that we could recover the ball when we had space and that’s why we played a very good tactical game. When the Koreans had the ball, we tried to cover all the spaces and we succeeded.

“When we had the ball, it was dangerous for them because we used the spaces they gave us. We have quick players who can find those spaces and we had a player like Relebohile Mofokeng today who can give those passes and play between the lines.

“When I look back at my career, I think many people, players and coaches, will be a little jealous of what I have achieved.”

Hugh Broos, Bafana Bafana coach

“This is the reason we won today. Towards the end of the game, they were desperate at 1-0 down and they needed a draw to qualify for the next round.

“We also knew those balls would come and we took very good positions and there was nearly no dangerous opportunity for South Korea. I think we were a little better tactically than them.”

Broos, who retires from coaching after this tournament, said steering Bafana into the knockout stage for the first time in the country where he ended his career as a player at the 1986 World Cup is up there with his best achievements.

His other highlights as a coach include league titles in Belgium, winning the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2017 with an unfancied Cameroon squad and taking South Africa to the bronze medal in 2024.

“When people ask you what the biggest achievement of your career is, it is very difficult after you won Afcon with Cameroon, you have a bronze medal with South Africa, you won championships in Belgium and you have European Cups. This is one of the highest achievements. But winning Afcon is also a great achievement. Don’t ask me which one is first or second, they are all magnificent for me as a coach.

“When I look back at my career, I think many people, players and coaches, will be a little jealous of what I have achieved.”

  • All the World Cup fixtures here
  • World Cup page here
  • All the group profiles here
  • Star player profiles here
  • Bafana news here

TimesLIVE

]]>Gavin Barker/BackpagePix<![CDATA[Volkswagen T7 Multivan Caravelle PHEV now available for pre-order]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/motoring/2026-06-25-volkswagen-t7-multivan-caravelle-phev-now-available-for-pre-order/https://www.sowetan.co.za/motoring/2026-06-25-volkswagen-t7-multivan-caravelle-phev-now-available-for-pre-order/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0000Volkswagen has opened South African pre-orders for the new T7 Multivan Caravelle Style plug-in hybrid.

The model combines a 130kW/250Nm 1.5l four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors and a 19.7kWh battery pack. One electric motor is housed within the six-speed DSG transmission, driving the front wheels, while the second is integrated into the rear torsion beam axle. This configuration enables 4Motion all-wheel drive when additional traction is required. Volkswagen claims a combined system output of 180kW and 350Nm.

The high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack features 96 cell modules and liquid cooling, and offers a maximum all-electric driving range of 95km at speeds of up to 130km/h. The Caravelle plug-in hybrid supports AC charging at up to 11kW for home charging, as well as DC fast charging at up to 50kW. Volkswagen says a DC charger can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in about 26 minutes.

The vehicle is also fitted with an electric stationary air-conditioning system in addition to the conventional climate control used while driving. It can be used to cool, ventilate or heat the cabin while the vehicle is charging, parked or being used for camping.

Expect a maximum electric driving range of up to 95km.
Expect a maximum electric driving range of up to 95km.

When connected to an external power source, the system can operate for up to 30 minutes, while using the onboard battery limits operation to 10 minutes. Activation is also possible via the infotainment system or a smartphone app.

Standard features include Digital Cockpit Pro, a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless App-Connect, 30-colour ambient lighting including footwell lighting for the second row of seats, three-zone Air Care Climatronic with an additional rear control panel, and a leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles.

The cabin has seven individual seats, with the rear passenger seats mounted on a flexible sliding rail system that allows multiple seating configurations for business, family or leisure use. A multifunction table adds further practicality, while an electric sliding door and electric tailgate are also included.

Safety features come in the form of IQ.Light LED matrix headlamps, Park Assist, Front Assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, and Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality and a speed limiter.

The T7 Multivan Caravelle Style is priced at R1,794,000. Included in the price is a three-year/120,000km warranty and a five-year/100,000km maintenance plan.

]]>VOLKSWAGEN<![CDATA[Isuzu extends D-Max and MU-X service plan to six years]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/motoring/2026-06-25-isuzu-extends-d-max-and-mu-x-service-plan-to-six-years/https://www.sowetan.co.za/motoring/2026-06-25-isuzu-extends-d-max-and-mu-x-service-plan-to-six-years/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:00:00 +0000Isuzu South Africa has extended the standard service plan on its updated D-Max bakkie and MU-X SUV ranges from five years to six years, while retaining the 90,000km coverage limit.

The revised package applies to all Model Year 2026 vehicles sold from May 1 and comes at no additional cost to buyers. Isuzu said the additional year of cover will also be carried over to future model years of both vehicle ranges.

The extra year is likely to benefit owners with lower annual mileage, giving them more time to make full use of the plan before reaching the kilometre limit.

The revised offering covers both private and fleet customers, extending the period during which scheduled maintenance costs are included under the manufacturer-backed package.

The move comes as vehicle manufacturers place increasing emphasis on aftersales support as a way of adding value for buyers in South Africa’s highly competitive bakkie and SUV market.

]]>Isuzu<![CDATA[EXCLUSIVE | Forensic report finds no evidence of impropriety by Tshwane CFO Mnisi]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-exclusive-forensic-report-finds-no-evidence-of-impropriety-by-tshwane-cfo-mnisi/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-exclusive-forensic-report-finds-no-evidence-of-impropriety-by-tshwane-cfo-mnisi/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:53:06 +0000A confidential forensic report commissioned by the City of Tshwane has stopped short of finding suspended CFO Gareth Mnisi guilty of financial misconduct, despite identifying procurement irregularities and recommending disciplinary action against him.

The report follows allegations that emerged during testimony before the Madlanga commission of inquiry into political interference, criminality and corruption, where Mnisi appeared in March.

While investigators identified several breaches of municipal rules and procurement processes, they found no evidence of impropriety by Mnisi.

These findings are far from harsh and might even potentially pave the way for the CFO to return to work.

Source

The findings have reportedly divided senior figures within the metro, with some saying they expected a far more damning outcome.

Click here to read more.

]]>Freddy Mavunda<![CDATA[Former hit squad members on trial for multiple 1980s killings]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-former-hit-squad-members-on-trial-for-multiple-1980s-killings/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-former-hit-squad-members-on-trial-for-multiple-1980s-killings/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:19:36 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

Former National Party government spy Joe Mamasela and his accomplice Michael “Tebogo” Macitinga appeared before the Benoni regional court on Thursday to face multiple charges, including 15 counts of murder.

In addition, Mamasela, 74, and Macitinga, 66, face charges of:

  • arson;
  • kidnapping;
  • unlawful possession of explosives;
  • unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition; as well as
  • defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.

The Hawks said the charges emanate from the serious organised crime investigation’s crimes against the state probe into allegations that came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC times) relating to three incidents:

Operation Zero Zero

Operation Zero Zero was an state-sanctioned operation in June 1985 that used booby-trapped hand grenades to assassinate young activists in Duduza, KwaThema and Tsakane on the then East Rand, now Ekurhuleni.

Nietverdiend 10

Nietverdiend 10 refers to the case of 10 youths killed in a joint South African Defence Force and security police operation in 1986. The youths, aged between 14 and 19, had been “recruited” by a security branch agent purporting to be an Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) operative.

The TRC final report in 1998 stated that the youths left their Mamelodi homes on June 26 1986 believing they were being taken to Botswana for military training. Instead, they were driven to a spot close to the Botswana border where a team of SADF special forces operatives surrounded them and injected them with a chemical substance, rendering them unconscious.

Their vehicle was then driven towards an embankment, where it careened into a tree and burst into flames, killing all the occupants.

KwaNdebele Nine

The KwaNdebele Nine refers to an incident on the night of July 15 1986, just two weeks after the killing of the Nietverdiend 10, where nine youths were shot dead and their bodies set alight in a house in the then apartheid-era homeland of KwaNdebele, according to the TRC final report.

The youths had been expecting an alleged MK operative who had offered to provide them with arms and training but when they opened the door for him, Northern Transvaal hit squad members burst in. The young activists were lined up and shot.

Trial set for high court in February

“In all these incidences, the accused are alleged to have deceived the youths into believing they were participating in operations against the apartheid government. Instead they met their deaths at the hands of the suspect and two accomplices who allegedly operated from Vlakplaas under the command of Eugene de Kock,” Hawks spokesperson Col Katlego Mogale said in a statement.

After their court appearance, Mamasela and Macitinga applied for bail. Bail was granted at R5,000 for Mamasela and Macitinga was released on warning.

The Hawks noted that by midnight on Thursday, the case would be 41 years old. It was transferred to the high court, sitting in Benoni, and postponed to February 1 2027.

TimesLIVE

]]>,Daniel Born<![CDATA[Millions poured into Emfuleni but residents still wade through sewage]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-millions-poured-into-emfuleni-but-residents-still-wade-through-sewage/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-millions-poured-into-emfuleni-but-residents-still-wade-through-sewage/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:17:51 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

Emfuleni municipality spent nearly R70m on a sewer upgrade project in Boipatong to stop persistent sewage overflows, but residents say wastewater is still flowing through parts of the community and near a school.

The expenditure is part of more than R350m allocated to infrastructure projects in Emfuleni, including about R280m spent on upgrading 40 roads in Boipatong, Sebokeng, Sharpeville, Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging.

This is contained in a written response at the legislature to a question by the DA’s Kingsol Chabalala to Gauteng MEC of transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.

According to Diale-Tlabela’s response, Mobofa Trading Services received more than R15m for work on Frikkie Meyer Road, while Lembui Consulting Moya Lebowa JV was paid more than R10m for Rossini Road.

In her reply, Diale-Tlabela also states that “all roads have been upgraded and payment made per contract”.

However, photographs from some affected communities show badly damaged roads covered in mud, stagnant water and deep tyre trenches, raising fresh questions over the quality and extent of the work completed.

In a separate legislature response relating to sewer infrastructure near Sekati Street and Lebohang Secondary School in Boipatong, Emfuleni confirmed that more than R69.5m was spent through a Municipal Infrastructure Grant-funded project intended to eliminate “regular sewage overflows”.

The municipality said the project involved constructing a 6.5km replacement sewer line designed to cope with projected demand over 30 years.

The project, carried out by TCT Civils, was described in the response as being at “95% completion”, with work including excavation, pipe laying, backfilling and reinstatement.

Despite the expenditure and official assurances, concerns continue to mount over deteriorating infrastructure conditions in parts of Emfuleni.

Chabalala, DA Gauteng spokesperson for co-operative governance, said the information raised serious concerns about whether residents were receiving value for money.

“Despite this significant investment, the condition of the road remains unacceptable. Large sections are deteriorating, the road is difficult to drive on, and sewer spillages continue to plague the area.

“These documents create a clear paper trail that shows the scale of money that has been spent, but communities are still living with poor service delivery,” said Chabalala.

“We need transparency on whether these projects were properly completed, whether quality checks were conducted and whether residents truly benefited from the money spent,” he said.

Chabalala said the constant failure is another example of poor project management.

“As well as inadequate oversight and a failure to ensure value for money for taxpayers. Communities should not have to endure substandard infrastructure after millions of rand have been spent on projects intended to improve their quality of life,” he said.

He added that the Lebohang Secondary School is constantly flooded with sewage.

“The continued failure of the Emfuleni municipality to address the ongoing sewage crisis has severely affected teaching and learning at the school. The school is regularly flooded with sewage, which flows dangerously close to the kitchen, posing serious health risks to learners and staff,” he said.

“Infrastructure projects must be properly planned, professionally executed, and subjected to strict quality control measures before contractors are paid.”

Sowetan

]]>Supp<![CDATA[Nissan shelves development of Qashqai EV in cost-cutting drive]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/motoring/2026-06-25-nissan-shelves-development-of-qashqai-ev-in-cost-cutting-drive/https://www.sowetan.co.za/motoring/2026-06-25-nissan-shelves-development-of-qashqai-ev-in-cost-cutting-drive/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000Nissan has stopped work on an electric version of its top-selling model in Europe, six sources with knowledge of the matter said, as the Japanese carmaker trims its lineup and cuts costs.

The move to quietly halt development of a fully electric Qashqai comes as traditional rivals and new Chinese entrants flood Europe with affordable alternatives.

While shelving the project will save money, Nissan may not be able to bring the car to market until early next decade if it has a rethink, likely leaving it trailing peers in a key market segment.

Nissan in 2023 committed to building an EV version of its Qashqai SUV at Sunderland, Britain’s largest car plant, a plan that was hailed by the UK government at the time as cementing its position as a global EV manufacturing hub. The company at the time did not specify a timeline to deliver the EV variant.

The carmaker has since embarked on a major global restructuring, however, and is currently in talks with London about securing financial support for an updated roadmap for the plant expected in coming months, Reuters exclusively reported last week.

That announcement is expected to clarify its latest plans for the electric Qashqai, development of which was halted early last year, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Nissan said this month it ⁠had signed a pact with Chery to study manufacturing the Chinese carmaker’s vehicles using one of the two lines at Sunderland.
Nissan said this month it ⁠had signed a pact with Chery to study manufacturing the Chinese carmaker’s vehicles using one of the two lines at Sunderland.

It already makes the electric compact Leaf at the plant and in April unveiled an electric crossover SUV Juke to be built there.

Even if Nissan restarts the Qashqai EV project, it would not come to market until the early 2030s, two of the sources said.

In a statement, Nissan did not address its plans for a fully electric Qashqai, but said it remained committed to expanding its “electrified” line-up, which includes hybrid models.

The company added that the European market had experienced “significant volatility” in EV demand and that it was pursuing a “balanced” electrification strategy.

A UK government spokesperson declined to comment on Nissan’s commercial decisions.

Tough Chinese competition

Nissan already sells the Qashqai as a petrol and hybrid vehicle, and the model accounted for about 45% of its total sales of 330,000 cars in Europe in 2025, according to its sales data analysed by Reuters.

Any new government funding for Nissan will be connected to its commitment to produce new models or variants and protect jobs at Sunderland, which employs about 6,000 workers in England’s industrial northeast, sources previously told Reuters.

Nissan said this month it ⁠had signed a pact with Chery to study manufacturing the Chinese carmaker’s vehicles using one of the two lines at Sunderland.

Britain is also consulting carmakers over plans to water down rules that require them to hit ​EV sales targets or face punitive fines, ​two of the sources said.

Those changes ⁠would provide Nissan with room to make more hybrid vehicles at Sunderland, which produced more than 35% of all cars ​made in Britain last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Broader rethink on EVs

Behind the decision to shelve the electric Qashqai lies a broader reassessment of the carmaker’s lineup.

Nissan earlier this year confirmed it would halt plans to build two electric SUVs at its Canton, Mississippi, plant and instead focus on hybrid models. Globally, the firm has said it will cut the number of its models to 45 from 56.

Proposals for new European Union rules setting local content requirements for EVs have also clouded the outlook for manufacturing those vehicles in Britain, which left the bloc in 2020.

Around 60% of the cars produced in Britain are exported to the EU. UK car lobby group SMMT argues that being shut out of “Made ​in EU” poses a threat to Britain’s car industry.

That uncertainty is already impacting Nissan’s supply chain.

A plan to build a three-in-one electric vehicle powertrain in Sunderland at a factory operated by Nissan subsidiary JATCO has also been scrapped, the companies confirmed in statements to Reuters.

Reuters

]]>Nissan<![CDATA[EXPLAINER | Mphela explains why Bafana got it right against South Korea]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-25-explainer-where-bafana-got-it-right-against-south-korea/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-25-explainer-where-bafana-got-it-right-against-south-korea/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000Following Bafana Bafana’s famous 1-0 win over South Korea in their final Group A Fifa World Cup match on Thursday, ex-Bafana Bafana striker Katlego Mphela has explained how coach Hugo Broos got it right.

After a disappointing 2-0 defeat to co-host Mexico in the opening match, Bafana came back to draw with Czech Republic before securing a historic victory against Korea to book their place in the last 32. They will face Canada at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday at 9pm.

Broos adjusted his lineup to oust Korea and secure a passage to the next round after reverting to a positive 4-3-3 system that gave Bafana attacking flair.

Mphela praised Broos for taking this responsibility, saying he was spot-on.

“First of all, congratulations to the boys for the job well done, and the coach took responsibility ... maybe the past two matches we were a bit negative in our approach,” Mphela explained to Sowetan.

“And he managed to get it right from the word go and you could see we had a chance because of the players he put in the team and they qualified to the next stage, first time in history. Well done to the coach and hopefully, going forward he will start with this approach.”

After coming on in the second half against Czech and made an immediate impact, Relebohile Mofokeng earned his start against Korea and was able to unlock their defensive lines with direct passes.

Mphela was happy with the decision to start with Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa, who gave the Korean defence a hard time.

“Sometimes you just need to put players that are on form, [Orlando] Pirates were on form ... they won the league, [Mamelodi] Sundowns came second and won the Champions League, so we have to use these players because we don’t have time to experiment and I think that’s what we did and got the results because Mofokeng was playing in the pockets, Ngwana Sesi [Makgopa] was keeping them busy throughout the night, and even though he didn’t score he did a great job,” he said.

With Bafana facing Canada on Sunday, Mphela is confident they will win and advance to the last 16. “Definitely, we have a chance. I saw them playing against Switzerland when they lost, they created a lot of chances.

“It is a knockout stage and anything can happen, I got a lot of confidence in these boys. They can go to the next round, we are no longer underdogs, everyone knows how we play.”

]]>Reuters/Raquel Cunha<![CDATA[Thousands feared dead as two earthquakes hit Venezuela]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-25-earthquakes-leave-at-least-32-dead-and-hundreds-injured-in-venezuela/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-25-earthquakes-leave-at-least-32-dead-and-hundreds-injured-in-venezuela/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:15:00 +0000Caracas, Venezuela − Thousands of people were feared dead on Thursday in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes wreaked havoc in and around the capital Caracas, trapping people beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings and setting off powerful aftershocks.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160km west of Caracas on Wednesday afternoon, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey (USGV).

Emergency workers scrambled over the debris of collapsed buildings in Caracas as night fell, while distraught relatives sought help for loved ones feared trapped. Dazed survivors were taken away, some on stretchers. “When we went downstairs, the scene was like a horror movie,” said Maria Alejandra, a resident from a nearby building, who did not give her surname.

“We had to climb over the rubble and everything. The building superintendent with the baby and all the neighbours coming down. But from that building, I only saw that one family got out.”

Interim president Delcy Rodriguez said at least 164 people were confirmed dead and nearly 1,000 injured, and the worst-affected area was La Guaira state, near Caracas and home to the city’s airport. Witnesses’ footage there showed scenes of panic as ceilings came down.

“Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and we’re currently carrying out very intense rescue efforts to save as many lives as God allows us to save. La Guaira state is a true tragedy and has become a disaster zone,” she said on state television on Thursday.

The US Geological Survey, using predictive modeling to estimate the death toll, said it would most likely run into the thousands, with a substantial probability of exceeding 10,000.

A website set up to track missing people and posted on X by leaders from the country’s opposition, many of whom are outside Venezuela, listed more than 10,000 people as unaccounted for at 5.40am local time.

Many Venezuelans were at home when the quakes struck during a public holiday. “There was a very loud crash. Things fell in the house, jugs inside the refrigerator. I’ve never experienced anything like it,” said Coro Martinez, 56, who lives in eastern Caracas.

Aftershocks rattled Caracas into the early hours of Thursday.

Rodriguez said rescue crews from other countries would arrive soon as she thanked leaders including US and Russian presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

She called for unity in Venezuela, where anti-government protests by people facing annual inflation of more than 500% have become more frequent since Trump ordered the capture of President Nicolas Maduro in a violent raid in January.

Trump said on social media the US was ready to help in the disaster, which he said had left a “devastating” number of deaths.

The UN’s Venezuela human rights mission urged the government to lift local restrictions on social media, saying it was a “matter of life and death”. In some areas, access was available as authorities struggled to cope in a country weighed down by years of economic mismanagement.

Wilmer Azuaje, a former Venezuelan lawmaker, captured the moment the quake hit Maiquetia Airport, sending masonry and clouds of dust falling. He said the situation was “serious” and the airport had been closed, complicating rescue efforts.

Residents across Caracas, which was also hit by a deadly magnitude 6.3 earthquake in 1967, rushed to evacuate as buildings shook. “As soon as it started, we began hearing people screaming,” said Astrid Ramirez, a publicist in western Caracas.

“Everyone was running down the stairs.”

Pensioner Maria Romero, 80, said police helped her get out of her home in southern Caracas. “This earthquake was horrible, even worse than the one in 1967,” she said.

Another resident, an office worker who declined to be named, said she received an earthquake alert on her phone just before the shaking intensified. “As I picked it up and started listening to what it was saying, I first felt light shaking. Then, in less than two seconds, everything started moving.”

Leaders from countries including El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and Spain offered support and sympathy. The US State Department said it was mobilising assistance.

Venezuela lies in a seismically active zone where the Caribbean Plate meets the South American Plate.

About 30,000 people were killed when a quake caused widespread destruction in Merida and Caracas in 1812, according to the USGS.

At Caracas’ Hospital de Clinicas, staff doubled up on the night shift to help treat the injured, a worker there said.

School classes were cancelled for the rest of the week. The city’s stock exchange was closed and will be used to help rescue efforts.

The Venezuelan Red Cross said its headquarters had been critically damaged but that it had sent rescue teams to the worst-affected areas. France said its embassy was badly damaged.

Venezuela’s oil infrastructure did not immediately appear to have been affected. Civil protection authorities in Maracaibo, near the large oil hub of Lake Maracaibo, said no injuries were reported.

A worker at the El Palito refinery near Morón − the earthquake’s epicentre − said there was no damage there.

UK oil firm Shell, which is evaluating developing gas fields in Venezuela, said all its employees were accounted for with no injuries.

One source said an extended loss of power could hit crude output levels. Venezuela’s oil ministry, state-run oil company PDVSA and its main foreign partner, Chevron, did not immediately reply to requests for comment. – Reuters

In California

Reuters

]]>Gaby Oraa<![CDATA[Renault has a China problem — this is how it is responding]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/motoring/2026-06-25-renault-has-a-china-problem-this-is-how-it-is-responding/https://www.sowetan.co.za/motoring/2026-06-25-renault-has-a-china-problem-this-is-how-it-is-responding/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000French carmaker Renault is planning to cut 800 engineering jobs in France by the end of 2027 in a bid to make its organisation leaner to better compete with Chinese rivals.

Chinese makers have more than tripled their market share in Europe over the past two years, with technologically advanced products and very competitive prices, Philippe Brunet, Renault’s chief technology officer, told reporters in a conference call.

“All other manufacturers are suffering, the Koreans, the Japanese in Europe, or other Europeans, including us,” he added. “We must be able to compete against this.”

With a workforce of 5,500, France accounts for half of Renault’s global engineering staff. In mid-April, Renault, one of the smallest legacy car makers, said it planned to reduce its total engineering workforce by 15% to 20% by the end of 2027, and the 800 job cuts would be part of that move.

The company expects to get its transformation plan approved by unions in July and implemented from September. It would also include the retraining of 2,500 workers and between 150 and 200 new hires to work mainly on electrifying vehicles, software and AI.

Brunet also announced an overhaul of the organisation and working methods to simplify R&D operations and become more agile in the race against Chinese competitors, who have set a new benchmark by developing models in just two years, down from the four to five years traditionally in the industry.

“My issue is speed,” he said.

He intends to reduce the complexity and the number of steps in a vehicle project and decrease the time spent in meetings by 20%.

Reuters

]]>NurPhoto<![CDATA[Court awards R1m to former inmate who contracted TB in jail]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-court-awards-r1m-to-former-inmate-who-contracted-tb-in-jail/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-court-awards-r1m-to-former-inmate-who-contracted-tb-in-jail/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:57:07 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

A former prisoner who contracted TB while behind bars has been awarded more than R1m after a court ruled he was entitled to interest on damages owed to him by the state.

The Western Cape high court ordered the minister of correctional services to pay Zaid Seedat R1,067,734.93 after a legal battle that stretched 21 years.

Seedat sued the minister after contracting pulmonary TB while being held as an awaiting-trial prisoner at Pollsmoor Prison between 2000 and 2003. He stayed in the hospital section of the jail after his conviction.

Though the parties had agreed the state was fully liable for his damages and settled the amount for general damages at R350,000, the dispute that remained before the court was whether Seedat should also receive pre-judgment interest.

Acting judge A Montzinger ruled in Seedat’s favour this week, awarding him R717,734.93 in interest in addition to the R350,000 damages payment.

The court heard Seedat was diagnosed with TB in late 2001 after spending about 17 months in prison. He issued summons against the minister in December 2004, claiming damages arising from the illness he contracted while incarcerated.

The case became entangled in years of delays, partly because another landmark TB case involving former inmate Dudley Lee was making its way through the courts.

The Constitutional Court eventually ruled in Lee’s favour in December 2012, finding prison authorities had failed to maintain an adequate system to manage TB and this negligence could make the state liable for infections contracted by inmates.

Montzinger said before the Constitutional Court’s ruling in the Lee matter, the legal basis for Seedat’s claim remained uncertain.

The judge found it would not be fair for interest to run from the date the summons was issued in 2004 because neither party could reasonably have resolved the matter before the legal position became clear.

Instead, the court exercised its discretion and ordered that interest run from December 11 2012, the date of the Constitutional Court judgment in the Lee case.

“The minister knew, or ought reasonably to have known, it was liable,” the judge said in the ruling.

The court calculated interest at 15.5% a year from December 2012 until March 2026, when the parties reached agreement on the damages amount.

The minister argued the in duplum rule should prevent interest from exceeding the capital amount, but the court rejected the argument.

The court further ordered the full judgment debt of R1,067,734.93 will continue to accrue interest at 10.25% a year until it is paid.

The minister was also ordered to pay Seedat’s legal costs.

In his judgment, Montzinger noted Seedat had waited more than 20 years for finality in the matter, saying the case had dragged on far too long before reaching its conclusion.

Sowetan

]]>None<![CDATA[Eight-year prison deal mooted as Cat Matlala admits police tender fraud]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-eight-year-prison-deal-mooted-as-cat-matlala-admits-police-tender-fraud/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-eight-year-prison-deal-mooted-as-cat-matlala-admits-police-tender-fraud/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:14:00 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

The state is proposing that Pretoria security boss Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala serve an effective eight-year jail term over tender rigging involving a police contract.

The father of nine pleaded guilty on Thursday to colluding with senior government officials to win a R228m health and wellness tender in 2024. His company, Medicare24 Tshwane, received R50m before the deal was cancelled.

The Pretoria commercial crimes court heard that the prosecution and defence have been in negotiations on the charges of fraud, money-laundering and corruption faced by Matlala.

In line with the plea deal, the state proposed on Thursday that Matlala would serve an eight-year prison term, with another seven years suspended for five years, in exchange for testifying at future trials.

His plea and sentencing deal depends on him testifying frankly in all future trials, staying in the country until after 2030, and forfeiting his firearm rights. If he backs out or changes his story, the suspended sentence kicks in immediately.

His companies, Cat VIP Protection and ​Medicare24 Tshwane, would also pay R1m fines, to be suspended for five years on condition they steer clear of any further corruption or organised crime offences.

The agreement between the prosecution and defence still needs to be adjudicated on by the presiding magistrate, who has reserved his decision.

Matlala’s trial was separated from his co-accused, who are linked to the bid committee that awarded him the tender. They are 12 senior police officials, and they are due to reappear in court on Friday.

Note: This article has been amended to clarify that the proposed sentence was offered as part of the plea deal between the prosecution and the defence. It not been agreed to by the court, with the magistrate taking time to determine the verdict.

TimesLIVE

]]>Veli Nhlapo<![CDATA[SPOTLIGHT | Watch Tyla, the lovable minions and Supergirl on big screens, and catch up with local star K.Keed]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/entertainment/2026-06-25-spotlight-watch-tyla-the-lovable-minions-and-supergirl-on-big-screens-and-catch-up-with-local-star-kkeed/https://www.sowetan.co.za/entertainment/2026-06-25-spotlight-watch-tyla-the-lovable-minions-and-supergirl-on-big-screens-and-catch-up-with-local-star-kkeed/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:07:07 +0000Spotlight is our bite-size entertainment snapshot featuring new releases in South Africa, exclusive film trailers and more. New episodes come out every Thursday on Sunday Times Lifestyle, Sowetan Entertainment and YouTube, plus you can follow Spotlight on Facebook.

WATCH ALL EPISODES

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 celebrates the wrap-up of Youth Month with superheroes, mischievous minions and South African excellence.

Look up because a new hero is taking flight. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow follows Kara Zor-El as she embarks on a thrilling journey across the galaxy alongside a young alien girl seeking justice. Directed by Craig Gillespie (Cruella and I, Tonya) and starring Milly Alcock, Jason Momoa and Eve Ridley in an action-packed adventure that introduces a bold new chapter for DC’s cinematic universe. At cinemas, 3D, IMAX, 4DX and Screen X.

The world’s favourite yellow troublemakers are back in Minions & Monsters. The loveable minions find themselves in a world of giant creatures, outrageous chaos and monster-sized mishaps. Directed by Pierre Coffin, who again voices the minions, and featuring the voice-over cast of Jesse Eisenberg, Christoph Waltz and Zoey Deutch. It’s the perfect family cinema outing, packed with laughs and mayhem.

Toy Story 5 blasted to the top of the global box office with the biggest opening weekend in the franchise’s history and the biggest opening film of 2026, pulling in a massive $312m (about R5.16bn) globally. South Africans have even more to celebrate as global music sensation and two-time Grammy winner Tyla makes a special cameo appearance as the inflatable flamingo, marking her exciting Pixar debut and another milestone in her remarkable international career.

As Youth Month comes to a close, Spotlight caught up with one of South Africa’s most exciting young artists, K.Keed. Fresh from the success of her debut album Bite The Bullet, K.Keed continues to make waves in local music with collaborations featuring Shekhinah, Nasty C, A-Reece and Priddy Ugly. We joined the talented rapper behind the scenes at her SMag Youth Month cover shoot to talk about her journey, achievements and what’s next.

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.

TimesLIVE

]]>Empire entertainment<![CDATA[Off-form Koulibaly, Gueye costing Senegal at World Cup, says Niang]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-25-off-form-koulibaly-gueye-costing-senegal-at-world-cup-says-niang/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-25-off-form-koulibaly-gueye-costing-senegal-at-world-cup-says-niang/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:00:12 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

Retired Senegalese striker Mame Niang has given a post mortem of Senegal’s struggles at the ongoing World Cup, citing individual mistakes and coach Pape Thiaw’s decision to stick with two veterans in Kalidou Koulibaly and Gana Gueye, among the main factors.

Thiaw must start with the youngsters in the last game with at least one older guy to guide them... then we have a chance to win.

Mame Niang

Senegal are at risk of missing out on a last 32 spot after losing both their opening Group I fixtures to France and Norway at this global spectacle in the US, Mexico and Canada. They’d only qualify if they beat Iraq on Friday in Toronto, hoping they are among the eight third-placed team finishers.

“I feel like it’s a combination of individual mistakes and coach’s decisions because Koulibaly and Gueye were injured a few months before the World Cup, and they were doubtful for the tournament, but the coach included them in the final squad,” Niang stated.

“They struggled with fitness, and the coach didn’t play them in the two friendlies before the World Cup because he was scared they’d aggravate their injuries.”

Niang insisted he was perplexed by Thiaw’s decision to take 35-year-old Koulibaly and Gueye, who’s a year older, to this World Cup, narrating how the pair struggled in the 3-1 defeat to France.

“They [Koulibaly and Gueye] never played football for almost two months before this World Cup, and the coach selected them in the starting XI for the first game at 35 degrees against the best team in the world [France]. I didn’t understand that decision,” said Niang.

“They tried to play well in the first half, but everything collapsed in the second half, and France were ruthless.”

Niang has called for Thiaw to prioritise younger players against “brave” Iraq, admitting the Lions of Taranga’s chances of making it to the round of 32 were slim as they now have to rely on other teams.

“He [Thiaw] must start with the youngsters in the last game with at least one older guy to guide them. Iraq are not shy to play. Even against France and Norway, they held their own, but if they go pound for pound with us, we have a chance to win,” the retired lanky striker said.

“However, the problem is that it’s no longer in our hands because some teams are already on three points, so I am not putting my hopes high, but I believe we can beat Iraq.”

Sowetan

]]>IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Caean Couto<![CDATA[Land Rover recalls Defender and Discovery models in South Africa]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/motoring/2026-06-25-land-rover-recalls-defender-and-discovery-models-in-south-africa/https://www.sowetan.co.za/motoring/2026-06-25-land-rover-recalls-defender-and-discovery-models-in-south-africa/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000The National Consumer Commission has informed consumers of a product recall affecting a small number of Land Rover Defender and Discovery vehicles, as notified by Jaguar Land Rover.

The recall affects three vehicles sold in January 2026.

According to the supplier, a concern has been identified where the fuel tank wall thickness may be below design specification near the inlet check valve. A fuel tank with a thinner-than-designed wall may not perform adequately in the event of a crash, resulting in an increased risk of fuel spillage and potentially a fire.

Affected consumers have been contacted and are advised to proceed to an authorised Jaguar Land Rover dealership for inspection and replacement of the fuel tank at no cost.

]]>Anna Barclay<![CDATA[LISTEN | How Bafana hero Thapelo Maseko’s family reacted to ‘that’ goal ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-25-listen-how-bafana-hero-thapelo-masekos-family-reacted-to-that-goal/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-25-listen-how-bafana-hero-thapelo-masekos-family-reacted-to-that-goal/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:56:40 +0000Thapelo Maseko’s father Motsamai has described how the entire household erupted in screams of joy when the Bafana Bafana winger scored the winning goal against South Korea.

Maseko’s goal cemented South Africa’s place in the last 32 stage of the World Cup in Mexico.

Motsamai, who watched the match with his wife Minah and sons Lucky and Bokang, described the moment as emotional and said Thapelo had made everyone proud after missing chances earlier on.

“Everyone screamed; he scored the goal.

“That was a big moment. God is great; he made us proud,” Motsamai told Sowetan.

Maseko scored the only goal of the match in the 63rd minute after he was set up by Tshepang Moremi on the edge of the box to finish low behind Kim Seung-gyu. The goal sent the country into joyous celebration, with none prouder than his parents and siblings watching the game back home in Kempton Park.

“I didn’t see what happened (after scoring),” Motsamai recalled. “Everyone took different directions and we took time to meet together again after the goal because everyone was all over the place.

“That moment was very emotional, especially for the younger brothers who were praying he would score after missing chances earlier on.”

Bafana play Canada in a last 32 match on Sunday (9pm SA time) after finishing second in Group A with four points. This is the first time South Africa has reached the last 32 stage in a Fifa World Cup.

Before the goal, Maseko had a few chances to score but failed to take them. Motsamai admitted the family was worried at the time but didn’t lose hope.

“It’s a big thing. We are happy because he once said that he can score a goal or two at the World Cup to lift his morale and return to his football standard.

“I’m just happy for him; everyone, including his friends, are all happy. He made us proud.

“Remember this is a big tournament, and it was like a dream, actually. He was trying to score but not having any luck, and finally he got a chance and scored. Everyone is proud.

“I saw him start panicking. I know him; once he starts that he will doubt himself, but I spoke to him before the game. We told him that he must make sure if he gets those chances, ‘keep trying until you score’.”

Motsamai, who works as a truck driver, thanked Bafana coach Hugo Broos for giving his son a chance again after a difficult spell at Mamelodi Sundowns before his loan move to AEL Limassol in Cyprus, where he has thrived and settled well.

“Big up to Bafana; I believe in these boys. I thank coach Hugo Broos and the technical team for giving Thapelo a chance again.”

]]>supplied<![CDATA[Trump marks nation’s 250th birthday with campaign-style rally]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-25-trump-marks-nations-250th-birthday-with-campaign-style-rally/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-25-trump-marks-nations-250th-birthday-with-campaign-style-rally/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:52:56 +0000President Donald Trump opened a 16-day celebration of the US’s 250th anniversary with a political rally on Wednesday, the start of festivities shaped by controversy over his polarising approach to governing and efforts to remake Washington.

Eager to pivot from a divisive war in Iran, Trump sought to use the event on the National Mall ahead of the Independence Day milestone on July 4 to tout a country he often takes credit for restoring to greatness.

“As we stand on the edge of our 250th year of independence, I am thrilled to declare that America is back,” Trump told thousands of people in the crowd from behind a wall of bullet-proof glass that extended across the stage.

The mall was festooned with patriotic decor including American flags and Freedom 250 signs, while signs promoting “The Great American State Fair” splashed across screens surrounding the stage.

With the Washington Monument visible in the distance, military jets periodically soared overhead, including a B-2 stealth bomber flanked by four F-35 fighter jets.

The Republican president invoked history and honoured the anniversary before launching into a familiar refrain of his accomplishments, claiming victory in the war with Iran and taking credit for economic prosperity. He was unusually disciplined, rarely straying from the script on his teleprompter and keeping the speech to less than 30 minutes.

“We are beginning the most unforgettable birthday party any country has ever seen,” Trump said. “Oh, you’re gonna have a good time.”

The event underscored how Trump has blurred the line between official commemoration and campaign-style politics, repackaging a public fair in the heart of the nation’s capital around the rally format that has defined his presidency.

The anniversary events have been marked by months of friction, including unconventional programming, the withdrawal of several musical acts and Trump’s renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool near the site of the celebrations.

Trump, who has taken a personal interest in the celebrations, is facing a difficult political moment. The nearly four-month-old Iran war has pushed consumer prices to a three-year high and unnerved many voters.

Just one in four Americans believes the US-Israeli war with Iran was worth its costs, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found, and only 34% approve of Trump’s overall performance in office 17 months into his second term.

People attending the rally expressed support for Trump but also wished he would seek more national unity and tone down some of his flourishes.

Louisiana couple Duane Hartman, 57, and his wife, Angela, 56, were visiting Washington for the first time when they saw signs for the Trump rally and decided to attend.

“I hope he says something to unify the country,” said Hartman, an assistant principal at a public high school.

Steve Dallenbach, 73, a retired home builder originally from Iowa who now lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, drove to Washington to see the monuments and fountains.

A three-time Trump voter, he said the president was doing a good job beautifying the capital city and that he backs the president’s policies, though Trump can get “a little carried away with attitude.”

On Iran, he said he trusted Trump’s judgment on when to end the war but did not want American troops sent in. He said Trump’s priority should be helping Republicans keep control of Congress in November because it would be “a long couple years” if the party lost the House of Representatives.

The festival initially was set to feature a broad lineup of performers, including Poison frontman Bret Michaels, Young MC and the Commodores, but those acts and others withdrew amid concerns about joining a potentially partisan event.

The revised programme included musical performances by Lee Greenwood and Christopher Macchio, two artists favoured by Trump, and military bands.

Previous US presidents also faced challenges that clouded anniversary celebrations, including a financial panic during John Quincy Adams’ presidency in 1826 and anger in 1976 over inflation, unemployment, the fall of Saigon and a decision to pardon former president Richard Nixon.

Many of those presidents nonetheless used the occasion to emphasise unifying themes. Gerald Ford’s top political adviser ordered speechwriters to avoid any “partisan insinuations” as they prepared for the 200th anniversary.

Ulysses Grant, marking the 100th anniversary in 1876, criticised “errors of judgment” by Southern rebels during the Civil War but also held out an olive branch by calling them courageous in their convictions.

Reuters

]]>Evelyn Hockstein<![CDATA[Why a plea deal was reached with Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-why-a-plea-deal-was-reached-with-vusimusi-cat-matlala/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-why-a-plea-deal-was-reached-with-vusimusi-cat-matlala/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:51:00 +0000The prosecution has outlined its reasons for negotiating a plea deal in the fraud, money laundering and corruption trial of Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, owner of Cat VIP Protection and ​Medicare 24 Tshwane District.

The agreement with Matlala about the multimillion-rand tender to provide health and wellness services within the SA Police Service (SAPS) is a necessary “sacrifice” to net much larger targets, the Pretoria commercial crimes court heard on Thursday.

​Anticipating public criticism over what may be perceived as a lenient sentence for Matlala, state advocate Santhos Manilall said his co-operation is a valuable weapon against a clandestine network of state corruption.

After a two-month verification process, Matlala’s affidavit provides insider evidence that allows investigators, for the first time, to aggressively pursue the highest levels of law enforcement infrastructure, said the prosecutor.

Without this testimony, the powerful figures, who were directly responsible for protecting the country, would escape justice scot-free due to a lack of traditional evidence.

Manilall also cited precedents where plea deals broke an “institutional gridlock”, including the October 2020 VBS Mutual Bank case and a November 2024 municipal corruption case.

Matlala is being positioned by his legal team as an instrumental asset for the state in its quest to fully dismantle the roots of this specific syndicate

The defence team argued for the court to accept the proposed plea and sentence agreement, framing it as a win for public interest.

Matlala is not merely taking accountability for severe crimes, but is co-operating with the National Prosecuting Authority to expose a network of corruption, his team said.

The court heard Matlala had supplied a comprehensive affidavit and accompanying documentary proof which are set to implicate high-ranking officials.

Matlala’s criminal trial involved a R228m SAPS tender awarded to Medicare 24 Tshwane District. The contract was cancelled after irregularities were flagged and after his company was paid R50m.

The defence said while Matlala acknowledges the wrongfulness of his actions, a large portion of the R50m in question was not pocketed by him, but was “paid as bribes” to officials.

Matlala is being positioned by his legal team as an instrumental asset for the state in its quest to fully dismantle the roots of this specific syndicate.

They disclosed ​Matlala had voluntarily initiated plea discussions on March 23, immediately after being charged and before his team had seen the state’s docket.

In line with the plea deal, the state proposed on Thursday that Matlala would serve an eight-year prison term, with another seven years suspended, in exchange for testifying at future trials. This still needs to be adjudicated on by the presiding magistrate, who has reserved his decision.

Matlala is also an accused in three attempted murder and conspiracy matters, including a botched attack on his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane. These are being heard separately from the corruption case.

TimesLIVE

]]>NPA<![CDATA[Curro takes City Power to court over R9.3m bill dispute ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-curro-takes-city-power-to-court-over-r93m-bill-dispute/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-curro-takes-city-power-to-court-over-r93m-bill-dispute/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:41:07 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

Curro says it has escalated its legal dispute with City Power over a disputed electricity debt of R9.3m to the high court.

The private school group said the alleged debt originated from clearance fees linked to a previous property owner, which the City of Joburg allegedly loaded onto Curro’s municipal account.

The latest development comes after City Power announced it had disconnected the electricity supply to the Curro Sagewood campus in Noordwyk, Midrand, over the outstanding amount.

It argued unpaid accounts make it more difficult for the utility to carry out its responsibilities and maintain infrastructure.

However, Curro said the the entity’s statement about alleged non-payment from its side is factually incorrect and reputationally damaging.

Curro said the City Power team, accompanied by members of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), arrived at Curro Sagewood and disconnected the school’s electricity supply without prior notice.

“The disconnection was unlawful and power was restored within an hour. In July 2021, Curro lodged a formal billing dispute with the City of Johannesburg regarding the amount claimed. The dispute has since been supported by further substantiation and an independent expert report confirming City’s Power billing is incorrect,” the institution said.

“The alleged debt originated from clearance fees attributable to a previous property owner.”

Curro said the amount was initially reversed by the city on its own records. “Only for it to be added back in subsequent invoices as purported unpaid utilities, with no breakdown or substantiation provided.

“During protracted engagements between the parties and their legal representatives since 2022, the city’s own authorised officials agreed the amount in question was not owed by Curro and the dispute should be resolved accordingly,” the institution said.

Curro alleged the city failed to honour the undertaking.

“In 2025, having exhausted all administrative avenues, Curro instructed its attorneys to approach the high court to compel the city to give effect to what its own officials had agreed. That application is pending. The city indicated it would oppose the application but has not filed any papers, and Curro has applied for a set down date,” it said.

The institution said City Power proceeded with the disconnection despite the school’s executive head presenting documentation proving the dispute was ongoing.

“The team refused to consider it and proceeded. Curro’s legal representatives contacted the city’s attorneys, and supply was restored within the hour.

“Curro pays all current monthly municipal charges for electricity and water punctually and in full. There are no arrears on current consumption.

“During the brief disconnection, the school operated on backup power and no teaching or learning was disrupted,” the institution said.

“Curro is pursuing all available remedies in respect of the unlawful disconnection and the city’s continued failure to resolve this matter through the processes it agreed to. Curro always pays what it legitimately owes.”

]]>Supplied<![CDATA[Hero or troublemaker? Milan prosecutor shakes up Italy’s labour practices]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-25-hero-or-troublemaker-milan-prosecutor-shakes-up-italys-labour-practices/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-25-hero-or-troublemaker-milan-prosecutor-shakes-up-italys-labour-practices/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:16:44 +0000A Milan prosecutor’s crusading labour investigations have forced companies to grant fuller employment rights to more than 60,000 workers and recouped more than €1bn (R18.79bn) in unpaid taxes, but also sparked a heated debate over whether the judiciary in Italy is overstepping its role.

For his supporters, Paolo Storari has shown chronic labour exploitation in the eurozone’s third-largest economy can finally be tackled, giving job security to the most vulnerable workers and pushing companies to rethink how they operate.

Critics, however, said he has gone too far, stretching the limits of the penal code to dictate labour practices, and disrupting production in key sectors of the economy.

Storari, a fast-talking, energetic 60-year-old, is investigating alleged worker abuses in the construction of a new US consulate in Milan. It is the latest in dozens of similar cases over the past five years that have started to redefine the legal framework for Italian business.

From high fashion to food delivery

Launched in 2021 in the logistics sector and later extended to fashion, private security, food delivery, large-scale retail and construction, the probes uncovered a widespread system based on subcontracting, short-lived co-operatives and labour supply firms designed to cut costs and weaken protection for workers.

Data compiled by the Milan prosecutor’s office and seen by Reuters shows since 2023 the investigations have led to the hiring or regularisation of 61,580 workers.

Authorities have also recovered €1.13bn (R21.23bn) in VAT and a further €63m (R1.18bn) in unpaid social security contributions.

However, businessmen such as Diego Della Valle, founder and chair of Italian luxury group Tod’s, have warned the investigations, especially those into top brands, are hurting Italy’s reputation.

“Quality products represent one of our country’s fields of excellence, and if someone questions this even slightly it causes enormous damage,” he said after Storari targeted Tod’s last year for alleged labour abuses among its suppliers.

Tod’s has since pledged to strengthen checks on its supply chain.

The prosecutor also has his critics among academics and legal professionals who say his preventive seizures and judicial administration measures, originally designed to protect companies infiltrated by organised crime, are too draconian.

One of their arguments is that by forcing firms to carry out extensive checks on contractors he is creating a form of liability not envisaged under Italy’s criminal or labour law.

A defining feature of Storari’s probes has been a shift away from the lowest levels of the supply chain — factories and co-operatives directly exploiting workers — towards the large client companies benefiting from the system.

Tailoring prosecution methods

Storari, who spent many years working in an anti-Mafia unit in his home city of Milan, rejected accusations he is creative in interpreting the law. He noted his prosecution measures have been consistently backed by judges in Milan.

“We have simply started using rules that had not been applied in this field,” he told a conference in the Milan courthouse in November. “The law should essentially be a method for solving problems,” he said.

Following this philosophy, Storari has tailored his prosecution tools according to the sector under investigation.

In fashion, judicial administration orders have overhauled subcontracted workshops exploiting workers. In logistics and retail, he has used tax fraud laws to target co-operatives that provided workers without paying VAT or social contributions.

While his methods have been questioned, there is no doubt about their impact.

Dozens of major fashion brands, from Dolce & Gabbana to Gucci, are now in contact with prosecutors, reviewing their organisational models and restructuring supply chains. In logistics, companies have hired thousands of people previously working through co-operatives under exploitative conditions.

Security firms and food delivery platforms have also been forced to take on staff directly or improve pay, showing rules can be enforced even in sectors dominated by small firms, complex subcontracting chains and strong cost pressures.

“Receiving calls from people who thank us because they finally have a salary and a job that allows them to live with dignity is the only real satisfaction in our work,” he recently told his prosecuting team, according to one of its members.

Reuters

]]>Valeria Abis<![CDATA[Millions lose food stamps under Trump cuts, Arizona hardest hit]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-25-millions-lose-food-stamps-under-trump-cuts-arizona-hardest-hit/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-25-millions-lose-food-stamps-under-trump-cuts-arizona-hardest-hit/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:14:12 +0000When Angelica Garcia tried to renew her food stamps this spring, she said she thought she knew the drill.

The single mother of three in Tucson filled in the application. She repeatedly called Arizona’s department of economic security (DES), the US state agency administering the federal aid, often staying on hold until the line dropped. She visited a thinly staffed DES office and waited hours for a case worker.

By the time Garcia was reapproved in June, she had missed two months of benefits while her family got by on food pantry donations and cheap staples such as beans, rice and tortillas.

“There’s hoops to jump through, always,” said Garcia, who has used food stamps in the state for three years. She said now the government is “adding more hoops”.

More than 4.7-million people nationwide have lost their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) benefits, also known as food stamps, since President Donald Trump’s signature tax and spending law took effect last July, according to data through to March from the US department of agriculture — about 11% of participants.

Nowhere have the changes to America’s second-largest social safety-net programme taken hold as quickly as in Arizona, where the number of Snap recipients has fallen by about half, the steepest drop in the country.

That means lost benefits for more than 457,000 Arizonans, including nearly 196,000 children, according to DES data as of the end of May.

The law reduces Snap funding by $187bn (R3-trillion), or about 17%, over the next 10 years, in part by expanding work requirements and barring some immigrants from receiving benefits.

It also imposes penalties on states that fail to meet certain performance standards beginning in October next year, and it shifts more administrative costs onto states.

Among the reasons enrollment has fallen so steeply in Arizona is that the state has moved to implement the federal changes more quickly than other states, according to two Snap experts and the DES spokesperson, Brett Bezio.

“Arizona has no choice but to meet these requirements,” Liliana Soto, press secretary for Democratic Arizona governor Katie Hobbs, said in an email. “If we don’t comply, we will be fined hundreds of millions and more vulnerable Arizonans will lose their food assistance.”

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the Snap overhaul “prioritises American citizens and implements reasonable cost-sharing measures with states to crack down on waste, fraud and abuse”, without offering examples.

The department of agriculture’s food and nutrition administration, which administers Snap, attributed the decline in enrollment in part to the work requirement changes.

Record food pantry demand

The Snap cuts have driven a record number of people to food banks in Arizona, according to the Arizona Food Bank Network (AFBN), a statewide organisation that works with local pantries.

About 843,000 Arizonans sought support from a food pantry in April, about an 8% increase over 779,000 in April 2025 and surpassing the number of people receiving Snap, according to AFBN data. Food bank users fell in May to about 790,000, the data show.

Even so, food pantries are scrambling to fill “a massive gap”, said Terri Shoemaker, executive vice-president of the AFBN.

DES and the agriculture department did not comment on the increase in food bank use.

Myriam Flores, a mother of seven in Phoenix, said in a May interview she was unable to renew her access to Snap and lost $1,100 (R18,205) a month in benefits in January.

She said she spent hours on hold with Arizona’s DES, only for calls to drop.

At the time of her interview, she said she visits the St Vincent de Paul pantry in Phoenix nearly every day so she can feed her children.

“There are nights of crying, nights of not sleeping when I lose sleep at 2am doing the math, deciding what to pay for and what to put off,” she said.

Reuters could not determine whether Flores has resumed her efforts to get benefits or whether she’s currently eligible.

‘Falling through the cracks’

Katie Bergh, a senior policy analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, said the longer wait times are partly the result of stricter processes for vetting applicants, introduced by Arizona’s state agency to meet the new performance standards and avoid financial penalties.

“They can’t get through on the overloaded phone line, or they’re being asked for more and more paperwork that they can’t provide, or they do provide it but the state doesn’t have capacity to process it,” she said.

Those standards grew out of the state’s Snap error rate, a measure of overpayments and underpayments of food stamp benefits.

Arizona’s error rate in 2024 was 8.84%, below the national average of 10.9%, but above the 6% threshold that, under the new law, would require states to cover up to 15% of the cost of Snap benefits. Historically, the federal government has paid the full cost of benefits.

That could cost Arizona about $201.5m (R3.33bn) next year, according to the DES 2027 budget request.

To avoid the threat of “significant financial penalties”, DES has tightened its application process by requiring documentation such as pay stubs or leases, Bezio said.

Cindy Bernardo, a programme manager at the St Vincent de Paul pantry, said many of the organisation’s clients have faced delays or lost their Snap benefits as the state enacts the federal changes.

“So many have lost their benefits,” she said. “They have reapplied, but most can’t even get an answer to their questions.”

The federal law also expanded work requirements to areas that previously had waivers because of high unemployment or insufficient jobs.

Out of Arizona’s 15 counties, 14 are now subject to work requirements, compared to only one last year, said Joseph Palomino, director of the Arizona Center for Economic Progress.

Those changes, and the new demands for documentation, are making it harder for people to get timely access to benefits, he said, and they’re “falling through the cracks”.

Bezio said the agency is hiring more staff and contracting with a third-party call centre to improve wait times.

Snap cuts roll out nationwide

Other states are recording steep drops in Snap enrollment: 17.4% in Louisiana, 11.6% in Wyoming and 13.7% in Virginia, USDA data show.

The agriculture department’s food and nutrition administration said states are responsible for accurately implementing the federal changes, and it has issued guidance to help them meet new requirements.

The Louisiana department of health did not respond to a request for comment.

The Wyoming department of family services said “a large portion” of the state’s decline was due to the federal changes.

In Virginia, Snap enrollment fell 12% in the year ending in March, according to the department of social services.

“The primary impact of the law is more families are going hungry when nobody should have to go hungry,” said spokesperson Michael Pulley.

Reuters

]]>www.canva.com <![CDATA[Between Meetings With Sowetan | Your Daily Lunchtime Read]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/entertainment/2026-06-25-between-meetings-with-sowetan-your-daily-lunchtime-read/https://www.sowetan.co.za/entertainment/2026-06-25-between-meetings-with-sowetan-your-daily-lunchtime-read/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:00:00 +0000WATCH | Exclusive look inside new season of ‘The Masked Singer SA’
The Masked Singer SA ‘detectives’ Skhumba Hlophe, Somizi Mhlongo, Sithelo Shozi, and J’Something. Picture:
The Masked Singer SA ‘detectives’ Skhumba Hlophe, Somizi Mhlongo, Sithelo Shozi, and J’Something. Picture:

Mpho “Popps” Modikoane reprises his role as host of The Masked Singer SA, joined by “detectives” Somizi Mhlongo, Sithelo Shozi, J’Something and Skhumba Hlophe.

On Tuesday, Sowetan was on set at Urban Brew Studios in Randburg, Johannesburg, where production for the third season is under way. The first episode is set to premiere on July 4.

Click here to read more.

Introducing SMag’s 10th-anniversary issue

Tyla on the cover of SMag's 10th-anniversary issue. Picture:
Tyla on the cover of SMag's 10th-anniversary issue. Picture:

Happy 10th birthday, Sowetan SMag!

This issue coincides with the 50th anniversary of the June 16 Soweto Uprising. In commemoration, we are throwing it forward by handpicking four of the hottest young stars we’ve billed the “Class of 2026”.

Zekhethelo Zondi on the cover of SMag's 10th-anniversary issue. Picture:
Zekhethelo Zondi on the cover of SMag's 10th-anniversary issue. Picture:

Leading the pack is the class prefect, Tyla, who is set to drop her long-awaited sophomore album, A*Pop, in a month’s time.

Click here to read more.

Musa Mseleku on being the undisputed face of polygamy

Musa Mseleku and his wives. Picture:
Musa Mseleku and his wives. Picture:

Uthando neS’thembu star Musa Mseleku returns as the host of season 5 of Mnakwethu — the popular reality TV show where married men ask their wives for permission to take a second wife.

Ahead of the premiere on July 7, Mseleku breaks down why he’s the undisputed face of polygamy in SA.

Click here to read more.

Sowetan

]]>Supplied<![CDATA[WATCH | Celebrations in Mexico and SA streets as Bafana beat South Korea]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-25-watch-celebrations-in-mexico-and-sa-streets-as-bafana-beat-south-korea/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-25-watch-celebrations-in-mexico-and-sa-streets-as-bafana-beat-south-korea/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:56:10 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

Celebrations erupted among the few hundred South Africans in Estadio Monterrey and on the streets of this country after Bafana Bafana beat South Korea 1-0 on Thursday morning to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup last 32.

Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute winner in Mexico on Wednesday (Thursday morning SA time) saw Bafana upset fancied Korea and end second in Group A and make history reaching the World Cup knockouts for the first time at the fourth time of asking.

In a short turnaround, South Africa face Canada at Los Angeles Stadium in California on Sunday (9pm SA time) in their last 32 clash.

At the stadium, South Africans attending celebrated wildly with Mexican supporters as both their teams had progressed from Group A. Co-hosts Mexico beat Czechia 3-0 in Mexico City in Wednesday’s concurrent game to top Group A with nine points.

In South Africa, crowds took to the streets to celebrate a famous victory.

Here are some scenes from Mexico and around South Africa:

  • All the World Cup fixtures here
  • World Cup page here
  • All the group profiles here
  • Star player profiles here
  • Bafana news here

TimesLIVE

]]>Reuters/Raquel Cunha<![CDATA[Nearly one in five new vehicles sold in South Africa now comes from a Chinese brand]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/motoring/2026-06-25-nearly-one-in-five-new-vehicles-sold-in-south-africa-now-comes-from-a-chinese-brand/https://www.sowetan.co.za/motoring/2026-06-25-nearly-one-in-five-new-vehicles-sold-in-south-africa-now-comes-from-a-chinese-brand/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:56:23 +0000Nearly one in five new passenger and light commercial vehicles sold in South Africa now comes from a Chinese manufacturer, highlighting the remarkable speed at which Chinese brands are gaining ground on established rivals.

Chinese vehicle sales jumped 75% year on year in the first quarter of 2026, according to TransUnion, helping lift their market share beyond 19%.

TransUnion’s Q1 2026 Mobility Insights Report shows Chinese manufacturers are outperforming both traditional vehicle makers, whose sales grew by just 2%, and the broader passenger and light commercial vehicle market, which expanded by 12.7% during the quarter.

The surge is no longer being driven solely by aggressive pricing. Consumers are increasingly being drawn to technology, safety features, fuel efficiency, warranty packages and overall ownership value.

Among the biggest beneficiaries is Chery Group, whose combined portfolio of Chery, Jetour, Omoda and Jaecoo brands sold 16,094 vehicles in the first quarter, placing the group among South Africa’s top three automotive players.

“The market is moving into a more selective phase,” said Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion South Africa.

“Consumers are still buying vehicles, but affordability is no longer only about the purchase price. Fuel costs, financing costs, insurance, servicing and total cost of ownership are becoming central to the decision.”

Hatea said Chinese manufacturers had evolved beyond being price disruptors and were becoming structural industry players that are influencing dealer networks, financing ecosystems, ownership perceptions and the wider discussion around localisation and industrial competitiveness.

The report also points to continued strength in the new vehicle market. New vehicle registrations increased 11.6% year on year in the first quarter, marking a sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, while used vehicle registrations rose by a more modest 2.6%.

As a result, the ratio of used-to-new registrations fell to 2.3, the lowest level recorded during the reporting period. New vehicles accounted for 31% of registrations, up from 23% in the final quarter of 2025.

Favourable pricing trends have helped support demand. New vehicle inflation slowed to just 0.8%, while used vehicle prices remained in deflationary territory at -1.3%.

Consumer confidence also appears to be improving. TransUnion’s Consumer Pulse Survey found that the proportion of consumers planning to buy a vehicle within the next few months rose from 19% in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 22% in the first quarter of 2026. Purchase intentions were strongest among younger buyers, with 26% of Generation Z and 24% of Millennials indicating plans to enter the market.

The report notes that residual values are becoming increasingly important as consumers opt for longer finance terms and balloon-payment structures to keep monthly instalments affordable. Vehicles that retain their value well are gaining a competitive advantage, while weaker resale performance could expose owners to refinancing pressure or negative equity when trading in.

Powertrain preferences are also evolving. Conventional internal combustion engine vehicles remain the most popular choice, preferred by 49% of consumers, but hybrid vehicles are gaining traction. Interest in hybrids rose to 39% from 30% in the previous quarter, making them the leading electrified option. Interest in both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles also increased to 26%.

“Hybrids are emerging as a practical transition pathway for South African consumers,” said Hatea.

“They offer fuel savings and lower running costs without full dependence on charging infrastructure, which makes them relevant in a market where affordability and operating certainty remain critical.”

]]>CHERY<![CDATA[RECORDED | Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala appears in the Pretoria commercial crimes court]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-watch-live-vusimusi-cat-matlala-appears-in-the-pretoria-commercial-crimes-court/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-watch-live-vusimusi-cat-matlala-appears-in-the-pretoria-commercial-crimes-court/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:40:38 +0000Controversial businessman and alleged underworld kingpin Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala is appearing in the Pretoria commercial crimes court on Thursday.

A plea agreement between him and the National Prosecuting Authority could possibly be placed on record.

TimesLIVE

Video courtesy of SABC

]]>Thapelo Morebudi<![CDATA[EMMANUEL TJIYA | Happy 10th birthday SMag ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/s-mag/fashion-beauty/2026-06-25-emmanuel-tjiya-happy-10th-birthday-smag/https://www.sowetan.co.za/s-mag/fashion-beauty/2026-06-25-emmanuel-tjiya-happy-10th-birthday-smag/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:05:42 +0000On 24 June 2016, the first issue of the quarterly SMag hit the street, exploring a wider-world gaze through the lens of local fashion, culture, and lifestyle.

Fresh-faced ingénue Nandi Madida (still using her maiden name, Mngoma) marked the beginning of a magical fashion era, fronting the cover while sporting a Grace Jones-esque Afro — one of her hair muses, readers learnt inside. Then 28, the singer and actor was all the buzz thanks to the rapturous success of Skhanda Love, the smash hit featuring rapper KO. Madida had also just wrapped shooting her acting turn in the local drama The Road. She spoke about being inspired by African queens Nzinga and Nefertiti. A lot can happen in 10 years — she has since married megastar Zakes Bantwini and is a mother of two, son Shaka and daughter Nefertiti (the power of manifestation).

Over the years, we have name-checked the biggest superstars on the cover of SMag: Connie Ferguson, Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, Pearl Thusi, Nomzamo Mbatha, Lerato Kganyago, Bonang Matheba, Sho Madjozi, Zozibini Tunzi, Mmabatho Montsho, Lamiez Holworthy, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Kgomotso Christopher, Denetric and Lebo Malope, Shudufhadzo Musida, Somizi Mhlongo, Ponahalo Mojapelo, the list is practically endless (RIP to former SMag cover stars the late Connie Chiume, Riky Rick, and Xolani Gwala).

SMag Editor-in-Chief Emmanuel Tjiya.
SMag Editor-in-Chief Emmanuel Tjiya.

Beyond challenging the mainstream lens of representation through edgy content, being Mzansi’s fashion Bible through cinematic photography, and becoming the voice of youth culture, SMag has always been about making dreams come true. In June 2016, I was a novice reporter in my second year in the newsroom. I had always wanted to work in magazines, so imagine my joy when in that first issue I landed a feature on page 24 — a business profile of entrepreneur Zanele Luvuno. An even bigger dream came true when I was appointed SMag’s editor in October 2021.

Through nostalgic demand from our print, digital, and social media networks, SMag continues to revive magazines in a challenging era for legacy media with the help of past and present contributors like Steve Tanchel, Khomotso Moloto, Thembalethu Zulu, Londiwe Dlomo, Palesa Buyeye, Ray Manzana, Aart Verrips, Ntombenhle Shezi, Yvonne Shaff, Karabo Ledwaba, Shingai Darangwa, Aspasia Karras, Celeste Khumalo, Thobeka Mbane, Nao Serati, Craig Jacobs, Themba Mokase, and Felipe Mazibuko. Veteran journalist Dr Lesley Mofokeng is one of those prominent figures; he turns 50 (he’s going to kill me) this month — help me wish him happy birthday. Turn to pp. 30-31 to read about his European summer in Provence. The commercial collaborations we have had with countless brands have made it all possible, and we look forward to further challenging the status quo.

This issue coincides with the 50th anniversary of the June 16 Soweto uprising. In commemoration, we are throwing it forward by handpicking four of the hottest young stars we have billed the “Class of 2026”. Leading the pack is the class prefect, Tyla, who is set to drop her long-awaited second album, A*Pop, in a month. Before she became a global pop star, SMag was the first to put Tyla on a magazine cover, in June 2023.

She now returns as a global megastar in an SMag exclusive, joined by fresh-faced local talent. Rapper K.Keed is shaping hip hop’s next 10 years. Scandal! actor Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane is already a South African Film and Television Award winner at 16. His former Scandal! co-star, Zekhethelo Zondi, is lighting up the big screen as a lead in the local film Laundry. Together, they are the bright next-gen stars to watch.

Happy 10th birthday, SMag!

]]>Zwele Buthelezi<![CDATA[Kenyans march to mark anniversary of deadly 2024 anti-government protests]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/africa/2026-06-25-kenyans-march-to-mark-anniversary-of-deadly-2024-anti-government-protests/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/africa/2026-06-25-kenyans-march-to-mark-anniversary-of-deadly-2024-anti-government-protests/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:44:13 +0000Dozens of Kenyans took to the streets on Thursday under heavy security in memory of protesters killed two years ago when massive anti-government demonstrations erupted in Nairobi over proposed tax hikes and the surging cost of living.

Organisers had planned remembrance marches in the coastal city of Mombasa and the capital Nairobi to mark the anniversary of the June 25 2024 unrest, when protests escalated dramatically and protesters breached parliament grounds before a security crackdown left dozens dead.

On the eve of the marches, interior minister Kipchumba Murkomen warned that anyone seeking to engage in “chaos, looting, destroy property, disrupt businesses or commit any other criminal acts” would face “the full force of the law”. Investigators were already looking into reports of people mobilising gangs and securing weapons ahead of the anniversary, he added.

Today we remember our comrades who died in the demonstrations. They were not fighting for any profit. That is why we remember them. It’s not a protest; it’s a remembrance.

John Maina

Dozens of marchers turned up in Mombasa escorted by security forces, while Nairobi’s streets appeared largely deserted as police set up roadblocks with water cannons and mounted a razor wire barricade outside parliament.

Shops and restaurants in the central business district, the site of previous protests, remained shut on Thursday.

“Today we remember our comrades who died in the demonstrations,” John Maina, 26, told Reuters in Nairobi. “They were not fighting for any profit. That is why we remember them. It’s not a protest; it’s a remembrance.”

In Nairobi opposition leaders joined victims of alleged police brutality and families of slain protesters in a march towards parliament to place flowers and candles outside the building.

Brian Musyoka, a 37-year-old motorbike taxi driver, told Reuters the shutdown was adding to the economic pressures faced by ordinary Kenyans. “There is not much work, I may not make anything to cover the loan that paid for this electric bike,” he said.

The US embassy in Nairobi last week issued an alert advising its citizens in Kenya to avoid protest areas and crowds and to expect traffic disruptions and roadblocks on Thursday.

Protest organisers say they are demonstrating to demand justice for victims, credible investigations into past police conduct and guarantees against the use of excessive force during rallies.

President William Ruto said last week that 2-billion Kenyan shillings (R256.1m) had been set aside for victims of protest-related rights abuses under a national reparations framework.

However, rights groups, and civil society organisations say compensation alone does not amount to accountability for alleged abuses by security forces and have called for Ruto to apologise publicly over the issue.

Reuters

]]>Monicah Mwangi<![CDATA[Ancelotti tells Brazil to stay calm after Neymar returns and Vinicius sparkles]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/2026-06-25-ancelotti-tells-brazil-to-stay-calm-after-neymar-returns-and-vinicius-sparkles/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/2026-06-25-ancelotti-tells-brazil-to-stay-calm-after-neymar-returns-and-vinicius-sparkles/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:22:00 +0000Carlo Ancelotti told Brazil fans to keep their feet on the ground after Neymar made his long-awaited World Cup return and Vinicius Jr sparkled again as the five-time champions swept Scotland aside 3-0 on Wednesday to finish top of Group C.

After an underwhelming 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opener, Brazil have clicked into gear with successive wins, and Ancelotti said his side were becoming the solid, collective unit he wants for the knockout rounds.

“We’re now playing as a team, that was the aim,” Ancelotti said. “We’re not perfect, we need to improve a few things – we could be quicker when we’re in possession.

“I’m happy because the team has improved since the opening match. Being solid is very important now that we’ve reached the knockout stages.”

Brazil will face the second-placed team from Group F, with the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden possible opponents in the Round of 32.

The biggest roar in Miami came for Neymar, who played his first minutes for Brazil after almost three years out of the side. Ancelotti said the 34-year-old had earned his chance after returning to full fitness.

“He got the chance to play because he deserved it, he worked hard to recover. I think that in this World Cup, given his qualities, he can help the team. He played for just a few minutes, but he played well.

“Neymar doesn’t need any motivation to play, no player needs motivation to wear the Brazil shirt. He’s 34-years-old and still has the same passion as a young boy.”

Vinicius also drew praise from the Italian after he scored twice and dazzled up and down the left wing.

“Vini is in great form at the moment and the team helps him a lot. He can play in various positions, both on the inside and on the wing.”

Ancelotti said Brazil had achieved their first objective by topping the group but warned against getting carried away.

“I haven’t set a target for how far we can go. The aim isn’t just to play well, the aim is to win.

“A manager is judged by victory or defeat, not by whether the team plays well or badly.”

Asked what he would tell an increasingly excited Brazilian public, Ancelotti smiled and said: “Stay calm.”

Vinicius scored twice as Brazil romped into the second round in a result that left the Scots relying on other results going their way to progress.

The electric Real Madrid forward opened the scoring courtesy of a Scottish mix-up in the seventh minute and added his second with a header in first-half stoppage time before Matheus Cunha rounded out the scoring on the hour mark.

Also on Wednesday (early hours Thursday morning SA time) Morocco came from behind twice in a highly entertaining first half before overcoming already eliminated Haiti 4-2 thanks to goals from substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Yassine Gessime to advance to the round of 32 as Group C runners-up.

Brazil topped the standings on seven points, ahead of Morocco on goal difference and Haiti finished bottom without a point.

Haiti’s first was given as an own goal after Lenny Joseph’s backheeled effort went in off Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou. Achraf Hakimi equalised, before Wilson Isidor’s stunning strike put Haiti back in front and Ismael Saibari levelled again on the stroke of halftime.

Haiti were on the verge of earning their first World Cup point until Rahimi’s goal 12 minutes from time after a corner and Gessime wrapped up the win late on.

Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi struck second-half goals for Switzerland as they beat Canada 2-1 to qualify for the knockout stage as Group B winners, with the tournament co-hosts also progressing as runners-up.

Switzerland, who finished the group stage on seven points, will remain in Vancouver for their last-32 tie, while Canada, who would have won the group with a draw, ended three points behind them and will head to California.

Canada meet Bafana Bafana, 1-0 winners over South Korea to end second in Group A, in their last 32 clash in Los Angeles.

After an uneventful first half the Swiss turned up the heat after the break, Vargas immediately firing them into the lead and 20-year-old Manzambi adding a well-taken second in the 57th. Though substitute Promise David made it 2-1 with his first touch after coming on, Canada were unable to find another goal as they suffered their first defeat of the tournament.

Bosnia and Herzegovina kept their World Cup dreams alive and ended Qatar’s in a 3-1 Group B victory rich in incident, tension and moments of brilliance, leaving the Bosnians almost certain to qualify for the knockout stages as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.

On a landmark afternoon for captain Edin Dzeko, who won his 150th cap for Bosnia, his side found the breakthrough their relentless first half pressure deserved when Kerim Alajbegovic produced the sort of moment that can illuminate a World Cup.

Picking up possession on the edge of the area in the 29th minute, he slalomed through a crowd of defenders before dispatching an unstoppable right-footed drive into the top corner.

Bosnia doubled their lead soon after in far less elegant fashion. Sead Kolasinac delivered a deep cross to Dzeko at the back post and, fittingly on his milestone appearance, the veteran striker played a decisive role, volleying the ball back across goal where it ricocheted off a Qatari and bobbled into the net for an own goal that appeared to settle the contest.

Qatar, who had spent almost the entire first half on the back foot, suddenly sprang to life minutes before the break as Hassan Al Haydos tapped home from close range, but the Bosnians always looked the more likely to score again on a sun-drenched afternoon and grabbed a third goal 10 minutes from the end through Ermin Mahmic to wrap up the victory.

  • All the World Cup fixtures here
  • World Cup page here
  • All the group profiles here
  • Star player profiles here
  • Bafana news here
]]>Cristobal Herrera-Ulashkevich/EPA/BackpagePix<![CDATA[Madlanga commission gives Suliman Carrim last chance to testify or face prosecution ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-madlanga-commission-gives-suliman-carrim-last-chance-to-testify-or-face-prosecution/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-madlanga-commission-gives-suliman-carrim-last-chance-to-testify-or-face-prosecution/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:33:26 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

The Madlanga commission of inquiry has recommended North West businessman Suliman Carrim face prosecution should he fail to testify or refuse a medical examination by the commission’s designated medical specialist.

Carrim missed his scheduled appearance before the commission on Thursday after being admitted to a medical facility due to a sudden illness. This is the second time health issues have derailed his appearance. In April his testimony was postponed after he was hospitalised following a suspected heart attack.

Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson requested proceedings be postponed to July 15 to allow Carrim to conclude his testimony.

The commission further directed that Carrim be examined by its own medical specialist to verify whether he is medically unfit to testify.

“If Carrim does not agree to be examined by an independent specialist we will ask the commission to recommend he be prosecuted under the Commissions Act for hindering the proceedings of the commission,” Chaskalson said. “We will also ask the commission to make its findings on the basis of the evidence we have heard so far.”

If he agrees to see the specialist and his condition is confirmed, Carrim will be excused, and the commission will conclude its work without further input from him.

Carrim has been implicated in the inquiry for allegedly using his political influence to facilitate a controversial R360m SA Police Service healthcare tender. The tender was awarded to Medicare 24 Tshwane District, a company owned by alleged cartel figure Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala.

Chaskalson also raised concerns regarding Carrim’s failure to comply with the commission’s requests for information, noting several documents have been outstanding since his first day of testimony.

He warned if Carrim fails to appear on July 15, the commission will be asked to make its final findings based on the existing record, drawing conclusions from the evidence he has failed to provide.

The commission emphasised this is not the first time it has demanded Carrim be evaluated by its own medical expert.

In response, Carrim’s legal team argued his failure to appear was not willful, citing his initial hospitalisation in April. They maintained Carrim is currently unable to engage with the commission and his own legal counsel.

The commission granted the postponement to July 15.

TimesLIVE

]]>Veli Nhlapo<![CDATA[Introducing SMag’s 10th anniversary issue]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/s-mag/fashion-beauty/2026-06-25-introducing-smags-10th-anniversary-issue/https://www.sowetan.co.za/s-mag/fashion-beauty/2026-06-25-introducing-smags-10th-anniversary-issue/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000Happy 10th birthday Sowetan SMag!

This issue coincides with the 50th anniversary of the June 16 Soweto Uprising. In commemoration, we are throwing it forward by handpicking four of the hottest young stars we’ve billed the “Class of 2026”.

Leading the pack is the class prefect, Tyla, who is set to drop her long-awaited sophomore album, A*Pop, in a month’s time. Before Tyla became a global pop superstar, SMag was the first to put her on a magazine cover, in June 2023.

Tyla on the cover of SMag's 10th anniversary issue.
Tyla on the cover of SMag's 10th anniversary issue.

She now returns as a global megastar in an SMag exclusive, joined by fresh-faced local talent Rapper K.Keed, who is shaping hip hop’s next 10 years, while Scandal! actor Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane is already a South African Film and Television Award (Safta) winner at 16. His former Scandal! co-star, Zekhethelo Zondi, is lighting up the big screen as a lead in local film Laundry. Together, they are the bright next-gen stars to watch.

Here is what to expect inside the issue:

Tyla on cooking pap on Vogue: I was just being honest. That’s something I would make in my kitchen, so I wanted to make it in that kitchen. Vogue and pap don’t go in the same sentence. It doesn’t make sense, and that’s why I wanted to do it even more. I would have loved as a child to see someone make pap on Vogue.

Zekhethelo Zondi on the cover of SMag's 10th anniversary issue
Zekhethelo Zondi on the cover of SMag's 10th anniversary issue

Tyla on becoming a global megastar: I could never have imagined this. It feels like it’s being written as I’m living it. It’s insane, it’s exciting, I’m 24, young, and I’m living this life that feels like it only happens on TV. When you are the person behind it, it doesn’t always feel the way it does for people who experience it from the outside. People on the outside see it as bigger than the person experiencing it … I don’t sit over here and go, “Hey, I’m a megasta!”

Litlhakanyane on bagging a Safta in March: I blacked out when they announced the winner, he says about his win. My sister had to wake me up. All I heard was her saying: “Let’s go.” I remember asking: “What’s going on?” I then looked at the big screen, and my name was listed there as “Winner”. What helped calm the nerves on stage was that the lights were very bright, and I couldn’t see the audience. It felt like there was a fourth wall.

K.Keed on the cover of SMag's 10th anniversary issue
K.Keed on the cover of SMag's 10th anniversary issue

Zondi on how it’s like to be young in 2026: There’s a lot of pressure. There is worry about whether you’re going to find a good job, because of the unemployment rate. There’s also this thing of choosing a stable job as opposed to choosing something you are passionate about, so you can earn a steady income. The cost of living keeps rising. It means having to sacrifice many of the things you love. It means having to educate yourself on current affairs, so that when things happen, you know why. A lot of us are liberating ourselves by embracing our blackness, our youth, and the fact that we have freedom of speech. If we don’t like something, trust that Gen Z will say something about it.

K.Keed on what gives her hope about young people: We’re bringing back passion. I love passionate people because I’m a passionate person too. I believe that with anything you do, even if it’s waking up or cutting grass, just be passionate about it. Passion gives me hope and keeps me alive. The kids of today are bringing passion back, and not just in music. I see it, you know, in various artistic forms and creations, which is cool and empowering. It’s pure and intentional, and when you do that, people will feel and receive it.

  • The 10th Anniversary of SMag is out next Friday, June 26. Found exclusively inside when you purchase the Sowetan, on that day, in limited stores in Pretoria and Johannesburg.
Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane on the cover of SMan's 10th anniversary issue.
Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane on the cover of SMan's 10th anniversary issue.
]]>Catherine A LoMedico<![CDATA[WATCH | Exclusive look inside new season of ‘The Masked Singer SA’]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/s-mag/culture/2026-06-25-watch-exclusive-look-inside-new-season-of-the-masked-singer-sa/https://www.sowetan.co.za/s-mag/culture/2026-06-25-watch-exclusive-look-inside-new-season-of-the-masked-singer-sa/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:04:21 +0000Mpho “Popps” Modikoane reprises his role as host of The Masked Singer SA, joined by “detectives” Somizi Mhlongo, Sithelo Shozi, J’Something and Skhumba Hlophe.

On Tuesday, Sowetan was on set at Urban Brew Studios in Randburg, Johannesburg, where production for the third season is underway. The first episode is set to premiere on July 4.

Viewers are in for the show’s biggest and most unpredictable season yet, the quintet teased.

“This is by far the best season, and I’m starting to find myself in a position where everything works automatically. It’s a comfortable space for the detectives and crew; everyone has found their rhythm,” Modikoane said.

The comedian also promised that viewers expect him to up his fashion game. “This year, as the host, I’ll be serving looks. This is a Safta-winning show, and now we want to go for all the awards: makeup, wardrobe, presenting, even a detective award,” he joked.

Modikoane added that one reveal in the upcoming season caught him completely off guard.

Mpho Popps.
Mpho Popps.

“This season, we have plenty of new masks, from a koeksister to a King Pie, protea, spinach, and a pineapple. My jaw dropped when we unveiled who is behind the koeksister mask. I also couldn’t believe it because I know them very well, but she stood next to me for weeks and didn’t say a thing,” he said.

The celebrity behind the identity of “spinach” is guaranteed to be the season’s most talked-about. “My favourite mask by far is the spinach,” said singer J’Something.

“I loved how much variety he showcased. At some point, I was sure which world of celebrity he belonged to, and at another point, I found myself doubting my guesses. And then, right in the end, I got it together, and he is one of the masks that I got right.”

Shozi also singled out a few standout contestants.

“I think viewers are going to be shocked to see ‘Lady Monster’. She was a standout mask for me this season … there’s also spinach. You know what, this season had it all,” she said.

Mpho Popps.
Mpho Popps.

Away from the masks, the battle for detective bragging rights remains as competitive as ever. “Last year I took away the trophy, and I hope to do so this year,” said Mhlongo.

“However, I’m in the lead with four correct predictions, and Sithelo is right behind me with three. If I don’t get today’s episode right, we might tie, or she might take away this year’s detective award. I guess we’ll see.”

Why is Mhlongo back for a third season?

“The only reason I keep coming back to being a detective on this show is that I need the money; I don’t have parents,” he quipped.

For Hlophe, the long-hours shoots are all worth it. “We usually shoot for 12 hours a day, but I don’t feel those hours because of the fun we have backstage,” Hlophe said.

“You have Somizi, who comes into my room to bother me, Sithelo who has stories for days, and J’Something, who sings for no reason, and then you have me with all the jokes.

“This year, the show is bigger and better. From the performances to the production and also what Mpho Popps is wearing … viewers have no idea what they’re in for when it comes to his outfits.”

Mpho Popps.
Mpho Popps.
]]>Supplied<![CDATA[READER LETTER | State graft messing up our lives]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/letters/2026-06-25-reader-letter-state-graft-messing-up-our-lives/https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/letters/2026-06-25-reader-letter-state-graft-messing-up-our-lives/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:39:27 +0000At the expense of SA’s economic development, the post-apartheid government administrators seem to be more interested in serving themselves than their communities. There is no interest in delivering services, and it’s worse in poor areas.

Take the community of Ramogodi in the Madibeng municipality in the North West, for example, which ranks among the worst in its criminal conduct towards its residents.

The village is deteriorating into a slum with unnavigable roads. It is painfully disappointing that, 32 years ago, the village was far more decent than it is today.

State corruption is messing up our lives, and there seems to be no plan to deal with it. Budgets are approved and contracts awarded, but the work is substandard and shoddy, all in the effort to steal.

We cannot go on like this. It’s enough. − AK Bantseke

]]>Thapelo Morebudi<![CDATA[Trump seeks more than $1.4bn in Ebola funding from Congress]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-25-trump-seeks-more-than-14bn-in-ebola-funding-from-congress/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-25-trump-seeks-more-than-14bn-in-ebola-funding-from-congress/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:29:44 +0000The White House is seeking more than $1.4bn (R23.17bn) in new funds from the US Congress to address the widening Ebola virus outbreak, including $800m (R13.24bn) for humanitarian crisis response, according to an official in President Donald Trump’s administration.

The move is part of a larger supplemental funding request made by the White House on Wednesday in a letter to Congress.

It includes $800m for a quarantine centre in Kenya for Americans exposed to the virus, supplies, treatment, contact tracing, a regional logistics network and infection-control practices, the official said.

US officials are also seeking $500m (R8.27bn) in global health security funds they said are needed to prevent the virus from spreading to the US. The official said that funding would include:

  • disease surveillance;
  • laboratory capacity;
  • cross-border co-ordination; and
  • potential partnerships with multilateral organisations and the private sector.

Another $90m (R1.49bn) would go to diplomatic efforts, including evacuations and transportation of US citizens with the virus to treatment facilities, according to the official.

This is a very serious outbreak, so a very serious response is needed now ... The details matter here

Josh Michaud, KFF public health analyst

Congressional aides said any such request could run into problems in Congress, where lawmakers, including some of Trump’s fellow Republicans, are unhappy that his administration has been refusing to spend money allocated for foreign assistance, including medical care, around the world.

Washington has been criticised for its cuts to the US Agency for International Development and African public health efforts, before the outbreak, which have hurt the response.

Serious response needed

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is ‌linked ⁠to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus. It has infected more than 1,000 people and killed 267, generating the largest number of confirmed cases within the first month of any episode of the disease, the World Health Organisation (WHO) ​said this week.

The two largest previous Ebola outbreaks occurred in West Africa in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia between 2014 and 2016 and in the DRC in 2018.

“This is a very serious outbreak, so a very serious response is needed,” said Josh Michaud, a public health analyst with KFF, a health policy research group.

Michaud said $1.4bn is probably in line with what is needed, adding during the smaller DRC outbreak from 2018 to 2020, the US spent about $266m.

“The details matter here,” he said, noting part of the funding is earmarked for the controversial quarantine centre in Kenya for American citizens, which is aimed at preventing Ebola cases from reaching the US.

The US has pledged hundreds of millions to the Ebola response so far. On June 18, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it would make $107m in emergency funding available to strengthen its domestic and international response to the Ebola outbreak and warned it could be the worst outbreak yet.

The US also has provided doses of an experimental antibody drug for use in clinical trials to fight the widening outbreak, a shift from its position of making the drug available only to Americans.

In France, a doctor who ‌recently returned from a humanitarian mission in the DRC has tested positive for Ebola, marking the European country’s first confirmed case linked to the outbreak.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus earlier on Wednesday told a press conference the risk of the virus spreading further was low.

Reuters

]]>Evan Vucci<![CDATA[Zimbabwe’s upper house approves bill to extend Mnangagwa’s rule to 2030]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/africa/2026-06-25-zimbabwes-upper-house-approves-bill-to-extend-mnangagwas-rule-to-2030/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/africa/2026-06-25-zimbabwes-upper-house-approves-bill-to-extend-mnangagwas-rule-to-2030/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:22:40 +0000Zimbabwe’s upper house of parliament on Wednesday approved a bill to extend presidential terms from five to seven years, which will allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.

Seventy-five senators voted in favour of the draft legislation while four voted against it, above a threshold needed ​for a two-thirds majority.

The bill, which also includes a provision for the president to be elected by parliament rather than by direct popular vote, will become law when Mnangagwa signs it.

Evidence that ​Mnangagwa, 83, wants to stay in power beyond the end of his second term in 2028 emerged about two years ago, when his supporters started chanting slogans at Zanu-PF rallies that he needed more ​time to complete his agenda.

The ruling party last year resolved to change the constitution to prolong presidential ​terms and the plan received cabinet backing in February.

Mnangagwa came to power after a 2017 military coup ousted longtime leader Robert Mugabe, who had been in power since independence in 1980.

Critics say the bill is a ruse for Mnangagwa to stay in power for longer, though its backers say it will strengthen accountability and foster political stability.

Reuters

]]>PHILIMON BULAWAYO/Reuters<![CDATA[Subscribe to Sowetan, save, and get 30 days of free music streaming]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-subscribe-to-sowetan-save-and-get-30-days-of-free-music-streaming/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-subscribe-to-sowetan-save-and-get-30-days-of-free-music-streaming/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:22:17 +0000Music has always been more than entertainment. It brings people together, tells stories, and reflects the culture and creativity of communities across Africa.

African music takes centre stage at Music Africa Direct (MAD). This dynamic streaming platform is designed to help you discover new music, support local artists, and stay connected to the trending sounds shaping the continent.

Whether you’re commuting, working, exercising, or relaxing at home, MAD gives you access to a world of music at your fingertips. From emerging talent to established favourites, it offers a rich catalogue of artists and a deeper connection to African culture.

Subscribe to Sowetan’s digital package, save and receive a 30-day MAD music streaming voucher.

This limited-time offer gives you:

  • Unlimited digital access to trusted journalism on the Sowetan website, including in-depth news, opinion pieces, business insights, sport, and lifestyle coverage — all at a discounted price.
  • Access to the daily Sowetan ePaper (print digital replica).
  • The chance to discover Africa’s soundtrack with a month of free music streaming through MAD.

Stay informed. Stay entertained. Subscribe now.

Offer valid until June 30 2026. Ts & Cs apply.

]]>123RF/Danihoz<![CDATA[READER LETTER | Justice bends to will of the powerful]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/letters/2026-06-25-reader-letter-justice-bends-to-will-of-the-powerful/https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/letters/2026-06-25-reader-letter-justice-bends-to-will-of-the-powerful/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:21:02 +0000It is a grim reality in today’s world that power has no allies, only interests, where loyalties shift like sand and principles are often sacrificed at the altar of ambition.

Nations speak of partnership while quietly pursuing dominance, and alliances are forged not on trust but on convenience and gain. In this unforgiving arena, morality is too often sidelined, and justice becomes selective, bending to the will of those who wield influence.

The result is a world where stability is fragile, truth is negotiable, and the weak are left to navigate the consequences and decisions made far beyond their control. Behind closed doors, decisions that shape millions of lives are reduced to cold calculations of profit and control. The language of diplomacy masks a ruthless contest where influence is currency and betrayal is strategy. Powerful powers redraw boundaries of consequence without ever facing the devastation they unleash.

Institutions meant to safeguard humanity are hollowed out by political manipulation and selective enforcement. The illusion of order persists, yet beneath it lies a volatile struggle driven by greed, fear, and unchecked ambition. In this stark reality, the pursuit of power eclipses conscience, leaving justice as a casualty and peace as a distant illusion. − Farouk Araie

]]>123RF<![CDATA[Bafana coach Broos hopes historic win over Korea has shut up some ‘big mouths’]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-25-bafana-coach-broos-hopes-big-win-over-south-korea-has-shut-up-some-big-mouths/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-25-bafana-coach-broos-hopes-big-win-over-south-korea-has-shut-up-some-big-mouths/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:45:44 +0000After Bafana Bafana stunned South Korea 1-0 to secure a historic place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coach Hugo Broos couldn’t resist taking a swipe at some “big mouths”.

Broos and his players came under heavy criticism from pundits in the form of some current and former coaches, former players and fans after a battling performance in the 2-0 opening match defeat to Mexico in Mexico City on June 11.

But they have turned things around spectacularly and they have momentum going into the last 32 clash against co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday (9pm SA time).

South Africa regrouped with a much-improved 1-1 draw against Czechia in Atlanta. On Wednesday (early hours of Thursday morning in South Africa) at Estadio Monterrey, they produced a controlled and stunning 1-0 win over South Korea with easily their best display of this World Cup.

Bafana’s famous win came from the effort of winger Thapelo Maseko after 63 minutes and they closed the game off superbly in the final stages as South Korea went in search of an equaliser that could have taken them to the next round.

It is not all over for South Korea as they face an anxious wait in the coming few days to find out if they will go through as one of the best third finishers with three points.

Bafana ended Group A in second place with four points and behind co-hosts and log leaders Mexico, who beat Czechia in the concurrent game at Estadio Azteca to finish with nine points.

“We played a very good tactical game and everyone did their job,” said an excited Broos.

“The difference with previous games was that we were dangerous and that is very important. We had quick players on the pitch and we used them very well. We found spaces in good moments but you need that goal.

“We had some chances earlier in the game and I told the players at half-time that they must believe in themselves and take their chances if they want to win the game.

“That is what happened and I am proud of the performance of my team. I think we gave an answer to the big mouths of last week who said we must change and told us what we must do.

“We did what we had to do and this is the result, I am very happy with my group.”

After the game, Broos dropped to the ground; he explained that emotions got the better of him.

“It was an emotional moment. We came to Mexico and we wanted to survive the group stages. When you start like we did against Mexico, where it was not so good, and you draw with Czechia, you know the last game is a must win.

“We scored the goal when there was still about 20 minutes to play and it became more and more tense until the last whistle. That was a moment of emotions, not only because we won the game, but because we qualified for the second round.

“It was also because probably it is one the last games of my career. If you can end a career like I had in this way, I think every coach will dream of it.

“I am here in the situation and it was an emotional moment.”

  • All the World Cup fixtures here
  • World Cup page here
  • All the group profiles here
  • Star player profiles here
  • Bafana news here

TimesLIVE

]]>Gavin Barker/BackpagePix<![CDATA[WATCH | Trump, Republican senator engage in shouting match over Iran war]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-25-watch-trump-republican-senator-engage-in-shouting-match-over-iran-war/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-25-watch-trump-republican-senator-engage-in-shouting-match-over-iran-war/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:11:26 +0000US President Donald Trump faced pointed criticism over the Iran war in a closed-door meeting with fellow Republicans on Wednesday, shortly before his administration asked Congress for tens of billions to pay for the conflict.

Several Republicans who attended said Trump engaged in a shouting match with senator Bill Cassidy, who said the administration needed to explain a framework deal Trump signed last week that gives Iran financial incentives but falls short of the goals he laid out at the war’s beginning.

“The American people need to know more than we are being told,” Cassidy told reporters. “It does not appear, though I don’t know for sure, that the course of this is going the way that we were told.”

Later, in what appeared to be an effort to please the president, the Senate’s Republican leaders scheduled a late-night vote to block a resolution calling for an end to hostilities with Iran.

The Senate voted by 50 to 47, largely along party lines, to block a war powers resolution that had advanced on a procedural vote in May.

“This vote puts Iran on notice,” Trump said on social media after Wednesday’s late-night vote,though it does not affect the earlier vote.

Iran war weighs on Trump’s Republicans

Wednesday’s high-volume lunchtime exchange with a member of Trump’s own party shows how the war has weighed on the president ahead of the November elections that will determine control of Congress.

With Trump’s approval rating at its lowest since he returned to office last year, only one in four Americans believes the war was worth its costs, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed.

The exchange came a day after the Senate voted to direct Trump to end the war in a separate vote on a resolution passed by the House of Representatives this month. Cassidy was one of four Republicans to back it, along with opposition Democrats.

Trump did not mention the exchange with Cassidy, who was unseated by a Trump-backed challenger in a primary election this year. Later, he criticised the Senate.

“Iran sees that, they go, ‘What’s that all about?’. Now you know, it’s meaningless, right?” Trump told reporters at the White House.

Several hours later, the administration asked Congress for $70bn (R1.1-trillion) to cover the cost of the war, adding to the US military budget of $867bn (R14.3-trillion).

In Wednesday’s late-night vote, Cassidy, who had voted for recent Iran war powers resolutions, voted no, while senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, a Republican who also had voted in favour of war powers resolutions, voted present.

Two Republicans, senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted with every Democrat except one in favour of the resolution. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democratic no vote.

Republican senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Michael Bennet of Colorado did not vote.

Cassidy was briefed

In a Wednesday night post on X, Cassidy thanked vice-president JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff for a “thorough briefing this afternoon on Iran”.

“I appreciate the quick invitation to the White House to address many of my concerns,” Cassidy said.

Benchmark oil prices fell on Thursday to their lowest since before the war started, as the initial accord between the US and Iran lifted Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, allowing traffic to flow again.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) warned vessels to stick to routes designated by Tehran through the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting newly announced shipping routes not co-ordinated with Iran as unacceptable and dangerous.

The statement came a day after Oman announced temporary shipping lanes through the strait in co-ordination with the International Maritime Organization.

In a statement, the IRGC urged vessels to co-ordinate with the Revolutionary Guards navy via maritime channel 16, and threatened action against those infringing its requirements.

Before the waterway was blockaded in the war, it had carried one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Conflicting accounts have emerged over elements of the framework deal, which has prompted criticism of Trump at home and abroad.

Financial incentives for Iran, inspections of its nuclear facilities, control of the strait and Israel’s parallel war in Lebanon have all been disputed.

The deal sets up 60 days of talks to tackle thornier details, such as Iran’s nuclear programme.

Regional scepticism

The proposed peace deal has provoked scepticism in the Middle East, where many states came under attack from Iran during the war and view the accord as too generous to Tehran, including a $300bn (R4.9-trillion) fund and the waiver of some sanctions.

Washington’s Gulf allies fear the reconstruction fund could help Iran rebuild its military. The accord also does not address Tehran’s ballistic missile capacity.

The deal requires Iran to let shipping flow freely through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, and Tehran has suggested it might impose tolls after that.

Iran could propose environmental, navigation and security fees in upcoming talks with Gulf states, said a diplomat briefed on the talks. Washington and its Gulf allies oppose such fees.

“We’re not going to do anything that undermines the security of our allies, our longstanding allies in the region,” US secretary of state Marco Rubio said in Kuwait City, where the US embassy resumed operations after a stoppage due to the war.

Israel, Lebanon meet in Washington

In Washington, Lebanon and Israel discussed a US-backed proposal for Israel’s forces to pull out of some territory it invaded to be handed back to Lebanese army control.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would not pull out troops.

Israel has been battling Hezbollah in Lebanon since the militant group attacked Israel on March 2 in support of Iran, and Tehran has made a cessation of hostilities there central to its demands in any peace deal with the US.

An Israeli drone strike on a car in southern Lebanon killed two people on Wednesday, Lebanese sources told Reuters, while Israel said it struck two armed Hezbollah fighters. It was not immediately clear if the incidents were the same.

Reuters

]]>Elizabeth Frantz<![CDATA[June 30 protests will be peaceful, says March & March leader]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-june-30-protests-will-be-peaceful-says-march-march-leader/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-june-30-protests-will-be-peaceful-says-march-march-leader/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:10:45 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

POSSIBLE PULL QUOTE: The 30th of June was never about violence... All we are asking for is for illegal immigrants to leave the country − Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, March & March leader

March & March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has insisted the nationwide demonstrations planned for June 30 will be peaceful and rejected accusations that the movement is promoting vigilantism or violence against foreign nationals.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday alongside representatives from several civil society organisations, Ngobese-Zuma said the demonstrations were intended to place pressure on the government to enforce immigration laws, secure SA’s borders and address what organisers describe as an illegal immigration crisis.

“The 30th of June was never about violence. It was never about shutting down the country. It was never about harming anyone,” Ngobese-Zuma insisted.

“All we are asking for is for illegal immigrants to leave the country and for government to enforce the laws that already exist.”

The June 30 “deadline” has become a rallying point for a growing coalition of organisations that have aligned themselves with March & March’s campaign against illegal immigration.

Organisers say communities across the country have expressed support for the initiative because they believe the government has failed to respond to their concerns about unemployment and the pressure on public services they say are caused by illegal immigrants in SA.

March & March protesters gathered in Southernwood Park in KuGompo City in the Eastern Cape earlier yesterday and were expected to march through Oxford Street, calling for tougher laws against illegal immigration.

The protesters met at the corner of St George’s Road and Garden Street carrying placards, sjamboks and a South African flag while singing struggle songs.

Several shops in Southernwood remained closed while the city’s law enforcement officials and police units monitored proceedings.

March & March affiliate Ngizwe Mchunu was present and walked with protesters calling for the removal of illegal immigrants.

]]>SINO MAJANGAZA <![CDATA[MSIZI MYEZA | Attitude shift key to rebuilding trust in government]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/columnists/2026-06-25-msizi-myeza-attitude-shift-key-to-rebuilding-trust-in-government/https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/columnists/2026-06-25-msizi-myeza-attitude-shift-key-to-rebuilding-trust-in-government/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:58:04 +0000

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It is no secret that politicians and elected leaders often bear the brunt of public scrutiny and criticism, a dynamic seen not only here in South Africa but globally.

This scrutiny is, of course, justified, as these leaders are chosen by us with the expectation of honourable, transparent and committed governance aimed at the public good.

However, while scrutinising political leaders is necessary, there is an uncomfortable truth we, as public servants, must confront.

Many of us have fallen short of upholding the Constitution, and the standards and values that underpin good governance and effective service delivery.

I am aware that many public servants are dedicated, hard-working and deeply committed to serving South Africans with integrity and compassion.

But I must also speak frankly and generally about a widespread and troubling problem. Across a significant portion of our public service — far too many — there is a prevailing attitude of unprofessionalism, selfishness and unpleasantness.

Many public servants carry a misguided sense of entitlement. Instead of embracing the principles of Batho Pele, Ubuntu, humility and a servant’s heart, there is often a disdainful and indifferent approach to those we are meant to serve, our fellow South Africans

This is not simply an occasional lapse or a minor failure; it is a pattern of behaviour and mindset that seriously undermines the quality of service we provide.

Coupled with this troubling attitude, many public servants carry a misguided sense of entitlement. Instead of embracing the principles of Batho Pele, Ubuntu, humility and a servant’s heart, there is often a disdainful and indifferent approach to those we are meant to serve, our fellow South Africans.

I have experienced ill treatment and observed distrust between the public and those employed to assist them.

The damage this causes extends beyond individual interactions; it erodes the public’s faith in government as a whole and jeopardises the social contract we, as public servants, must uphold as stewards of public resources and services.

My expectations are not misplaced or unreachable. Our international peers offer inspiring examples. In Scandinavian countries such as Denmark and Norway, civil servants run governments with remarkable professionalism and efficiency. There is a sense of pride in their work because these nations have cultivated a culture in which public service is respected, valued and recognised for its vital role in society.

Likewise, nations such as China, Taiwan, and Canada regard civil service as a prestigious and respected career, not merely for job security or compensation but for the dignity and pride associated with serving the public.

These examples teach us public service can and should be a noble and sought-after profession.

This prestige is not simply a matter of remuneration or job security. Instead, it reflects a collective respect earned through consistent dedication, ethical conduct and a genuine commitment to public service.

we remain hampered by a stubbornly entrenched culture that prioritises selfishness, personal interest, excuses and minimal effort over real change

These countries have succeeded in making public service “cool” — a desirable profession characterised by high standards and shared pride among their workers.

Unfortunately, despite interventions, South Africa has yet to reach that level of respect and pride within our public sector.

Despite the abundant opportunities, frameworks, strategies, training programmes, brainstorms, development workshops, strategic retreats and countless sessions designed to build capacity and improve service, we remain hampered by a stubbornly entrenched culture that prioritises selfishness, personal interest, excuses and minimal effort over real change.

If we, as public servants, continue down this path without confronting the root causes of poor attitudes and ineffective service, our prospects as a nation are bleak.

We face systemic failure, increasing public dissatisfaction and a growing disconnect between government institutions and the communities we serve. The status quo is unsustainable.

To begin turning this around, we must first engage in honest self-reflection. I invite my fellow public servants to ask: if your own mother, father or loved one came to your workplace seeking assistance, be it with their municipal bill, identification documentation, or driver’s licence, would you treat them the same way you treat other citizens?

If your honest answer is no, or even unsure, then we have identified a central problem. It is in this answer that we must find the courage to change ourselves and our collective attitudes and serve our fellow citizens professionally, irrespective of their position in society.

This is purely because public service is not simply a job; it is a calling. As public servants, we are entrusted with the lives, well-being and futures of countless individuals who rely on us to uphold the values of fairness, justice and service above our interests. Our role demands that we embrace the principles of Batho Pele, Ubuntu, compassion and diligence.

The professionalisation of the public sector will not be easy or instantaneous. It requires sustained efforts and a willingness to challenge not only our actions but also our mindsets.

  • Myeza is the CEO of the Council for the Built Environment
]]>Freddy Mavunda<![CDATA[Cat Matlala admits paying brigadier R300,000 as plea admissions begin]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-cat-matala-admits-paying-brigadier-r300000-as-plea-admissions-begin/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-cat-matala-admits-paying-brigadier-r300000-as-plea-admissions-begin/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:43:07 +0000Security company boss and alleged underworld figure Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala is making admissions as part of a plea deal with the state on Thursday before the Pretoria commercial crimes court.

A police investigator’s affidavit outlining the admissions is being read into court.

It began with a statement by Matlala that he paid R300,000 to Brig Rachel Matjeng via a third party’s bank account.

Sunday Times reported in May that lawyers for the Medicare24 Tshwane boss, who lost a lucrative police health services tender when it was cancelled owing to irregularities, were in talks with the state over a deal.

This week, his trial for corruption, fraud and money-laundering was separated from 11 police officers’, including Matjeng. Suspended national police commissioner Fannie Masemola has also been arrested in connection with the tender. His charges are four counts of alleged contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. The officers are due to reappear in court on Friday.

The payments to Matjeng were recently aired at the Madlanga commission, which is probing allegations of criminality and political interference in the criminal justice system. She was employed as the head of the section for quality management in crime records and crime scene management in the South African Police Service (SAPS). She had assumed the role seven months before Matlala was awarded the SAPS tender in July 2024.

Matlala is also an accused in three attempted murder and conspiracy matters, including a botched attack on his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane. These are being heard separately from the corruption case.

This is a developing story

TimesLIVE

]]>Thapelo Morebudi<![CDATA[REVIEW | The Suzuki Across GL auto almost has it all]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/motoring/2026-06-25-review-the-suzuki-across-gl-auto-almost-has-it-all/https://www.sowetan.co.za/motoring/2026-06-25-review-the-suzuki-across-gl-auto-almost-has-it-all/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:49:48 +0000As SA consumers battle rampant economic pressures, value-for-money is the priority when it comes to the purchase of a new car.

Suzuki’s brand philosophy centres around the provision of affordable, mass-market transportation. Over the years its range of compacts, particularly the Swift, has helped the brand cement a strong reputation. That is in addition to a steady climb up the sales charts, becoming a frequent top-three player in recent times, giving Volkswagen sleepless nights.

But while the Japanese brand earned its stripes with cheap, cheerful hatchbacks, it also dabbled in larger categories, with sedans such as the Kizashi and the five-door Grand Vitara, which was a rival to the likes of the Nissan X-Trail once upon a time.

The Grand Vitara moniker lives on, but these days it is a road-biased creature with slightly reduced dimensions versus its predecessor. Around similar pricing and sizing parameters is the Suzuki Across.

It starts off at R10,000 less than the equivalent base version of the Grand Vitara GL, which is R359,900. If you want the Across in GL automatic form, that will be R372,900, which is cheaper than the same version of the Grand Vitara (R381,900).

Uncomplicated interior with hard-wearing feel.
Uncomplicated interior with hard-wearing feel.

However, the range-topping GLX is R11,000 dearer than the GLX version of the Grand Vitara at R464,900. The Across benefits from a four-year/60,000km service plan and a five-year/200,000km warranty.

At a length of 4360mm, it is 15mm longer than the Grand Vitara. It is also 10mm taller with a height of 1,655mm. Both cars are matched for width (1,795mm) and both have ground clearances of 210mm.

These minor size differences are interesting to note because visually the Grand Vitara strikes one as the larger of the duo. It has a marginally smaller boot: the Across gives you 347l, and the Grand Vitara gives 310l.

Style-conscious buyers are also likely to find the Across a more alluring prospect. Not that the Grand Vitara is especially unbecoming, but parked next to its sibling, the Across is clearly the better-dressed of the pair.

Probably not by coincidence, its frontal styling takes cues from that of the current Volkswagen Tiguan. And the result is hardly what you would describe as unappealing. At the rear the Across has a sharply raked tailgate window and a one-piece light bar, an execution that has an almost French car swagger about it.

Rear look takes a curvier shape than the Grand Vitara.
Rear look takes a curvier shape than the Grand Vitara.

Open the door, and the cabin is what you expect. Suzuki does not do premium, nor does it try to emulate those associated textures. So not much in the way of soft-touch surfaces, but the materials are of an acceptable standard, and it all feels durable.

The three-spoke steering wheel is one of the best elements of the cabin; not too thin or too thick, it looks like it could do service in a sportier vehicle. In the GLX model the wheel is leatherette-clad, but in the GL we tested, it is finished in standard polyurethane.

If you have been browsing around at Chinese picks for similar money, the lounge of the GL may come across as bland. It makes do with black fabric upholstery and manual seat adjustment. Though it is redeemed somewhat by the 10.1-inch infotainment system and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The airbag count is an assuring six, with dual front, side and curtains.

Pragmatic buyers could forgive the Across for not having the dazzling interior garnish of newfangled alternatives from China. What might be less easy to forgive is the lethargic performance.

Now, if this were the standard manual version, sentiments would have been different. We have experienced the Suzuki 1.5l petrol motor with its five-speed manual in various products previously, and the pairing is complementary, whether in a Baleno or Grand Vitara.

The 1.5l motor is not complemented by automatic gearbox.
The 1.5l motor is not complemented by automatic gearbox.

But this six-speed automatic does not blend cohesively with the normally-aspirated four-cylinder. After all, it only has 76kW137Nm to play with in the first place.

It feels encumbered by the long gearing and slow shifts of the transmission, droning painfully trying to tackle inclines and while dispatching overtaking manoeuvres. Not that you find yourself feeling confident enough to overtake in most scenarios.

On the bright side, the 1.5l motor is still economical. Our tester showed an average consumption of 5.8l/100km after nearly 800km worth of driving. The relatively small 45l tank also takes some of the sting out of a visit to the pumps.

For the record, the Across is a pleasant, spacious and well-screwed-together car. But for those who simply cannot or will not go manual, the automatic version is a sufferable thing.

And these consumers may be tempted to look in the direction of turbocharged Chinese rivals, even if their reputations for long-term reliability are not on the same level as that of Suzuki.

]]>COLIN MILEMAN<![CDATA[WATCH LIVE | Madlanga commission continues]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-watch-live-madlanga-commission-continues/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-watch-live-madlanga-commission-continues/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:37:42 +0000Hearings continue on Thursday at the Madlanga commission of inquiry probing allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system.

Video is courtesy of SABC.

TimesLIVE

]]>Freddy Mavunda<![CDATA[eThekwini municipality refused us permission to gather on June 30, says March and March ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-ethekwini-municipality-refused-us-permission-to-gather-on-june-30-says-march-and-march/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-ethekwini-municipality-refused-us-permission-to-gather-on-june-30-says-march-and-march/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:23:13 +0000March and March founder Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma says the eThekwini municipality has refused their right to protest on June 30, citing a national security threat.

In a post on social media, Ngobese-Zuma shared a letter from the anti-immigrant body to the city manager confirming national convener Nozibusiso Khambule served a notice of the intended gathering and protest action scheduled for June 30 in accordance with the Regulation of Gatherings Act and applicable municipal requirements.

However, on June 24, three working days before the intended gathering, members of the movement were summoned to a meeting attended by Metro police head Col Boysie Zungu and other metro officials and police.

“At this meeting members were verbally informed the gathering had been refused by the city manager on the basis it was a national security threat, an assertion that was not supported by any documentary evidence. We respectfully remind the municipality that the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions are protected under the Constitution.”

The organisation said under the Regulation of Gatherings Act, a notice-based framework is presented to ensure disasters are prevented, but this is not an instrument to limit the rights of citizens under the Constitution.

March and March said the movement is fully compliant with the act and representatives Khambule and Lindani Xulu met metro police officials and accepted proposed routes that were discussed and adjusted.

“We accepted and accommodated the rerouting proposals in good faith, demonstrating full co-operation and compliance with the consultation process.”

March and March pointed out the right to gather was protected under the Constitution and referenced a Constitutional Court ruling that highlighted the right.

“It is trite law that the right to gather and protest cannot be usurped by the state. The court has confirmed the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions of fundamental constitutional rights.”

The organisation said that if the municipality persisted with the decision to prevent the protest, it would ask the city manager for the following by 1pm on June 25:

  • A written record of reasons for the decision;
  • The specific statutory provisions relied on to make the decision; and
  • Copy of the security threat assessment and/or written commission communication from the official responsible confirming the security threat.

The organisation said the gathering was still scheduled, and if the municipality felt law enforcement agencies would not carry out responsibilities relating to traffic control, public safety and co-ordination of the event, this should be provided in writing and they reserved their rights to legal action.

Zungu told TimesLIVE they were not banning the organisation’s application to march, only on June 30.

“There is a clear national security threat on June 30 so we are saying to them they can march, just not on that day. We are not denying them the right to protest,” he said.

The city didn’t immediately respond to queries.

TimesLIVE

]]>Freddy Mavunda<![CDATA[The AM Check-in | Your Top 3 Reads Today]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-the-am-check-in-your-top-3-reads-today/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-the-am-check-in-your-top-3-reads-today/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000Metro police recruitment chaos leaves petrol attendant in limbo
Reward Nxumalo is the lawyer representing JMPD recruits who took the City of Johannesburg and the JMPD to court for failing to employ them after several tests were passed. Picture:
Reward Nxumalo is the lawyer representing JMPD recruits who took the City of Johannesburg and the JMPD to court for failing to employ them after several tests were passed. Picture:

Petrol attendant Wenele Mashile, 32, was so desperate for a better paying job that he resigned immediately after being told he would be joining the metro police training academy.

Six months later Mashile has joined more than 400 prospective Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) trainees who are trying to keep their places after the recruitment process was found to be tainted.

At least 52 of the 500 new recruits were flagged for possible corruption in the process of their hiring, which has since nullified the entire intake.

Yesterday the recruits suffered a setback when the Johannesburg high court struck their matter off the roll.

• Click here to read more.

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Mkhwanazi lied under oath about an ex-girlfriend cop in R14.9m gemstones heist

Suspended Ekurhuleni metro police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi testifies at the Madlanga commission of inquiry on June 24 2026. Picture:
Suspended Ekurhuleni metro police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi testifies at the Madlanga commission of inquiry on June 24 2026. Picture:

Suspended Ekurhuleni metro police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi lied under oath when he denied knowing a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer who implicated him in the theft of precious stones when she testified at the Madlanga commission of inquiry.

The police officer, whose identity has been withheld for safety reasons, testified on Tuesday that Mkhwanazi was among officers who colluded to steal precious stones valued at R14.9m under the guise of a lawful seizure operation at a residence in Killarney, Johannesburg.

“I know her, we used to be close,” Mkhwanazi told the commission on Wednesday when asked whether he knew the JMPD officer.

This was contrary to the evidence he gave to the commission when he appeared earlier this year and was asked whether he knew the officer identified as “Witness K” at the commission.

• Click here to read more.

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Metros ‘regress’ as audit outcomes reveal weak financial discipline, service delivery failures

Auditor-general Tsakani Maluleke. Picture:
Auditor-general Tsakani Maluleke. Picture:

Auditor-general Tsakani Maluleke has raised the alarm over what she describes as “concerning regressions” in the audit outcomes of the country’s eight metros, highlighting weak financial discipline, deteriorating service delivery and the flight of capital from municipalities.

Tabling the local government audit outcomes for the 2024/25 financial year at the co-operative governance and traditional affairs portfolio committee meeting in parliament on Wednesday, Maluleke said of the 257 municipalities, only 39 achieved clean audits, down from 41 achieved in the previous period (2023/24).

While the City of Cape Town was the only metro in the country to receive a clean audit opinion in 2023/24, with three others achieving unqualified audit opinions with findings and four others qualified with findings, none of the eight metros achieved a clean audit in 2024/25, and the number of metros with qualified audit opinions increased from four to five.

• Click here to read more.

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Sowetan

]]>Supplied<![CDATA[Striding into the last 32 — Bafana heroes stun South Korea and make history]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-25-bafana-heroes-stun-south-korea-and-make-world-cup-history/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-25-bafana-heroes-stun-south-korea-and-make-world-cup-history/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 03:03:57 +0000History makers Bafana Bafana march on at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

With the odds stacked against them, they rose to the occasion under humid conditions in Monterrey to produce a stunning 1-0 win over South Korea on Thursday morning.

Bafana and coach Hugo Broos have qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time after failures in France in 1998, South Korea and Japan in 2002 and on home soil in 2010.

South Africa’s famous victory came via Thapelo Maseko’s strike in the 63rd minute.

Bafana will meet co-hosts Canada in the last 32 in Los Angeles on a date to be confirmed next week, where they will fancy their chances, considering they are enjoying good momentum.

South Korea face an anxious wait to see if they will progress as one of the eight best third-place finishers with three points.

Bafana (four points) ended second in Group A to co-hosts Mexico (nine). This is a remarkable turnaround by South Africa, who started the tournament with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in Mexico City but gained confidence with a 1-1 draw against Czechia in Atlanta.

They were largely written off internationally and at home after a below-par display against Mexico. Thursday’s game was a genuine case of zeroes to heroes.

The other good news is inspirational midfielder Teboho Mokoena will be back from his one-match suspension in Los Angeles.

Mexico convincingly beat Czechia 3-0 in the concurrent match in Mexico City, meaning a win would be enough for Bafana to place second.

Broos made three changes to the starting line-up, with Sphephelo Sithole replacing Mokoena and, in an adventurous and attacking move, Relebohile Mofokeng for Jayden Adams in the midfield.

There was a different dimension up front too, with Broos opting for Evidence Makgopa, who replaced Iqraam Rayners, as the lone striker to challenge the defence of Lee Hanbeom, Kim Minjae and Lee Gihyuk.

Mofokeng created some of the most notable attacking chances for Maseko from the advanced position he was playing in ahead of central midfielders Thalente Mbatha and Sithole.

Sithole, who was returning to the starting line-up after his red card in the opening match against Mexico, had a good game alongside Mbatha against Lee Taeseok, Seol Youngwoo, Seol Youngwoo and Hwang Inbeom.

Korea were the first to threaten with Minjae’s header rebounding off the body of Aubrey Modiba in the third minute as South Africa again showed their vulnerability in the opening stages at this World Cup.

A few minutes later, Minjae found himself in his own box defending as he deflected a well-taken shot by Mofokeng when Bafana attacked from a corner.

Bafana should have opened the scoring in the 19th minute, but Maseko was indecisive and allowed Gihyuk to clear the ball for safety after he was released by Mofokeng during a good spell for South Africa.

Another chance went begging for Bafana as Maseko blasted his shot over the crossbar, with goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu to beat from another good supply from Mofokeng.

Most important for Bafana was not conceding before the break because this was their undoing against Mexico and Czechia.

There were loud cheers from Mexicans in the stadium in the 55th minute with the news their team had taken the lead against Czechia through Mateo Chavez Garcia.

Julian Quinones made it 2-0 at the Azteca a few minutes later, and Broos made his first substitution with Tshepang Moremi soon after that, replacing Oswin Appollis. The Orlando Pirates winger made an immediate impact.

Soon after his arrival, Moremi found himself with the ball on the left of the South Korean box, and he laid the pass to Maseko to control before he beat Seunggyu for a goal that was made in the Vaal.

Broos chose not to defend the 1-0 lead and introduced Rayners for Maseko in the 75th minute, who joined Makgopa up front, and later Adams for Mofokeng to solidify the midfield.

Bafana closed the match expertly against the stunned Koreans.

  • All the World Cup fixtures here
  • World Cup page here
  • All the group profiles here
  • Star player profiles here
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TimesLIVE

]]>Julian Finney - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)<![CDATA[TEBOGO KHAAS | Looming June 30 protests are about far more than immigration policy]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/columnists/2026-06-25-tebogo-khaas-looming-june-30-protests-are-about-far-more-than-immigration-policy/https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/columnists/2026-06-25-tebogo-khaas-looming-june-30-protests-are-about-far-more-than-immigration-policy/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:37:21 +0000As South Africa braces for the planned national protests on June 30, one would expect the government to engage in a period of introspection. Instead, it has chosen a familiar path: securitisation, mischaracterisation and deflection.

The response from the government and some sections of the media has been revealing. Rather than confronting the underlying causes of public anger, attention has shifted towards managing, policing and containing the protesters themselves.

Citizens expressing frustration have become the story. The government’s failures have not.

This inversion of responsibility is as dangerous as it is dishonest. Let me explain.

For years, South Africans have been told that concerns about illegal immigration, porous borders, corruption within law enforcement agencies and the erosion of state capacity are either exaggerated, politically inconvenient or somehow illegitimate. Yet the evidence of state failure is visible everywhere.

Border management remains inadequate. Criminal syndicates continue to exploit weaknesses in immigration controls. Corruption allegations involving officials responsible for safeguarding South Africa’s borders surface with alarming regularity.

Communities complain about the uneven application of immigration laws while the government responds with promises, task teams and commissions that rarely produce meaningful change.

Citizens did not create these conditions. The government did.

The constitutional right to protest exists precisely because democratic governments sometimes fail to respond adequately to legitimate public concerns.

Protest is not a sign of democratic failure. It is often a sign that ordinary mechanisms of accountability have ceased functioning effectively.

What is particularly concerning is the manner in which the narrative surrounding the planned demonstrations has been framed.

Organisers have consistently described the protests as being directed against illegal immigration and the state’s failure to enforce existing laws. Yet the government and much of the mainstream media have chosen to characterise them as anti-foreigner protests.

The distinction is not trivial.

Opposition to illegal immigration is a policy position. Xenophobia is prejudice directed at individuals based on nationality. The deliberate conflation of these concepts serves only to delegitimise concerns that many South Africans hold, regardless of whether one agrees with them.

Democracy requires honest engagement with opposing viewpoints. It does not require agreement. It certainly does not require caricature.

Instead of engaging with the substance of the grievances, the government appears determined to focus on the consequences of its own failures.

This became even more apparent following reports that approximately R600m may be committed to policing the demonstrations.

The figure is staggering.

One cannot help but wonder how different the current situation might look had comparable urgency, resources and political will been directed towards securing borders, strengthening immigration enforcement, rooting out corruption and restoring confidence in public institutions.

The government is preparing to spend hundreds of millions, which could easily turn to billions, managing public frustration while appearing far less willing to address the conditions that produced that frustration in the first place.

This is not governance. It is crisis management.

Even more troubling was the rhetoric employed by acting police minister Firoz Cachalia when he invoked Sun Tzu’s famous observation that “the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting”.

Words matter.

Particularly when they are spoken by a constitutional law scholar occupying one of the most powerful positions in the state’s security apparatus — someone who once stood where today’s protesters stand and experienced firsthand the consequences of a state that viewed dissent through the lens of security rather than constitutional rights.

South Africa’s history should make all of us cautious when political leaders adopt the language of warfare in relation to domestic dissent.

During apartheid, peaceful protesters were routinely treated as enemies of the state. That mentality justified surveillance, repression, violence and, in many instances, death.

No one is suggesting that modern South Africa is apartheid South Africa.

However, democracies must remain vigilant against the subtle normalisation of language that casts citizens exercising constitutional rights as adversaries to be subdued rather than stakeholders to be heard.

The role of the police in a constitutional democracy is not to defeat an “enemy”. It is to uphold the law impartially while protecting the rights of all persons, including those engaged in lawful protest.

Equally revealing has been the alignment between the government and minibus taxi operators — organisations that themselves have long operated outside the boundaries of the law.

South Africans are now being lectured about respect for the rule of law by sectors that have often appeared remarkably indifferent to it when it suited their interests. The irony is difficult to ignore.

Public confidence in the rule of law depends on consistency. Citizens cannot be expected to accept selective enforcement where certain forms of lawlessness are tolerated while others are met with overwhelming state force.

The law must apply equally to everyone.

That principle lies at the heart of constitutional democracy.

The looming protests are therefore about far more than immigration policy.

They represent a broader crisis of confidence in governance itself.

South Africans are increasingly frustrated by a state that appears reactive rather than proactive, defensive rather than accountable, and more comfortable managing public anger than addressing its causes.

For decades, the government has asked citizens to be patient. Patient with corruption. Patient with failing institutions. Patient with broken borders.

Patient with rising crime.

Patient with promises that never materialise.

Eventually, patience runs out.

When that happens, the solution is not to mobilise battalions of police officers, spend hundreds of millions of rand on crowd control, or frame dissent through the language of conflict and security.

The solution is to govern.

A government confident in its record does not fear scrutiny. A government responsive to its citizens does not need to treat protests as a threat. It does not conjure up alliances with the ignoble out of desperation.

A government committed to constitutional principles does not cast weary, frustrated citizens as the problem while ignoring the failures that brought them to the streets.

The greatest threat to stability is not lawful protest. It is the persistent refusal to address the reasons why people feel compelled to protest in the first place.

  • Khaas is chairperson of Public Interest SA.

Sowetan

]]>Sandile Ndlovu<![CDATA[Santaco backs SAPS call to keep taxis running during June 30 protests]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-santaco-backs-saps-call-to-keep-taxis-running-during-june-30-protests/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-santaco-backs-saps-call-to-keep-taxis-running-during-june-30-protests/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 06:27:00 +0000The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) confirmed that taxi operators will continue working on June 30, backing police efforts to keep public transport running during planned demonstrations linked to immigration concerns.

The assurance follows a briefing on Wednesday evening between South African Police Service (SAPS) and Santaco leaders as authorities prepare for possible unrest ahead of the June 30 deadline set by March and March activists for undocumented immigrants to leave South Africa.

Speaking during the briefing, acting national police commissioner Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili Dimpane said SAPS had called in Santaco because of the taxi industry’s influence over millions of commuters and its central role in the country’s transport system.

Dimpane said police had appealed to Santaco to stand with law enforcement and help ensure the taxi industry was not used to destabilise the country, intimidate communities or disrupt economic activity.

“We want to speak directly to the leadership of the taxi industry because of the important role they play in our country and the influence they have over millions of commuters and thousands of taxi operators,” said Dimpane.

She said SAPS wanted June 30 to remain business as usual, with taxis continuing to operate and routes staying open.

“The taxi industry is the backbone of public transport in South Africa. Every day, millions of people rely on taxis to get to work, to get to school, hospitals, and places of business,” she said.

“It is for this reason that we are appealing to every taxi association, every taxi owner, every operator, and every driver across the country to ensure that June 30 remains business as usual.”

Police also warned taxi operators not to allow criminal elements to use the industry for unlawful activity, including blocking highways, intimidating commuters or disrupting public life.

Dimpane said ordinary South Africans would suffer most if instability broke out.

“When roads are blocked, workers cannot go to work. When transport is disrupted, learners cannot go to school. When businesses close, livelihoods are affected. When violence erupts, innocent people suffer,” she said.

She said law enforcement agencies would be deployed across the country on June 30 and were ready to act against criminal behaviour.

“We will protect those who wish to protest peacefully and lawfully. However, any attempts to block roads, intimidate commuters, damage infrastructure, disrupt public transport networks, or engage in violence will be dealt with swiftly and decisively,” she said.

Santaco president Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe said the taxi industry had distanced itself from social media claims that the council had threatened organisers of the March and March protests or opposed the protest itself.

Tsebe said Santaco was not against people exercising their constitutional rights, but would not support any action that disrupted transport operations, harmed the economy or put the public at risk.

“Our business is the movement of people,” he said.

“Every day our members transport commuters from point A to places of employment, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, places of worship, businesses, and other amenities that form part of everyday life in South Africa.”

He said Santaco had no role in deciding immigration policy or enforcing immigration laws, and that South Africa’s immigration challenges should be addressed through lawful engagement, effective governance and consistent enforcement of existing laws.

Tsebe also assured commuters that taxi operators were not preparing to join the protests or shut down services.

“We can assure you that our members and our drivers want to work. So we are officially saying it’s business as usual,” he said.

TimesLIVE

]]>Lerato Maphoso<![CDATA[Bafana player ratings after historic World Cup win over Korea]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-25-bafana-player-ratings-after-historic-world-cup-win-over-korea/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-25-bafana-player-ratings-after-historic-world-cup-win-over-korea/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 05:35:25 +0000Bafana Bafana‘s historic 1-0 win against South Korea in their last World Cup Group A fixture in Monterrey on Thursday morning means they have qualified for the global showpiece’s knockout phase for the first time ever; we highlight how players fared individually.

Ronwen Williams (5)

The Bafana goalkeeper and skipper was hardly tested in goals, but he didn’t complicate things when he had to clear the ball away. His leadership was also crucial to guide the team’s defence.

Ime Okon (6)

Okon was solid and his physicality and height kept Korean players at bay. The centre-back helped a lot when Bafana had to defend set-plays.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi (5)

Mbokazi also had a solid showing at the heart of defence, albeit he was not really exposed to duels. He did a great job helping the team to keep to basics, kicking the ball out of danger whenever he was under pressure.

Khuliso Mudau (6)

Mudau had a very busy day but never looked fazed. The right back recovered the ball brilliantly whenever Bafana were caught out of possession. Mudau also aided the team in attack, making some great runs down the flank to penetrate the Korean rear guard.

Aubrey Modiba (5)

Modiba played well, but at times he overcommitted when he made fouls and was cautioned. Modiba also played a few nice forward passes that threatened Korea.

Siphephelo Sithole (7)

Returning to the starting XI after missing the game against Czechia due to the red card he picked in the opener against Mexico, where he was poor, Sithole put in a great shift. “Yaya”, as the central midfielder is nicknamed, was a great link between defence and attack. He won the majority of midfield battles.

Thalente Mbatha (6)

Mbatha stuck to basics in the engine room, and his height helped him win aerial battles. He took a few long-range shots that troubled the opponent. His partnership with “Yaya” was solid.

Relebohile Mofokeng (6)

Mofokeng was lively. He was never scared to take on players, though at some point he misplaced his pace. The young playmaker played with courage.

Oswin Appollis (5)

Appollis wasn’t himself on the day, misplacing passes for fun. The winger also struggled to dribble past players, a trait that makes him one of Bafana’s dangermen.

Thapelo Maseko (7)

From the word go, it was evident Maseko was going to be vital in Bafana getting a goal. He missed two great chances before finally scoring the game’s only goal. He was a threat down the right flank, but a bit selfish at times.

Evidence Makgopa (5)

Makgopa appeared lazy to press whenever the Koreans were trying to build from the back. The striker also missed a glorious chance from a rebound after Mbatha’s long-range shot was saved.

Tshepang Moremi came off the bench and made an instant impact, assisting Maseko for that crucial goal. Jayden Adams and Iqraam Rayners also made cameos and stabilised things.

Sowetan

]]>Luke Hales/Getty Images<![CDATA[Mkhwanazi lied under oath about an ex-girlfriend cop in R14.9m gemstones heist ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-mkhwanazi-lied-under-oath-over-r149m-gemstones-heist/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-mkhwanazi-lied-under-oath-over-r149m-gemstones-heist/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 03:49:31 +0000

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Suspended Ekurhuleni metro police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi lied under oath when he denied knowing a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer who implicated him in a theft of precious stones at the Madlanga commission of inquiry.

The police officer, whose identity has been withheld for safety reasons, testified on Tuesday that Mkhwanazi was part of officers who colluded to steal precious stones valued at R14,9m under the guise of a lawful seizure operation at a residence in Killarney, Johannesburg.

“I know her, we used to be close,” Mkhwanazi told the commission on Wednesday when asked about whether he knew the JMPD officer.

This was contrary to the evidence he gave to the commission when he appeared earlier this year and was asked whether he knew the officer identified as “Witness K” at the commission.

Commissioner Sandile Khumalo, in April, asked Mkhwanazi directly whether he knew Witness K. “No, no, no,” Mkhwanazi responded at the time, the transcript shows.

Two months later, Mkhwanazi has changed his version and acknowledged that he used to have a close relationship with the JMPD officer.

Witness K, when testifying about officers involved in the unlawful scheme, said Mkhwanazi was his former boyfriend.

The commission has warned witnesses that lying under oath constitutes perjury, which could lead to criminal charges.

Mkhwanazi told the commission he misunderstood the question posed to him previously about whether he knew the JMPD officer.

“I specifically mentioned the name of Witness K, and I asked, ‘Do you know this person?’. I am going to put it to you that either you were not truthful then or you are not truthful now, but it cannot be that you misunderstood the question,” Khumalo said.

“You have to stop playing games because we are not in the business of playing games. This is a serious commission of inquiry.”

Mkhwanazi also denied the allegations made by Witness K.

Witness K testified that on February 11 2023 on the day of the theft, Mkhwanazi introduced her to his subordinates − EMPD officers Kesha Leigh Stols and Norman McKenzie, and a civilian, Etienne van der Walt.

During the meeting, she gave information to the officers about a Killarney resident who was in possession of the precious stones.

Stols, McKenzie and Van der Walt thereafter took the precious stones from the Killarney resident under the guise of lawful seizure. The stones were sold for R110,000, and five of the scheme members each received R22,000.

“I deny this,” Mkhwanazi told the commission. “I deny anything that has to do with money. I never received any cash from this officer.”

It is Mkhwanazi’s version that he was not involved directly in the precious stones matter; he told the commission that it was a joint operation between EMPD and JMPD.

There was no JMPD officer in the precious stone seizure; the seizure of the metals was done by EMPD officers. The precious metals were also never booked as recovered goods in a police station. Mkhwanazi pins the stones case on the officers to answer and not him.

Stols resigned from the municipality months after the case was opened; while McKenzie remains an employee of the EMPD.

Mkhwanazi was suspended from work while acting as the head of EMPD due to damning allegations made against him at the commission.

His bank statements show he was paid about R100,000 by attempted murder accused Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala’s companies.

The commission’s evidence leaders said Matlala was paid the money in exchange for authorising a partnership between EMPD and Matlala’s companies and those of Matlala’s business associate, Michael van Wyk.

Mkhwanazi also issued appointment cards to employees of Matlala and Van Wyk as “peace officers”. Van Wyk also asked Mkhwanazi to give him a letter confirming EMPD’s partnership with his security company.

The letter was flagged that it would be used for Van Wyk to get a licence for guns he bought.

Mkhwanazi also submitted a fraudulent clearance certificate stating that Matlala no longer had a criminal record for him to get a peace officer appointment card. Mkhwanazi said he was not aware the certificate was fraudulent.

Business Day

]]>Frennie Shivambu<![CDATA[Metro police recruitment chaos leaves petrol attendant in limbo]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-police-recruits-in-limbo-after-jmpd-cancelled-their-recruitment-process-at-training-stage/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-police-recruits-in-limbo-after-jmpd-cancelled-their-recruitment-process-at-training-stage/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:31:46 +0000

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Petrol attendant Wenele Mashile, 32, was so desperate for a better-paying job that he resigned immediately after being told he’d be joining the metro police training academy.

Six months later Mashile has joined more than 400 prospective Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) trainees who are trying to keep their place after the recruitment process was found to be tainted.

At least 52 of the 500 new recruits were flagged for possible corruption in the process of their hiring, which has since nullified the entire intake.

Yesterday, however, the recruits suffered a setback when the Johannesburg High Court struck their matter off the roll.

Mashile quit his job at the Sandton garage in December and underwent months of training and vetting only to be told, together with over 400 others, that they would have to reapply to join JMPD.

“Emotionally and physically, we are damaged.” — Goldwin Hlulani Chauke

The trainees were meant to move into the next phase of their training in January, but then the JMPD said it would have to re-advertise and start the recruitment process from scratch.

Mashile said his group had completed all four stages of the recruitment process, which included a physical assessment, psychometric tests and the vetting process.

“After the home address verification process, they told us we would start in January, but they stopped communicating at the beginning of the year,” said Mashile.

“[So], we started visiting their offices. They kept promising that we would start in February, that everything had been finalised and that the JMPD had already handed our documents over to the city.”

Mashile said he has had to start looking for work again in order to support his child.

“I thought this was my big break. Working for the city would have changed my life. The home verification process felt like the final stamp of approval. Now I’m struggling a lot. I have no choice but to look for work again.”

Attorney Reward Nxumalo, who represents the applicants, said their urgent application to stop the re-advertisement of the JMPD trainee posts was struck off the roll due to a lack of urgency and defects in their papers.

A lawyer representing the city told the court that the matter could not be treated as urgent because the applicants had never received letters of appointment and were not entitled to assume they had secured employment.

The lawyer said allegations of corruption surfaced during the recruitment process, with 52 applications flagged for irregularities.

“The department’s principle is that when a recruitment process is found to be tainted, all parties involved are affected, including innocent applicants,” she said.

Another applicant, Gosiame Remoagile Khumalo, 23, a second-year BA criminology student at Unisa, said she was ready to kickstart her career and dedicate herself fully to law enforcement.

“We now have to proceed with Part B of our applications, which is to ensure that JMPD considers us first when the posts are re-advertised,” she said. “We are now waiting for dates on when that process [the re-enrolment of the case] will take place,” she said.

“They came to our homes to verify that we indeed lived at the addresses we had provided. According to our understanding, we were told that this was the final stage. Once that was completed, we were certain that everything was done. Unfortunately, they went quiet.

“This is a lifetime opportunity because it is a career. It is something I believe I am destined for, which is why I am so emotional about it. I simply want to kick-start my career. I am studying criminology, and that shows that I truly want to be in law enforcement.”

Khumalo said the ordeal has been emotionally draining.

“It’s heartbreaking. I don’t know how many times I’ve cried over this whole process.

“We all had high hopes. This has devastated my mother as well.”

Another applicant, Goldwin Hlulani Chauke, 34, said he saw the JMPD recruitment drive as an opportunity to secure a stable career, as he had worked as a part-time invigilator.

“This felt like my breakthrough because I had finally progressed through all the stages,” he said.

“We expected to be at the academy on January 1 because that is what was stated in the advert. During December, we enjoyed our holidays believing that, after the house verification process, we would definitely be accepted, even though we had not received appointment letters.”

Chauke said many applicants put their lives on hold.

“A lot of people resigned from their jobs. Others did not continue with their studies because they believed they would be starting at the JMPD academy.

“Some of us even told our employers that we would not be returning because we believed we had secured these positions,” he said.

“Emotionally and physically, we are damaged. Unemployment is already high, so our expectations for this opportunity were very high.”

Sowetan

]]>ANTONIO MUCHAVE <![CDATA[Metros ‘regress’ as audit outcomes reveal weak financial discipline, service delivery failures ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-metros-regress-as-audit-outcomes-reveal-weak-financial-discipline-service-delivery-failures/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-25-metros-regress-as-audit-outcomes-reveal-weak-financial-discipline-service-delivery-failures/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 03:57:17 +0000

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Auditor-general (AG) Tsakani Maluleke has raised the alarm over what she describes as “concerning regressions” in the audit outcomes of the country’s eight metros, highlighting weak financial discipline; deteriorating service delivery; and the flight of capital from municipalities.

Tabling the local government audit outcomes for the 2024/25 financial year at the co-operative governance and traditional affairs portfolio committee meeting in parliament on Wednesday, Maluleke said of the 257 municipalities, only 39 achieved clean audits — down from 41 achieved in the previous period (2023/24).

While the City of Cape Town was the only metro in the country to receive a clean audit opinion in 2023/24, with three others achieving unqualified audit opinions with findings and four others qualified with findings, none of the eight metros achieved a clean audit in 2024/25, and the number of metros with qualified audit opinions increased from four to five.

The metros of Cape Town, eThekwini and Johannesburg achieved unqualified audit opinions with findings, with Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Buffalo City, Mangaung and Nelson Mandela Bay all achieving qualified audit opinions with findings.

“The regression in audit outcomes among the metros is particularly concerning, given that metros accounted for R335.9bn [54%] of the 2024/25 estimated local government expenditure budget. Consequently, deficiencies in financial and performance management within these municipalities have the potential to negatively affect about 8.9-million households [46%],” Maluleke said.

“The regressed municipalities accounted for 24% of the total local government budget. Regressions should be a rare occurrence, particularly given the lack of significant changes in legislation and accounting and performance reporting requirements during this administration.”

We have reached a milestone of 98% timely submissions from municipalities across the country. This 98% is a historic mandate. This milestone is a credit to support by provincial and national leaders. Municipalities are changing their behaviour and are subjecting themselves to scrutiny

Tsakani Maluleke, auditor-general

The local government sector is grappling with poor service delivery, maladministration, lack of capacity and corruption, and its worsening state has spurred the government to focus the second phase of Operation Vulindlela on fixing councils. Vulindlela is a joint initiative of National Treasury and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office created in 2020 to address bottlenecks stifling economic growth.

Maluleke said the 39 municipalities that achieved clean audits managed only R52.6bn (or 8%) of the R622.5bn expenditure budget in local government.

At 21, the Western Cape led the number of municipalities with clean audits, followed by the Eastern Cape (8), KwaZulu-Natal (4), Limpopo (2), Gauteng (2), Mpumalanga (1), and the Northern Cape (1); the Free State and North West had zero.

Municipalities that achieved the following:

  • unqualified audit opinions with findings increased from 99 to 117 during 2024/25;
  • qualified opinions with findings decreased from 95 to 85;
  • adverse opinions with findings decreased from seven to five; and
  • disclaimed opinions with findings, increasing to eight from 15; while
  • there were two outstanding audits from the Nala and Maluti-A-Phofung local municipalities, both in the Free State.

Business Day

]]>Freddy Mavunda<![CDATA[Baloyi hits back at Ben Youssef: ‘He was part of the problem at Chiefs’ ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-25-baloyi-hits-back-at-ben-youssef-he-was-part-of-the-problem-at-chiefs/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-25-baloyi-hits-back-at-ben-youssef-he-was-part-of-the-problem-at-chiefs/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 03:00:00 +0000

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Ex-Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi has hit back at the club’s former co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef, who accused the team of not having sufficient quality to challenge for titles in the past season, saying he was part of the problem.

Ben Youssef, who was unveiled as Durban City’s new coach on Wednesday, delivered a reality check to his former side, saying they were not capable of dethroning Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at the top.

Baloyi said Ben Youssef didn’t have what it takes to coach a team of Chiefs’ calibre.

“He must say as well that [he was out of his depth]. He was part of the problem. He is not at the level of a Kaizer Chiefs coach, and we can’t beat around the bush and sugarcoat it. It is the truth, and he knows it. He can get angry when he sees it and when I talk about it, but deep down he knows it.”

Ben Youssef, along with Cedric Kaze, guided Chiefs to a third-place finish in the premiership and to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup before they parted ways. Frenchman Fernando da Cruz has since replaced them, but Baloyi is not yet convinced he is the right coach to lead the Soweto Giants.

“He [Ben Youssef] is not at the level of a Kaizer Chiefs coach...”

“I’m happy we’ve got a new coach. Do I think he is the right man for the job? Only time will tell,” he said.

“This is my humble opinion. The situation Kaizer Chiefs is in right now, the only way to come out of this is you need a coach with big shoulders. You need someone who understands the type of pressure that you get at Chiefs. You need someone who has walked the talk, who has walked the path.

“Is Da Cruz that man, or are you taking a chance on him? Knowing and understanding the pressure at Chiefs, not only of playing there but [also of] coaching there. The type of players you have there now, with the lack of experience at the club, is one of the biggest downfalls.”

Baloyi believes Chiefs need to back Da Cruz with quality players, and he is happy they have signed defender Thabiso Moloisane to start with.

“Pirates and Sundowns are way ahead of us,” Baloyi said.

“We can be happy and say we are third behind them, but the gap between them and us [is big], and if you look at the players that Pirates are signing now, they are preparing themselves for the CAF Champions League and to defend the league.

“We are way behind, and only time will tell.”

Meanwhile, Chiefs have announced that George Matlou’s contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the month.

Sowetan

]]>Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images<![CDATA[Dladla has done wonders for boxing in KZN - Dube]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-25-dladla-has-done-wonders-for-boxing-in-kzn-dube/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-25-dladla-has-done-wonders-for-boxing-in-kzn-dube/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 03:00:00 +0000

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The story about the success of boxing in KwaZulu-Natal is not complete without paying tribute to promoter Hlula Dladla, enthuses Mike Dube, who also paid tribute to other promoters.

He said, collectively, their concerted efforts have successfully revived the province’s fighting talent, yielding multiple SA, WBF and international champions.

Dube, who serves as BSA manager in KZN, revealed that Dladla from Escourt, who started promoting boxing in 2022, has staged eight tournaments while his wife, Hlengiwe, organised six events.

“Hlula’s contribution is immense,” said Dube. “You know, boxers such as Lindelani and Nkosingipile Sibisi started out with Dladla. Today they are both SA and IBF Africa champions.

“Gcina Makhoba, Theo Mhlungu, Nhlakanipho Kunene, Sakhile Hlatshwayo, and Bathabile Ziqubu became WBF champions under Dladla’s promotion.”

Dube said Dladla looks out even for boxers who are outside of Sibongile Gym in Dundee, where Nathi Hlatshwayo and Nathi Thusi hone the skills of many boxers, including the Sibisi brothers − Mxolisi Zuma (ABU champ), Sakhile (WBF Africa titlist) and Kunene (WBF Intercontinental holder).

Dube said Dladla works closely with that gym which is home to Phiwokuhle “Ben 10″ Mnguni, the first SA woman boxer to participate in the Commonwealth Games.

She won a bronze medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

“Dladla is a type of promoter who would buy space for his boxer from any other promoter who has a tournament ... pay purse monies for both his boxer and the opponent,” said Dube.

“I’ve seen him do a tournament with purses way above the amount he’s been given by the government.”

Dladla was chairperson of the KZN Promoters Federation until March. “We made a commitment to help in the revival of boxing and also change people’s lives,” said Dladla.

Sowetan

]]>Supplied<![CDATA[SOWETAN | Time for Ubuntu as Mashaba battles illness]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/2026-06-25-sowetan-time-for-ubuntu-as-mashaba-battles-illness/https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/2026-06-25-sowetan-time-for-ubuntu-as-mashaba-battles-illness/Thu, 25 Jun 2026 03:00:00 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

The news that former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba is seriously ill and in need of financial assistance for medical treatment has touched the hearts of many South Africans.

Mashaba is not just another football figure. He is one of the country’s most respected football servants, a man who dedicated decades of his life to the game as a player and later developing players and coaching at a high level of the game.

It is particularly poignant that his health challenges have come into the public spotlight while the Fifa World Cup is being played in North America. It is also ironic that this happens at a time when the world is celebrating football’s biggest spectacle.

Mashaba’s family has appealed for financial support to secure private medical care as he battles cancer and tuberculosis. Their appeal highlights a reality faced by many South Africans confronted by serious illness. While private healthcare offers access to specialised treatment and shorter waiting times, it remains beyond the reach of millions of citizens.

This reality raises important questions about the state of public healthcare. No South African should feel that the inability to afford private treatment leaves them with fewer chances of recovery.

The government has a responsibility to ensure that public hospitals and clinics are adequately equipped, staffed and managed to provide quality healthcare to all. Public healthcare should inspire confidence among patients and their families, especially during their most vulnerable moments.

At the same time, Mashaba’s situation presents an opportunity for South Africans to demonstrate the spirit of Ubuntu. Throughout our history, communities have rallied behind those facing hardship, offering support, comfort and practical assistance. Those who are in a position to contribute towards Mashaba’s treatment should consider doing so as an act of generosity and gratitude to a man who gave so much to South African football.

His circumstances also serve as a reminder of the importance of regular medical check-ups. Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in combating serious illnesses. Routine health screenings can identify diseases before they become advanced, improving treatment outcomes and saving lives.

As a nation, we must continue striving for a healthcare system that provides dignity and quality care to every citizen, regardless of their financial circumstances.

We extend our heartfelt wishes to Shakes Mashaba for a full and speedy recovery. We also wish strength, comfort and peace to his family during this difficult period.

]]>Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix<![CDATA[RECORDED | Hill-Lewis addresses the nation on DA’s way forward for SA]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-watch-live-hill-lewis-addresses-the-nation-on-das-way-forward-for-sa/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-watch-live-hill-lewis-addresses-the-nation-on-das-way-forward-for-sa/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:30:39 +0000DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis is expected to address the nation to outline his party’s assessment of the state of South Africa, political developments, the challenges ahead and the DA’s way forward to get South Africa working for all.

Video courtesy of the DA

]]>Freddy Mavunda<![CDATA[Metros ‘regress’ as audit outcomes reveal weak financial discipline and service delivery failures]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-metros-regress-as-audit-outcomes-reveal-weak-financial-discipline-and-service-delivery-failures/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-metros-regress-as-audit-outcomes-reveal-weak-financial-discipline-and-service-delivery-failures/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:45:31 +0000

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Auditor-general (AG) Tsakani Maluleke has raised the alarm over what she describes as “concerning regressions” in the audit outcomes of the country’s eight metros, highlighting:

  • weak financial discipline;
  • deteriorating service delivery; and
  • the flight of capital from municipalities.

Tabling the local government audit outcomes for the 2024/25 financial year at the co-operative governance and traditional affairs portfolio committee meeting in parliament on Wednesday, Maluleke said of the 257 municipalities, only 39 achieved clean audits — down from 41 achieved in the previous period (2023/24).

While the City of Cape Town was the only metro in the country to receive a clean audit opinion in 2023/24, with three others achieving unqualified audit opinions with findings, and four others qualified with findings, none of the eight metros achieved a clean audit in 2024/25 and the number of metros with qualified audit opinions increased from four to five.

The metros of Cape Town, eThekwini and Johannesburg achieved unqualified audit opinions with findings, with Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Buffalo City, Mangaung and Nelson Mandela Bay all achieving qualified audit opinions with findings.

“The regression in audit outcomes among the metros is particularly concerning, given that metros accounted for R335.9bn (54%) of the 2024-25 estimated local government expenditure budget. Consequently deficiencies in financial and performance management within these municipalities have the potential to negatively affect about 8.9-million households (46%),” Maluleke said.

“The regressed municipalities accounted for 24% of the total local government budget. Regressions should be a rare occurrence, particularly given the lack of significant changes in legislation and accounting and performance reporting requirements during this administration.”

We have reached a milestone of 98% timely submissions of municipalities across the country. This 98% is a historic mandate. This milestone is credit to support by provincial and national leaders. Municipalities are changing their behaviour and are subjecting themselves to scrutiny

Tsakani Maluleke, auditor-general

The local government sector is grappling with poor service delivery, maladministration, lack of capacity and corruption, and its worsening state has spurred the government to focus the second phase of Operation Vulindlela on fixing councils. Vulindlela is a joint initiative of National Treasury and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office created in 2020 to address bottlenecks stifling economic growth.

On Wednesday Maluleke said the 39 municipalities that achieved clean audits managed only R52.6bn (or 8%) of the R622.5bn expenditure budget in local government.

At 21, the Western Cape led the number of municipalities with clean audits, followed by:

  • the Eastern Cape (8);
  • KwaZulu-Natal (4);
  • Limpopo (2);
  • Gauteng (2);
  • Mpumalanga (1);
  • the Northern Cape (1);
  • the Free State (0); and
  • the North West (0).

Municipalities that achieved:

  • unqualified audit opinions with findings increased from 99 to 117 during 2024/25;
  • qualified opinions with findings decreased from 95 to 85;
  • adverse opinions with findings decreased from seven to five; and
  • disclaimed opinions with findings decreased to eight from 15; while
  • there were two outstanding audits from the Nala and Maluti-A-Phofung local municipalities, both in the Free State.

“Last year we reported 10 outstanding audits. This time around we see two. This year, for the very first time, we have had a very high level of timely submissions of financial statements for us to audit. We have reached a milestone of 98% timely submissions of municipalities across the country. This 98% is a historic mandate. This milestone is credit to support by provincial and national leaders. Municipalities are changing their behaviour and are subjecting themselves to scrutiny,” the AG said.

Maluleke said metros and their entities have accounted for 51% of the total irregular expenditure since 2021/22, with the biggest contributors over this period being:

  • City of Tshwane (R12.1bn);
  • Joburg’s electricity entity City Power (R11.8bn);
  • Buffalo City (R10.6bn); and
  • eThekwini (R10bn).

In 2024-25, metros and their entities accounted for 58% of the total irregular expenditure, an increase from the 47% in 2021/22, the AG said.

“Since 2021/22, 77% of the R73.8bn in irregular expenditure incurred by metros and their entities has been due to non-compliance with legislation on procurement and contract management.”

Business Leadership SA CEO Busi Mavuso has previously slammed the financial state of metros as shocking and a serious constraint on much-needed economic growth, saying it is “completely unacceptable that most cannot get basic financial management right”.

Consequence management in Joburg metro ‘very poor’

Regarding Gauteng’s 11 municipalities, only the Midvaal and West Rand local municipalities received clean audits, while the province’s three metros regressed on their audit outcomes.

The AG condemned what she said was deteriorating financial health, collapsing service delivery, degrading infrastructure, and “very poor” consequence management in Gauteng municipalities.

She singled out the Joburg metro, saying it needs ongoing attention.

“It’s crucial that the institutional arrangements with Joburg be attended to. If we don’t do that, we are going to continue on this slide where financial health deteriorates, which is what we are seeing, where service delivery continues to be compromised, which is what we are living.

“We are going to continue on the path where investors who look at the City of Joburg don’t look at it in the way they might have years ago, [and that] the interest of putting capital in the balance sheet continues to diminish.”

The Joburg metro is technically insolvent as revenue collection levels do not meet budgeted targets, and it has an over expenditure of about R3.9bn on employee-related costs, bulk electricity purchases, inventory consumed and operational costs. The council’s finances are severely constricted, with poor revenue collection resulting in its failure to meet service delivery targets. It owes power utility Eskom R5.3bn.

In April GCR Ratings revised the city’s ratings outlook from stable to “rating watch negative” because of the metro’s delays in finalising its annual financial statements. The city, which has been battling water problems, has an infrastructure backlog of more than R200bn.

The legislative framework clearly defines the respective responsibilities of mayors, councils and executive authorities. However, what remains insufficient is the consistent, diligent and effective execution of these responsibilities

Tsakani Maluleke

The municipality has long been plagued by crumbling roads and deteriorating water and electricity networks, prompting Ramaphosa, during an oversight visit to the city a year ago, to propose the establishment of a presidential working group.

Ramaphosa noted on the visit the city faced “enormous challenges, ranging from financial and governance instability to rapidly deteriorating infrastructure”.

Gauteng co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) MEC Jacob Mamabolo, however, has ruled out placing South Africa’s troubled economic and financial hub under administration as the metro is working “hard” to address governance failures and financial challenges. A Cogta MEC can intervene and place a municipality under administration if it fails to meet its financial obligations and provide basic services to residents, among other things.

Maluleke said local government requires fundamental and far-reaching reform, driven by capable, collaborative and ethical leaders who “are committed to building municipalities characterised by sustained institutional performance, accountable leadership and officials, transparent systems and processes and strong institutional integrity.

“I further call on the national and provincial spheres of government to collaborate with the local government sphere to strengthen institutional capability and build on the progress made over the term of the sixth administration.

“The legislative framework clearly defines the respective responsibilities of mayors, councils and executive authorities. However, what remains insufficient is the consistent, diligent and effective execution of these responsibilities.”

The AG called on Cogta to direct sustained, structural solutions for metros. The extent of underperformance, continued governance failures and accumulation of billions of rand in irregular expenditure “necessitate systemic involvement by all roleplayers in the accountability ecosystem to improve the quality of life for millions of residents.

“Well-functioning metros are essential to South Africa’s inclusive urban growth, social stability and sustainable development. They are expected to demonstrate exemplary service delivery performance owing to their broader revenue bases and better capacity.”

Business Day

]]>Freddy Mavunda<![CDATA[Five things you need to know about SA’s worsening municipal crisis]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-five-things-you-need-to-know-about-sas-worsening-municipal-crisis/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-five-things-you-need-to-know-about-sas-worsening-municipal-crisis/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

South Africa’s biggest cities are failing to get their financial houses in order, with auditor-general Tsakani Maluleke warning that worsening governance, collapsing service delivery and billions lost to irregular expenditure are threatening the country’s economic future.

Presenting the 2024/25 local government audit outcomes in parliament on Wednesday, Maluleke painted a grim picture, saying none of the country’s eight metros had achieved a clean audit.

Here are five things to know about the country’s worsening municipalities crisis:

  • For the first time, none of the metros achieved a clean audit in the 2024/25 financial year. Maluleke warned of “concerning regressions” in all eight metros, citing weak financial discipline, worsening service delivery and declining investor confidence.
  • The number of municipalities with clean audits dropped from 41 to 39. Those municipalities manage just R52.6bn, or 8%, of the local government’s R622.5bn expenditure budget.
  • Metros and their entities accounted for 58% of total irregular expenditure in 2024/25. Since 2021/22, major contributors include Tshwane (R12.1bn), Joburg’s City Power (R11.8bn), Buffalo City (R10.6bn) and eThekwini (R10bn).
  • The AG said Johannesburg needs urgent intervention as its finances, service delivery and infrastructure continue to deteriorate. The city is technically insolvent, owes Eskom R5.3bn, has an infrastructure backlog exceeding R200bn and is losing investor confidence.
  • Maluleke said municipalities need capable, ethical leadership and stronger accountability. She urged national, provincial and local governments to work together to implement long-term structural reforms and prevent further decline in metros.

Sowetan

]]>Freddy Mavunda<![CDATA[WATCH | What would a ‘Cat’ Matlala plea agreement mean?]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-watch-explainer-what-would-a-cat-matlala-plea-agreement-mean/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-watch-explainer-what-would-a-cat-matlala-plea-agreement-mean/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:04:12 +0000The Pretoria magistrate’s court will on Thursday apply its mind on a proposed plea deal between alleged cartel member Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac).

Matlala appeared at the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Wednesday on special arrangements, where he applied for him and his company, Medicare24, to be separated in a case wherein his co-accused include several senior police officials, such as Gen Fannie Masemola. The case relates to the tender that his company was awarded by SAPS.

Sowetan understands that Matlala might turn state witness to assist the Idac with its investigation.

Matlala is expected to appear in court again on Thursday for the magistrate to deliberate on the plea agreement.

Nthabiseng Dubazana, MD of Dubazana Attorneys Inc, said a plea agreement was usually brought under section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act.

“[It] is when the state and defence agree that they are going to admit XYZ of the charges in return for the accused to serve X number of years [a lesser or suspended sentence],” she said.

“The judge or the magistrate will then look at it and will agree or not. The magistrate has the right in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act to look at it and say, ‘Inasmuch as you have agreed on it, I don’t agree’ and can change the sentence.”

Dubazana said the agreement could fall apart if the presiding officer imposed a sentence the accused did not agree with.

She added that in most plea agreement cases the state benefits by getting a conviction.

The agreement will be applicable only in the fraud and corruption case, while Matlala will still stand trial for the attempted murder of his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the negotiations between Idac and Matlala had yielded “something.”

“Look, it was clear from the beginning, and it was in the open court where we said that we wanted to negotiate with him. Unfortunately, until the matter is made an order of court, we can’t say we have or don’t have [a deal]. It has to be proved,” he said.

“When we came here in the morning, we were ready and wanted to proceed, and were in agreement to proceed. But you must remember this has to be looked at by the magistrate, and the magistrate has to apply his or her mind and agree.”

Kganyago emphasised that at the moment there is no agreement, as the matter has not been ventilated in court.

The multimillion-rand tender was awarded to Matlala in June 2024 and was cancelled in May 2025 after an internal investigation by police that exposed significant procurement irregularities.

The tender was for Matlala’s company to provide health and wellness services to SAPS employees.

In March 2026, 12 senior police officials implicated in the awarding of the tender were arrested and charged with corruption, fraud and money laundering. They were subsequently released on bail.

Their arrest was followed by the arrest of police commissioner Gen Masemola, through summons.

The senior police officers will appear in the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Friday.

]]>Thulani Mbele<![CDATA[WATCH | Who is footing the bill? NYDA chair grilled over legal action against Sunday Times journalist ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-watch-who-is-footing-the-bill-nyda-chair-grilled-in-scopa-over-legal-action-against-sunday-times-journalist/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-watch-who-is-footing-the-bill-nyda-chair-grilled-in-scopa-over-legal-action-against-sunday-times-journalist/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:05:10 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) chair Sunshine Minenhle Myende came under intense scrutiny in parliament’s standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) on Tuesday over a court application against Sunday Times politics journalist Sisanda Mbolekwa and questions about who is funding the legal action.

The issue was raised by Scopa member Alan Beasley, who sought clarity on whether the matter was being pursued in Myende’s personal capacity or on behalf of the agency, and whether the NYDA was footing the legal bill.

“I think it was in court yesterday. You’ve taken a reporter, a gagging harassment order. What attorneys are you using? I believe it’s in your personal capacity. What attorneys are you using?” Beasley asked.

Myende defended the application, saying it related to the balance between media freedom and her rights. “The matter that is in court, it’s based on the fact that, yes, we do acknowledge that there’s freedom of journalism. It must happen,” she said.

When asked to identify the attorneys handling the matter, Myende initially appeared uncertain. “I’m not quite sure of the name. I don’t have the names. Maybe the COO can assist,” she said.

Her response drew immediate concern from committee members. Scopa chair Songezo Zibi reminded Myende that she had filed a sworn affidavit in the matter and urged her to answer candidly.

You signed an affidavit saying you’re taking up this matter in your personal capacity. I’ve got the legal papers in front of me. I can read it back to you. Now we’re hearing that it’s a NYDA matter. So I’m clearly confused, and I’m sure the legal people and the people you’ve signed this affidavit to are confused too

Alan Beasley, Scopa member

“The matter was in court yesterday. You’ve submitted a sworn statement. I have it. I wish to remind you of what you’ve sworn to in court. I can read it back to you if you want me to,” Zibi said. “So let me remind you for the last time. Please be honest with parliament. Can you do that? Can you answer Honourable Beasley’s question honestly? Otherwise, I’m going to tell you the paragraph in which you say you’re raising this in your personal capacity.”

Myende subsequently identified the attorneys. “The name of the attorneys, I think it’s Pegadi, but it starts with P-H, along those lines. Yes,” she said.

The committee’s concerns deepened when Beasley pointed to what he described as contradictions between Myende’s court papers and her testimony to parliament. “You signed an affidavit saying you’re taking up this matter in your personal capacity. I’ve got the legal papers in front of me. I can read it back to you,” he said.

“Now we’re hearing that it’s a NYDA matter. So I’m clearly confused, and I’m sure the legal people and the people you’ve signed this affidavit to are confused too, because you said it is in your personal capacity, not as chairperson of the NYDA. If you can just clarify, whose actual capacity is this under?”

Myende maintained that the application had been brought in her personal capacity, although it stemmed from issues connected to her role as chair. “Yes, it is in my personal capacity and the matter would have been relating to my responsibility as the chair of the NYDA,” she said.

Beasley argued that if the application was indeed personal, the agency should not be covering the associated legal costs. “You said you’re doing it in your personal capacity. So if you’re doing it in your personal capacity, the NYDA shouldn’t be paying for it,” he said.

There’s a word that comes to me. It’s just how bizarre. It’s absolutely bizarre. This is the governance of our youth. Minister, surely, what do you say to this?

Alan Beasley

He then asked if the NYDA board had approved any funding for the legal proceedings. “Did the board approve this action as a board? Maybe I can ask the deputy chairperson. Have you approved this particular matter that the NYDA pays the legal firms for the chairperson in a personal capacity? Has this been discussed at a board level?”

Deputy chair Karabo Mohale told the committee no such discussion had taken place. “No, there’s been no discussion of the chairperson’s legal issues or whether or not NYDA is funding it at all,” Mohale said.

A visibly frustrated Beasley described the situation as “bizarre” before directing questions to the minister. “There’s a word that comes to me. It’s just how bizarre. It’s absolutely bizarre. This is the governance of our youth. Minister, surely, what do you say to this?” he asked.

The minister said the issue had not previously been brought to his attention but he committed to looking into it. “It has not come before me on who is paying legal fees, and it is a matter that I will definitely look into,” he said.

However, he added that the issues at the centre of the dispute related to Myende’s role as chair rather than her private affairs.

“The issues that are in the media are for the chairperson of the board. They are not for Sunshine as a person. They are about the chairperson of the board.”

TimesLIVE

]]>Supplied<![CDATA[KZN corrections commissioner gets bail in R20m fraud matter]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-kzn-corrections-commissioner-gets-bail-in-r20m-fraud-matter/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-kzn-corrections-commissioner-gets-bail-in-r20m-fraud-matter/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:04:33 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

KwaZulu-Natal commissioner of correctional services Mnikelwa Nxele was released on R50,000 bail after appearing in the Pietermaritzburg magistrate’s court on Wednesday on charges of fraud and money laundering.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) arrested Nxele on Tuesday after the Hawks referred the case.

The investigation was based on evidence provided by former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi to the state capture commission concerning about R20m in government contracts.

It is alleged Nxele received bribes of about R100,000 a month while he was chair of the special bid adjudication committee in KwaZulu-Natal.

“It is alleged that fraudulent financial activities were conducted through Zogoba Trust, which he registered and used to conceal the movement of funds, as well as the assets accumulated through criminality,” said Idac spokesperson Henry Mamothame.

He said the money was allegedly used to buy properties and for gambling in various casinos around the country. Nxele is also accused of failing to make a financial disclosure to the department of public service and administration.

His matter was postponed to September 16 for the application of the centralisation certificate with the office of the national director of public prosecutions.

TimesLIVE

]]> Gallo Images/Sowetan/Thuli Dlamini<![CDATA[June 30 illegal-immigration protests will be peaceful, claims Ngobese-Zuma ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-june-30-illegal-immigration-protests-will-be-peaceful-claims-ngobese-zuma/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-june-30-illegal-immigration-protests-will-be-peaceful-claims-ngobese-zuma/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:02:01 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma insists nationwide demonstrations planned for June 30 will be peaceful, rejecting accusations the movement is promoting vigilantism or violence against foreigners.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday alongside representatives from several civil society organisations, Ngobese-Zuma said the demonstrations were intended to place pressure on the government to enforce immigration laws, secure SA’s borders and address what organisers describe as an illegal immigration crisis.

“The 30th of June was never about violence. It was never about shutting down the country. It was never about harming anyone,” Ngobese-Zuma said. “All we are asking for is for illegal immigrants to leave the country and for government to enforce the laws that already exist.”

The June 30 deadline has become a rallying point for a growing coalition of organisations that have aligned themselves with March and March’s campaign against illegal immigration. Organisers say communities across the country have expressed support for the initiative because they believe the government has failed to respond to concerns about porous borders, pressure on public services and unemployment.

Ngobese-Zuma said the movement was committed to working within the law and had consistently engaged authorities before conducting operations or demonstrations.

“We always make applications. We always engage the police. We understand what the law requires,” she said.

We will continue until we win. For us, winning means secure borders, the removal of people who are in the country illegally, and putting South Africans first

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, March and March leader

Her remarks come amid growing scrutiny of the movement, which has faced criticism from political parties, human rights groups and migrant advocacy organisations that have accused it of fuelling xenophobic sentiment.

Ngobese-Zuma strongly rejected the allegations, arguing that the campaign was focused on law enforcement rather than hostility towards foreigners.

“None of what we are saying is about hatred. It has nothing to do with fearing migrants or not loving them. It is about us as South Africans trying to protect the little that we have left and ensuring that the laws of the country are enforced,” she said.

The movement has repeatedly argued that undocumented migration has contributed to overcrowding in schools and hospitals, increased pressure on public resources and undermined economic opportunities for South Africans.

Ngobese-Zuma said responsibility for addressing those challenges rested squarely with the government. “If anyone must take responsibility, it is those who allowed illegal immigration in the first place. The government must secure the borders, enforce the laws and protect its citizens.”

She also criticised what she described as the state’s failure to adequately resource immigration-enforcement agencies and track visa overstayers, saying SA faced a growing security challenge.

The briefing also highlighted the involvement of a broader network of civil society organisations that have been campaigning on immigration issues for years. Organisers said the June 30 demonstrations were not the project of a single organisation but reflected frustrations shared by communities across the country.

We never said anything about a shutdown. We never said anyone must be harmed. We never said anyone must be violated. What we are calling for is the enforcement of the law

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma

Ngobese-Zuma said the coalition intended to continue mobilising beyond June 30 and would engage political parties ahead of the local government elections to ensure immigration enforcement remained on the political agenda.

“We will continue until we win,” she said. “For us, winning means secure borders, the removal of people who are in the country illegally, and putting South Africans first.”

The movement has also pledged to hold political parties accountable for commitments made on immigration, border management and local economic development.

Despite fears the demonstrations could trigger tensions, Ngobese-Zuma maintained organisers were committed to peaceful action and accused critics of mischaracterising their intentions.

“We never said anything about a shutdown. We never said anyone must be harmed. We never said anyone must be violated. What we are calling for is the enforcement of the law.”

The government is yet to formally respond to the coalition’s June 30 demands, but President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously warned against vigilante actions and stressed that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies and the department of home affairs.

TimesLIVE

]]>Freddy Mavunda<![CDATA[MAHLATSE’S DAILY WORLD CUP TALKING POINT | SA ready for South Korea, says Broos]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-24-mahlatses-daily-world-cup-talking-point-sa-ready-for-south-korea-says-broos/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-24-mahlatses-daily-world-cup-talking-point-sa-ready-for-south-korea-says-broos/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:35:38 +0000The time for talking is over. It’s now time for the Bafana Bafana players to step up and beat South Korea and enhance their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage of the World Cup.

Speaking after the team wrapped up their preparations for the clash on Wednesday (7pm in Monterrey, Thursday 3am, SA time), South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, said they were motivated to create World Cup history for the country by qualifying for the next round for the first time.

Broos said they would dig deep against highly organised South Korea during the final match of Group A at Estadio Monterrey, where temperatures are expected to reach more than 28°C even with the evening kickoff.

Broos was flanked by midfielder Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole, who said the players were aware of what was at stake and were determined to leave everything on the field to get the win.

  • All the World Cup fixtures here
  • World Cup page here
  • All the group profiles here
  • Star player profiles here
  • Bafana news here

TimesLIVE

]]>Gavin Barker/BackpagePix<![CDATA[RECORDED | Phala Phala impeachment committee meets in parliament ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-watch-live-phala-phala-impeachment-committee-meets-in-parliament/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-watch-live-phala-phala-impeachment-committee-meets-in-parliament/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:05:36 +0000The Phala Phala impeachment committee is meeting in parliament on Wednesday.

The body tasked with investigating President Cyril Ramaphosa’s alleged role in the theft of foreign currency at his Limpopo farm is expected to discuss terms of reference and the appointment of evidence leaders for the section 89 process.

TimesLIVE

]]>Siyabulela Dud<![CDATA[IN PICS | Malawians in Durban ready to go back home]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-in-pics-malawians-in-durban-ready-to-go-back-home/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-in-pics-malawians-in-durban-ready-to-go-back-home/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:28:09 +0000Hundreds of Malawian nationals gathered near North Beach in Durban as they prepared to return to their home country on Wednesday.

This is ahead of the June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant bodies for illegal foreigners to leave the country.

Malawian nationals gather near North Beach in Durban as they prepare to return to their home country after weeks of uncertainty and displacement. Many of those leaving were among hundreds affected by recent tensions and attacks targeting foreigners in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, which forced families to flee their homes and seek temporary shelter. Carrying their belongings and waiting for transport, the group reflects the human impact of displacement, migration and the search for safety and stability amid growing concerns about xenophobic violence in South Africa. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
Malawian nationals gather near North Beach in Durban as they prepare to return to their home country after weeks of uncertainty and displacement. Many of those leaving were among hundreds affected by recent tensions and attacks targeting foreigners in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, which forced families to flee their homes and seek temporary shelter. Carrying their belongings and waiting for transport, the group reflects the human impact of displacement, migration and the search for safety and stability amid growing concerns about xenophobic violence in South Africa. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
Malawian nationals at North Beach in Durban as they prepare to return to their home country. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
Malawian nationals at North Beach in Durban as they prepare to return to their home country. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
Hundreds of Malawians are preparing to return to their home country ahead of anti-immigration protests on June 30. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
Hundreds of Malawians are preparing to return to their home country ahead of anti-immigration protests on June 30. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
Malawians have been among those affected by recent tensions and attacks targeting foreigners in parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
Malawians have been among those affected by recent tensions and attacks targeting foreigners in parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
Many Malawians were forced to flee their homes and seek temporary shelter in KwaZulu-Natal, and they are now planning to return to their home country. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
Many Malawians were forced to flee their homes and seek temporary shelter in KwaZulu-Natal, and they are now planning to return to their home country. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
A security presence is evident as Malawians gather in Durban before returning to their home country. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
A security presence is evident as Malawians gather in Durban before returning to their home country. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
After weeks of uncertainty and displacement, many of those leaving South Africa were among hundreds of foreigners affected by recent ethnic tensions and attacks. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
After weeks of uncertainty and displacement, many of those leaving South Africa were among hundreds of foreigners affected by recent ethnic tensions and attacks. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
A June 30 deadline has been set by anti-immigrant bodies for illegal foreigners to leave the country. Some Malawians, fearing violence amid the protests, have made the decision to leave South Africa. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
A June 30 deadline has been set by anti-immigrant bodies for illegal foreigners to leave the country. Some Malawians, fearing violence amid the protests, have made the decision to leave South Africa. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
Hundreds of Malawian nationals wait to leave South Africa amid growing concerns about anti-immigration violence. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU
Hundreds of Malawian nationals wait to leave South Africa amid growing concerns about anti-immigration violence. Photo: SANDILE NDLOVU

TimesLIVE

]]>Sandile Ndlovu<![CDATA[WATCH | Plea agreement in place between Cat Matlala and Idac]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-watch-plea-agreement-in-place-between-cat-matlala-and-idac/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-watch-plea-agreement-in-place-between-cat-matlala-and-idac/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:41:36 +0000

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Alleged cartel member Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala might enter into a plea and sentencing agreement on Thursday with the state in his fraud and corruption case related to the R228m SAPS tender.

Sowetan understands that Matlala might turn state witness to assist the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) with its investigation.

Matlala appeared at the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Wednesday on special arrangements, where he applied for him and his company, Medicare24, to be separated in a case wherein his co-accused include several senior police officials, such as Gen Fannie Masemola.

Speaking to the media after the postponement, NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said negotiations between them and Idac have yielded “something”.

“Look, it was clear from the beginning, and it was in the open court where we said that we wanted to negotiate with him. Unfortunately, until the matter is made an order of court, we can’t say we have or don’t have [a deal],” he said.

Matlala will appear before the specialised commercial court on Thursday, when the matter will be formally ventilated.

The tender was awarded to Matlala in June 2024 and was cancelled in May 2025 following an internal investigation by police that exposed significant procurement irregularities.

The tender was for Matlala’s company to provide health and wellness services to SAPS employees.

In March 2026, 12 senior police officials implicated in the awarding of the tender were arrested and released on bail.

Their arrest was followed by the arrest of police commissioner Gen Masemola, through summons.

Sowetan

]]>Thapelo Morebudi<![CDATA[WATCH | Bridges over troubled city: Joburg needs more than R23m to fix vandalised M1 and M2 bridges]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-watch-bridges-over-troubled-city-joburg-needs-more-than-r23m-to-fix-vandalised-m1-and-m2-bridges/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-watch-bridges-over-troubled-city-joburg-needs-more-than-r23m-to-fix-vandalised-m1-and-m2-bridges/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:00:32 +0000

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Illegal tunnelling, erosion and vandalism beneath the M1 and M2 have been worsening for years, with repair costs already nearing R23m, according to Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA).

This comes after member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for transport Kenny Kunene said the entity did not have the finances for refuelling its fleet, and it would have to be grounded until further notice.

This would harm service delivery such as pothole patching, traffic light fixing and bridge maintenance requiring emergency repairs.

Mpho Maruping, JRA’s acting head of infrastructure planning, said extensive damage has been discovered beneath multiple sections of the M1 and M2 freeways.

The damage is on several major routes, including Heidelberg Road, Booysens Road, Pixley Seme Street, Simmonds Street and sections of the M1 North near Booysens Road.

Authorities have also identified defects beneath the M2 underpasses at End Street and Heidelberg Road, as well as in the Selby and Booysens areas.

“The issues were first identified in 2016 during routine inspections and maintenance activities. In 2019, illegal tunnelling beneath the M1 North embankment at Booysens Road caused significant damage that required rehabilitation,” Maruping said.

“Subsequent assessments conducted in 2023 found that the southern abutment of the M1 North bridge at Booysens Road had partially collapsed, largely as a result of severe stormwater drainage blockages and erosion,” he said.

Maruping said the extent of the illegal excavations varies by location.

“Investigations have revealed extensive underground tunnelling and the formation of deep cavities beneath and adjacent to key bridge structures, creating risks to both the road network and public safety,” he said.

“Additional damage has been recorded on surrounding infrastructure, including the theft of handrails and guardrails from the Heidelberg Steel Bridge and continued degradation associated with illegal dumping, vandalism and encampments beneath the bridges.”

Among the findings are collapsed bridge supports, deep underground cavities, sinkholes, severe erosion, stolen infrastructure, blocked stormwater systems and illegal makeshift settlements established around bridge columns.

Maruping said the entity is working with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to monitor hotspots and remove illegal structures erected around the bridges.

“The city’s social development department also assists with relocating displaced people to shelters and away from these structures. However, many of the vagrants live underground and continue to destroy the city’s public infrastructure. We need robust intergovernmental collaboration for long-term solutions,” he said.

He said in the meantime, teams are intensifying stormwater maintenance to unblock drainage systems and reduce flooding risks that worsen erosion.

Maruping said they have appointed a consultant to conduct an investigation and design a permanent repair solution.

The project includes environmental studies, CCTV inspections of stormwater systems, hazardous waste removal and detailed engineering assessments. Repair work will focus on rebuilding bridge supports, parapet walls and upgrading stormwater drainage systems.

“Based on the JRA’s preliminary inspections, the estimated total cost of the construction of abutments and parapet walls alone is close to R23m. Detailed investigations and designs will determine the extent of the infrastructure damage per bridge and the full cost of rehabilitation, which will see an exponential increase in the above amount,” he said.

Marupeng said at this point there are no immediate road closures planned.

“JRA will continue to monitor the bridge structures and undertake further assessments to determine the overall condition of the bridges. Currently, there is a partial lane closure on the M1 North Booysens on-ramp (travelling from Joburg South) due to illegal excavation on the embankment,” he said.

Sowetan

]]>Veli Nhlapo<![CDATA[WATCH | Cat Matlala’s EMPD ‘peace officer’ certificate declared fraudulent by SAPS]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-cat-matlalas-empd-peace-officer-certificate-declared-fraudulent-by-saps/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-cat-matlalas-empd-peace-officer-certificate-declared-fraudulent-by-saps/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:08:29 +0000The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed a police clearance certificate (PCC) belonging to alleged underworld figure Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala is fraudulent.

The document had previously been sent to suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi to confirm Matlala had “no criminal convictions”.

This revelation emerged during Mkhwanazi’s testimony before the Madlanga commission of inquiry on Wednesday.

Evidence previously presented to the inquiry highlighted 2021 WhatsApp chats in which Medicare24 CEO Mike van Wyk sent Matlala’s PCC to Mkhwanazi to be registered as EMPD “peace officers”.

A valid PCC was a mandatory requirement for all members seeking appointment cards to register as EMPD “peace officers”. Obtaining the credentials would have granted Matlala and Van Wyk’s security entities “blue light” access and other EMPD-aligned law enforcement powers.

According to a statement from a SAPS forensic specialist, investigators flagged the document as fraudulent due to critical discrepancies between its unique transaction and inquiry numbers.

The SAPS specialist explained the official process. On registration, a PCC is assigned a unique inquiry number and a unique transaction number. These two numbers must link to one specific certificate at all times.

“The police clearance certificate purportedly issued to Matlala has a discrepancy with regards to the unique transaction number and inquiry number, which do not reconcile to the specific police clearance certificate in question,” the statement read.

The specialist’s report further detailed the transaction number on Matlala’s document belonged to a legitimate PCC issued to someone else on August 19 2021, and the inquiry number listed on the fraudulent document does not exist in the SAPS system.

“This implies the SAPS did not receive a specific request to issue a PCC for Matlala,” the statement concluded. “Therefore, the PCC with that inquiry and transaction number was not issued by SAPS.”

In addition to the systemic inconsistencies, police found the signature on the fraudulent PCC had been forged, though it contained features that closely mimicked those of the authorised signatory.

Defending his actions, Mkhwanazi testified he could not identify the document as a fake when he received it, claiming he had “never seen a clearance certificate”.

Mkhwanazi said the intended peace officers were meant to assist the EMPD with peak-hour traffic management and scholar patrols. He said the strategy was to source the peace officers from well-established security companies to serve as unpaid volunteers.

“Unlike having [regular] officers where we’d have to pay them for overtime, it was a strategy of making sure we have those people assisting,” Mkhwanazi said.

He said Van Wyk asked for appointment cards with the EMPD logo and his security company logo, but Mkhwanazi said the cards were never processed.

“We don’t do such cards,” Mkhwanazi said.

TimesLIVE

]]>Refilwe Kholomonyane <![CDATA[Bafana must adapt to sweltering conditions in Monterrey, says Broos]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-24-bafana-must-adapt-to-sweltering-conditions-in-monterrey-says-coach-broos/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-24-bafana-must-adapt-to-sweltering-conditions-in-monterrey-says-coach-broos/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:52:40 +0000Bafana Bafana and South Korea will possibly have another natural opponent to contend with in their must-win final 2026 Fifa World Cup Group A clash at Estadio Monterrey on Wednesday (7pm Monterrey time, Thursday 3am SA time).

It is intensely hot and humid in the area and conditions are hovering around 33°C during the day, and above 28°C around the night kickoff time, something Bafana were not exposed to at their high-altitude base in Pachuca and South Korea in Guadalajara.

Bafana coach Hugo Broos said his players, who arrived in the city on Monday, will have to acclimatise.

“Weather conditions are special. It is very hot here,” he said at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“Will that be an advantage? I don’t know and we will see during the game. It is very difficult to adapt to these conditions. You need more time than one or two days.

“We should have been here for two weeks, then you can say we have adapted. When I was a player, I always played a bad game in this type of weather because I couldn’t adapt to the heat.

“Let’s see tomorrow during the game and maybe because we are Africans we will adapt more easily. But it is for both teams and we will see who adapts the best.

“Maybe the weather conditions will play an important role but we are motivated and we know what we have to do. That is to win and maybe that will make things a bit easier than for South Korea.”

  • All the World Cup fixtures here
  • World Cup page here
  • All the group profiles here
  • Star player profiles here
  • Bafana news here

TimesLIVE

]]>Gavin Barker/BackpagePix<![CDATA[What Bafana must get right against South Korea ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-24-what-bafana-must-get-right-against-south-korea/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-24-what-bafana-must-get-right-against-south-korea/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:14:08 +0000Bafana Bafana have all to do in their crucial final Group A match of the 2026 Fifa World Cup against South Korea at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico on Thursday (3am, SA time).

SA must beat the ‘Taegeuk Warriors’ to have any realistic chance of making history and progressing to the next round of the tournament at the fourth time of asking.

These are some of the things Bafana must get right against South Korea:

Don’t concede early

In the matches against Mexico and Czechia, Bafana Bafana got off to a poor start by conceding inside the first 10 minutes, and they can’t afford that this time around.

They never recovered against Mexico and had to dig deep against Czechia, with Teboho Mokoena scoring a late penalty to salvage a draw that kept them alive in the tournament. Coming back from a goal down for a win at this level against such a strong side as South Korea would be a tough ask.

Don’t play the occasion

Given that SA has to win at all costs, there is pressure, but the good aspect for Bafana is that the core of the team has played in matches of consequence before.

Mamelodi Sundowns players were in a high-pressure situation a few weeks ago in the Caf Champions League final, where they beat AS FAR, and Orlando Pirates have featured in many cup finals in the last four years. The young Buccaneers responded well to pressure in the closing stages, usurping the Betway Premiership title in 2025/26 from successive eight-time winners, Downs.

Get tactics and formation right

Hugo Broos got his formation and personnel spot on against Czechia, but the issue is whether to tinker a little bit and throw in Relebohile Mofokeng at the start for his creativity.

The other thing that worked wonders in the last game was unleashing Thapelo Maseko and Oswin Appollis on the wings to challenge Czechia’s defence.

Nullify South Korea’s pace

South Korea’s biggest weapons are pace and stamina because they run for 90 minutes, and this is what the Bafana Bafana must guard against.

SA fullbacks Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba will have to bring their A-game because the Koreans usually attack from the wings, where they put dangerous crosses into the box.

Continue where they left off against Czechia

Bafana Bafana ended the last match with attacking momentum and on the ascendancy, where they put Czechia under a lot of pressure, and that’s how their equalising goal came.

They need to have that control and calmness in the early stages of the game so South Korea does not easily settle into the game and has to react to what is thrown at them.

  • All the World Cup fixtures here
  • World Cup page here
  • All the group profiles here
  • Star player profiles here
  • Bafana news here

TimesLIVE

]]>Gavin Barker/BackpagePix<![CDATA[Maybe Nwabali should’ve stayed at Chippa, says Troost-Ekong]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-24-maybe-nwabali-shouldve-stayed-at-chippa-says-troost-ekong/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-24-maybe-nwabali-shouldve-stayed-at-chippa-says-troost-ekong/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:15:42 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

Ex-Nigeria skipper William Troost-Ekong is of the view that Super Eagles No 1 keeper Stanley Nwabali should’ve stayed at Chippa until the end of the season.

Hoping for greener pastures off the back of a brilliant Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with Nigeria, where they won bronze in Morocco in January, Nwabili abruptly terminated his Chippa contract in February, four months before its expiry date.

Since then, the 30-year-old, highly rated keeper has struggled to find a new team, prompting him to lose his spot in the Super Eagles in recent camps.

“Obviously I can’t speak for Stanley, but based on how things have unfolded now, maybe it would’ve been a better decision to remain with Chippa,” Troost-Ekong said during a virtual SuperSport-organised discussion with the continent’s journalists last Friday.

“That’s me speaking from the outside because, of course, we don’t know what occurred between him and the club. It’s a difficult one. I think seeing Stanley’s rise over the last years has been amazing.

“I think he’s been the soldier we need for the national team. He had a fantastic Afcon twice in a row, which is very difficult to do.”

Troost-Ekong, who announced his retirement from international football last December, thinks Nwabali terminating his contract outside the transfer window further complicated things, hoping he will get a club before the start of the new season.

“I think probably the situation hasn’t been favourable for him because I think the time he terminated his contract with the club was outside the transfer window, which made it very difficult for him to find a new club,” the ex-Nigeria captain said.

“So, it’s been tough. I’ve spoken to Stanley a lot as well. I know he’s been training, keeping fit. Hopefully there’s going to be a good opportunity that comes his way now in the summer.

“It’s a difficult one, but I am sure he’s going to find a club and return back to playing his club football because we need him for the national team. For me, he’s too much of a good goalkeeper to be without a club.”

Sowetan

]]>Phakamisa Lensman/ BackpagePix<![CDATA[This is Durban City’s new coach]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/soccer/2026-06-24-this-is-durban-citys-new-coach/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/soccer/2026-06-24-this-is-durban-citys-new-coach/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:22:44 +0000

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Durban City have appointed former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef ahead of the new season.

Youssef parted ways with Chiefs at the end of the season after he, alongside Cedric Kaze, guided the team to a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership log table.

He replaces Pitso Dladla, who recently left Durban City to join Golden Arrows. Dladla led City to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup after winning the Nedbank Cup title in May.

“Durban City is pleased to announce the appointment of Khalil Ben Youssef as the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season,” the statement from the club read.

“The 37-year-old Tunisian tactician joins Durban City as the club embarks on an exciting new chapter following a historic period of growth and success. A holder of the CAF A licence, Ben Youssef brings extensive coaching experience from across Africa and the Middle East.

“Having worked in Tunisia, Morocco, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, he has developed a strong reputation for his tactical expertise and commitment to building competitive teams,” the club said in the statement.

This is an ambitious club with a clear vision for the future, and I am excited to begin working with the players and technical staff as we prepare for the season ahead

Khalil Ben Youssef, new Durban City coach

“His coaching journey has seen him hold senior technical roles at AS FAR Rabat, Young Africans SC, Club Africain and Al Ahli SC. Most recently, he served within the technical team at Kaizer Chiefs, gaining valuable insight into the demands and competitive nature of the Betway Premiership.

“As Durban City prepares for an exciting campaign that includes the premiership, domestic cup competitions and the CAF Confederation Cup, Ben Youssef’s appointment reinforces the club’s commitment to long-term stability and continued football excellence.”

Ben Youssef expressed his excitement at joining the club and said he would do his best to help them achieve their goals.

“I am honoured to join Durban City and would like to thank the chair [Farook Kadodia], the board of directors and everyone at the club for the trust they have placed in me,” Youssef said in the statement.

“This is an ambitious club with a clear vision for the future, and I am excited to begin working with the players and technical staff as we prepare for the season ahead.”

Meanwhile, Arrows confirmed Dladla as their new head coach. He replaces Manqoba Mngqithi.

Sowetan

]]>Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix<![CDATA[WATCH | What comes after Father’s Day? How to build a legacy that lasts]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/s-mag/money/2026-06-24-watch-what-comes-after-fathers-day-how-to-build-a-legacy-that-lasts/https://www.sowetan.co.za/s-mag/money/2026-06-24-watch-what-comes-after-fathers-day-how-to-build-a-legacy-that-lasts/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 03:49:46 +0000Father’s Day has come and gone. You enjoyed being pampered, received amazing gifts or another pair of socks and spent quality time with loved ones.

But, as a father, deputy father, or father figure, what legacy are you building for your family to make sure that they are taken care of long after you’re gone?

The most recent Sanlam Legacy Wills Survey shows that most parents don’t have a holistic financial plan in place.

Sanlam Trust chief executive Adv Sankie Morata points to the survey’s findings, saying they should be “a reminder that love is not only expressed in what we do for our families today”.

“Father’s Day is often filled with small gestures of gratitude, like a phone call, a handmade card, and the predictable pair of socks or biltong… [Love] is [also] reflected in the plans we make for their future,“ says Morata.

It starts with one question: If I were no longer here, would the people I love know what my wishes were?

Adv Sankie Morata, CEO of the Sanlam Trust

“For many fathers, paternal figures, and providers, it starts with one question: if I were no longer here, would the people I love know what my wishes were? And would the plan I leave behind protect them with as little delay and stress as possible?” he says.

“The 2025 Sanlam Legacy Wills Survey found that while most parents provide for their children through funeral cover (54%) and life insurance (49%), only 33% have a will. A will brings those provisions together, setting out who should care for minor children, how assets should be distributed, and how funds can be protected.

Adv Sankie Morata, Sanlam Trust chief executive, says many people do not have holistic financial plans.
Adv Sankie Morata, Sanlam Trust chief executive, says many people do not have holistic financial plans.

“Many people still confuse a product with a plan. People think that when we have an insurance policy or funeral cover, we’ve done our financial planning. But financial planning is holistic. It must include retirement planning, savings, estate planning, and risk planning. For fathers and providers, that holistic plan can begin with checking your will, your beneficiary nominations, and your insurance cover.”

Momentum Financial Planning financial adviser, Ross McMillan, says when we think about what makes a great father, we tend to focus on the visible.

However, McMillan says there’s a far deeper meaning worth celebrating — a father’s long-term planning.

“True financial security is not about preparing for a worst-case scenario; it’s an active, living extension of a father’s commitment to his family’s ongoing happiness, dignity, and future opportunities. It’s about building a stable foundation today so that your family’s dreams have the structural freedom to flourish tomorrow,” says McMillan.

“Too often, financial planning and advice are perceived as an expense to be avoided rather than a service that can create lasting value. However, when reframed through the lens of family continuity, a well-structured portfolio is actually an expression of deliberate care and responsibility. It’s a partner that preserves the lifestyle, warmth, and stability you work so hard to provide every day.”

Morata says a “will sits at the heart of every estate plan, but it only works if it reflects your life as it is now, not as it was when you signed it”.

“Review your will at least once a year, and when major life changes happen. When circumstances change, like a newborn, a divorce, or a death in the family, then your will must be revised. The same applies when your finances change, for example, due to the acquisition or sale of a business or an asset,” he says.

“The risks are high for those who put it off. The survey shows that 66% of South Africans still don’t have a will. Without one, an estate is wound up according to the Intestate Succession Act, which divides assets by using a fixed legal formula rather than following personal last wishes. This can cause delays, uncertainty and animosity as families wait, often for years, for the estate to be finalised.

“An up-to-date will is only one part of the picture. The beneficiaries named on your life policies, investments and retirement funds should also reflect your current circumstances,” Morata warns.

“If your beneficiary nominations aren’t up to date, you could end up with the wrong people inheriting, possibly individuals you’d never intended should benefit.”

McMillan says fathers should structure their financial plan as a dynamic process so it “can withstand economic shifts while aligning with your family’s growth.

“It requires regular refinement, a clear understanding of shifting needs, and a strategic view of the future. This is why partnering with a professional financial adviser is invaluable. An adviser does not just consider policies; they look at your unique family dynamic and help you co-create a tailored financial roadmap. They take the complexity out of the process, helping you balance the financial demands of today with the long-term security required for tomorrow,” he says.

Morata adds that retirement funds work differently.

“This catches many families off guard. Retirement fund death benefits don’t form part of a deceased estate. They’re governed by the Pension Funds Act, and the fund’s trustees ultimately decide how they’re paid, based on your financial dependants. Your nomination form guides that decision, which is why it’s important to keep it current,” he says.

McMillan and Morata share tips on what you should focus on:

Income protection:

McMillan: Your ability to earn an income is the engine that drives your family’s daily life. Protecting this income stream helps ensure that, should an unexpected health setback or injury temporarily prevent you from working, essential household expenses such as groceries, bond repayments, and school fees can continue to be met.

Morata: Don’t overlook disability and income protection. Life is not guaranteed. If you’re disabled and can’t work, is your cover still adequate to provide for your family?

Life cover:

Morata: Make sure your life cover can replace the income you provide and that its growth outstrips inflation so its value doesn’t erode over time.

Estate planning:

Morata: Estate planning is about making sure the people you care for are not left trying to find their way through grief, paperwork, and uncertainty without a clear plan. Fathers must create legacies of love and instil confidence in the people they brought into this world. If you’re taken early and can’t play that role, let your financial plan and your estate plan do it for you.

]]>123RF<![CDATA[Ekurhuleni budget passed as DA and FF+ back revised R71bn plan to avoid administration and EFF oversight]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-ekurhuleni-budget-passed-as-da-and-ff-back-revised-r71bn-plan-to-avoid-administration-and-eff-oversight/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-ekurhuleni-budget-passed-as-da-and-ff-back-revised-r71bn-plan-to-avoid-administration-and-eff-oversight/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:36:16 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

After months of opposing the City of Ekurhuleni’s proposed R71bn budget, the DA and Freedom Front Plus have voted in favour of the revised budget, arguing another failure to pass it could have plunged the metro into administration

The budget was approved on Tuesday after four failed attempts, with 176 councillors voting in favour and 36 against.

The two parties said their support was not an endorsement of the ANC-led administration but a move aimed at preventing the city from missing the July 1 deadline for adopting its budget.

Freedom Front Plus councillor Denise Janse van Rensburg said while the party had concerns, the consequences of another failed vote would have been far worse.

“The budget not passing would mean the administration would make us look useless,” she said, adding several of the party’s recommendations had been incorporated into the revised budget.

Gauteng DA leader Solly Msimanga said the party had opposed previous versions of the budget because they failed residents on affordability, accountability and service delivery. However, he said the political reality had changed.

The EFF cannot support a budget that asks residents to continue paying more while receiving less

Thembi Msane, EFF councillor

“The ANC has formally agreed to major DA demands that place residents ahead of politicians and infrastructure ahead of vanity projects,” said Msimanga.

Behind the scenes, opposition parties had raised concerns that failure to pass the budget could trigger provincial intervention in terms of the Constitution, potentially placing the metro under administration.

Such a move would likely have handed significant oversight powers to the Gauteng provincial government, where the provincial finance portfolio is headed by the EFF’s Nkululeko Dunga.

The revised budget included several concessions after negotiations with opposition parties:

  • the property rates increase was reduced from 2% to 1.5%;
  • water tariff increases were reduced from a proposed 14% to 11%;
  • sanitation hikes were lowered from 10% to 8.35%; and
  • refuse removal tariffs were cut to 3.7%.

The city also increased its repairs and maintenance allocation from R3.8bn to R4.6bn.

The EFF remained opposed to the budget. EFF councillor Thembi Msane argued the revised document still relied on overly optimistic revenue projections and failed to invest sufficiently in infrastructure.

“The EFF cannot support a budget that asks residents to continue paying more while receiving less,” she said.

Sowetan

]]> Gallo Images/OJ Koloti<![CDATA[Between Meetings With Sowetan | Your Daily Lunchtime Read]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/entertainment/2026-06-24-between-meetings-with-sowetan-your-daily-lunchtime-read/https://www.sowetan.co.za/entertainment/2026-06-24-between-meetings-with-sowetan-your-daily-lunchtime-read/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:00:00 +0000The Polygamist’s Lwazie Keith Tsebesha on navigating newfound fame
Rising actress Nolwazi Tsebesha.
Rising actress Nolwazi Tsebesha.

Lwazie Keith Tsebesha is making her mark as the breakout star to watch in The Polygamist.

The KwaZulu-Natal-born actress, who plays Sarah in the hugely popular series, is not slowing down; she next appears in the short film Lobola Le Ma 2000.

Click here to read more.

What comes after Father’s Day? How to build a legacy that lasts

Adv Sankie Morata, Sanlam Trust chief executive, says many people do not have holistic financial plans.
Adv Sankie Morata, Sanlam Trust chief executive, says many people do not have holistic financial plans.

Father’s Day has come and gone. You enjoyed being pampered, received amazing gifts or another pair of socks and spent quality time with loved ones.

But, as a father, deputy father, or father figure, what legacy are you building for your family to make sure that they are taken care of long after you’re gone?

The most recent Sanlam Legacy Wills Survey shows that most parents don’t have a holistic financial plan in place.

Click here to read more.

Chef Tash brings African food, stories to the table

Asithandile Mautla, affectionately known as Chef Tash
Asithandile Mautla, affectionately known as Chef Tash

Asithandile Mautla, a private chef fondly known as “Chef Tash”, is building immersive dining experiences that fuse African food, storytelling and community one dinner table conversation at a time.

The culinary creative and food educator has appeared on Afternoon Expresso and is the co-author of the Taste the Nation cookbook.

Click here to read more.

Sowetan

]]>Sowetan<![CDATA[Stop playing the victim, says Boxing SA, after boxer illegally dumps manager]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/boxing/2026-06-24-stop-playing-the-victim-says-boxing-sa-after-boxer-illegally-dumps-manager/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/boxing/2026-06-24-stop-playing-the-victim-says-boxing-sa-after-boxer-illegally-dumps-manager/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:05:50 +0000Boxing SA licensees — boxers to be precise — must read contracts before they sign their names in black and white, to prevent acting like victims when a chaotic situation erupts.

Boxing SA COO, Mandla Ntlanganiso, puts it nicely: ”All stakeholders are encouraged to seek legal guidance when necessary and ensure that their professional and commercial relationships are governed by lawful, written and properly registered agreements."

He continues: “All licensees, including boxers, managers, trainers and promoters, matchmakers and officials are reminded that articles of agreement are legally binding contracts, and it is mandatory for each licensee to thoroughly study, fully comprehend and honour all terms and obligations contained in those agreements.”

Ntlanganiso warns: “Where breaches occur, the organisation will take appropriate regulatory action, which may include the suspension or revocation of licences, as well as referral of matters to relevant authorities where warranted.”

He was reacting to the dispute that involves Tiisetso Matikinca and manager Sean Smith. Matikinca could find himself idling for two years if Smith refuses to make concessions during their negotiations. Matikinca has a two-year binding contract with Smith.

Their manager-boxer contract is recognised by Boxing SA. Matikicina has breached that contract by joining trainer-manager Colin Nathan.

Smith could now decide to go the legal route and bring a high court action against Matikinca because his actions are illegal. Boxing in SA is governed by an act of parliament, and a court process could drag on for a long time.

That is not what Smith wants for the 22-year-old youngster he groomed to be a hot prospect from 2023, according to what Smith told this writer.

Smith — the son of late SA light heavyweight champ Kosie Smith — just wants the contract to be respected and be assured of what is due to him for two years. He is also interested in knowing what he did not do correctly in terms of the contractual obligations, which secure a minimum of two fights per year for his boxer.

Smith did what 99% of managers have yet to do — secure three fights a year for Matikinca since 2023. Matikinca fought in May and chalked up his 10th win from 10 fights.

Matikinca should have written to BSA, saying: “I am legally bound to Smith by way of our contract but I want out — can you assist?” A legal eagle spoken to about this matter said Matikinca can be charged for breaching his legally binding contract.

Matikinca signed with Smith in May. A month later, Nathan publicly announced that he had been joined by Matikinca.

Nathan should have called Smith to find out if he knew Matikinca had bolted from Smith’s Gym in Sunninghill and teamed up with HotBox in Balfour Park. They would have reached consensus in a harmonious way, as adults.

]]>supplied<![CDATA[Three Lesotho nationals arrested over Jumpers mass shooting that left 13 people dead]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-three-lesotho-nationals-arrested-over-jumpers-mass-shooting-that-left-13-people-dead/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-three-lesotho-nationals-arrested-over-jumpers-mass-shooting-that-left-13-people-dead/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:56:09 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

Gauteng police have arrested three suspects in connection with the mass shooting that left 13 people dead and 14 others injured at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland earlier this month.

Police said the suspects are Lesotho nationals aged 26, 32 and 36. They were arrested on Tuesday after an intensive investigation involving specialised law enforcement units.

Police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said intelligence-led investigations led officers to the KwaMaiMai informal settlement, where the three suspects were apprehended.

“One was found with more than 100 rounds of 9mm live ammunition at his house,” she said.

Gauteng provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Tommy Mthombeni said police mobilised additional resources immediately after the attack to track down those responsible.

“The team demonstrated unwavering commitment and exceptional skill in arresting the perpetrators allegedly responsible for the heinous murders and attempted murders. They have worked day and night since this incident, sacrificing their comfort and safety,” he said.

“We hope the arrests bring solace to the families of the victims.”

Nevhuhulwi said investigations are continuing as they search for additional suspects believed to have been involved in the attack.

The trio are expected to appear before the Johannesburg magistrate’s court on Thursday to face charges of murder and attempted murder.

It is understood a group of heavily armed suspects had parked at a petrol station opposite the settlement on the day of the shooting and then walked to the settlement and opened fire.

Sowetan

]]>ANTONIO MUCHAVE<![CDATA[The Polygamist’s Lwazie Keith Tsebesha on navigating newfound fame ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/s-mag/culture/2026-06-24-lwazie-of-the-polygamist-on-navigating-newfound-fame/https://www.sowetan.co.za/s-mag/culture/2026-06-24-lwazie-of-the-polygamist-on-navigating-newfound-fame/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 03:44:09 +0000Lwazie Keith Tsebesha is making her mark as the breakout star to watch in The Polygamist. The KwaZulu-Natal-born actress, who plays Sarah in the hugely popular series, is not slowing down; she next appears in the short film Lobola Le Ma 2000. Tsebesha speaks to Sowetan about where it all began.

How did your acting journey begin?

My mother loved performing. She used to sing and loved acting, but she never got the opportunity to pursue it. When I got the chance to study dramatic arts in high school, I grabbed it with both hands. From there, I never really stopped. After school, I joined a performing arts academy where I was dancing, singing, acting and performing in theatre productions.

Rising actress Nolwazi Tsebesha.
Rising actress Nolwazi Tsebesha.

How did working with the late Mbongeni Ngema impact you?

I was one of the youngest performers in Sarafina! and he was the person who convinced me to leave Durban and move to Johannesburg. I remember being scared because Durban was comfortable and familiar. But every time I got an audition, I would call him and tell him about it. He would always encourage me to keep going. When Mbongeni Ngema believed in me, I started believing in myself. Before that, I struggled with confidence.

How did you land your role in Lobola Le Ma 2000?

I auditioned for a different character. I thought I was auditioning for the cousin, but I ended up getting cast as the woman who’s getting married. It challenged me in a way I didn’t expect.

Rising actress Nolwazi Tsebesha.
Rising actress Nolwazi Tsebesha.

What made the role challenging?

I’ve never imagined myself getting married. So I couldn’t draw from my own experiences. I started thinking about my mother and everything she went through when she got married. I paid attention to the stories she told me and the experiences I witnessed growing up. That’s what helped me understand the character emotionally.

How are you handling all the attention from The Polygamist?

It’s still surreal. I’m grateful because it means people connected with the work, but at the same time I try not to get caught up in the attention. I remind myself why I started acting in the first place, which was to tell stories that people can relate to. The messages from viewers have been incredible. People share their personal experiences and tell me how much certain storylines affected them. That’s the part I appreciate.

Rising actress Nolwazi Tsebesha.
Rising actress Nolwazi Tsebesha.

What keeps you motivated?

My siblings. I want them to see that it’s possible to follow your dreams, even when things don’t work out the way you planned. I’ve been rejected for auditions. I’ve questioned whether I was good enough. I’ve had moments where I felt discouraged. But you wake up the next day and try again. I want them to understand that success isn’t about never failing. It’s about refusing to quit.

If your younger self could see you today, what would she say?

She would probably be shocked. She’d probably ask, “Is this really our life?” But I also think she’d be proud that I didn’t give up. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve stayed committed to the dream.

What’s the biggest dream you’re chasing right now?

I want to tell stories that make people feel seen. Whether it’s acting, theatre or other creative projects, I want people to watch my work and recognise parts of themselves in the characters. That’s always been the goal.

]]>Supplied<![CDATA[Protesters gather ahead of March and March protest in KuGompo City ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-protesters-gather-ahead-of-march-and-march-protest-in-kugompo-city/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-protesters-gather-ahead-of-march-and-march-protest-in-kugompo-city/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:42:07 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

March and March protesters are slowly trickling in to Southernwood Park in KuGompo City, where they are expected to march through Oxford Street, calling for tougher laws against illegal immigration.

The protesters on Wednesday morning met at the corner of St George’s Road and Garden Street carrying placards, sjamboks and a South African flag while singing struggle songs.

They will march to Fleet Street police station and the magistrate’s courts.

Several shops in Southernwood remained closed while the city’s law enforcement officials and police units monitor proceedings.

March and March leader Ngizwe Mchunu is expected to arrive at the park to address the crowd.

This is said to be a march in preparation for the June 30 mass protests.

The Dispatch team on the ground understands a petition will be handed over to police pertaining to complaints about the drug trade in KuGompo City and illegal immigration.

This is a developing story.

Click here to join the Daily Dispatch’s WhatsApp channel and get the latest news delivered straight to your phone

Daily Dispatch

]]>SINO MAJANGAZA <![CDATA[Musa Mseleku on being the undisputed face of polygamy ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/s-mag/culture/2026-06-24-musa-mseleku-on-being-the-undisputed-face-of-polygamy/https://www.sowetan.co.za/s-mag/culture/2026-06-24-musa-mseleku-on-being-the-undisputed-face-of-polygamy/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:23:41 +0000By Katlego Molubi

Uthando neS’thembu star Musa Mseleku returns as the host of season 5 of Mnakwethu — the popular reality TV show where married men ask their wives for permission to take a second wife.

Ahead of the premiere on July 7, Mseleku breaks down why he’s the undisputed face of polygamy in SA.

How do you feel about being the man who popularised polygamy in South Africa?

I feel humbled and honoured to be associated with this conversation. It has not been an easy journey, and there have been challenges along the way. We have made mistakes, but the vision has always remained the same, and I am grateful to have played a role in opening up these discussions.

Musa Mseleku champions honest conversations about polygamy in Mnakwethu season 5. Picture:
Musa Mseleku champions honest conversations about polygamy in Mnakwethu season 5. Picture:

What brings you back to Mnakwethu season after season?

Polygamy is here to stay because it has become a reality in many people’s day-to-day lives. Shows like Mnakwethu create an opportunity for us to have honest conversations about these realities.

Why does Mnakwethu resonate with South Africans?

People in South Africa and around the world experience many of the same relationship challenges, whether they are in polygamous marriages or not. The emotions, family dynamics and life decisions featured on the show are relatable to many viewers.

How does this season differ from previous ones?

This season stands out because different cultures are being showcased when it comes to polygamy. Viewers will get to see how different communities approach these relationships and the challenges that come with them.

Musa Mseleku is a proud polygamist. Picture:
Musa Mseleku is a proud polygamist. Picture:

After years of hosting the show, what have you learnt about relationships and marriage?

I have learnt that while people’s desires and goals may be similar, their reasons for wanting to be in a marriage or a polygamous relationship can be very different. Everyone’s journey is unique.

What are some of the biggest challenges men face when introducing the idea of polygamy?

Many men find it difficult to introduce the idea of taking another wife because society has practised monogamous marriage for a very long time. In many cases, wives do not fully understand their husband’s vision, and people often judge these relationships based on affordability rather than the intentions behind them.

What has surprised you most about the couples featured this season?

I have been surprised by how both younger and older people aspire to pursue polygamous relationships. It shows that these conversations are relevant across different generations.

Musa Mseleku will discuss the realities and challenges of modern polygamy in the latest season of Mnakwethu. Picture:
Musa Mseleku will discuss the realities and challenges of modern polygamy in the latest season of Mnakwethu. Picture:

What do you hope people take away from the season?

As a polygamist myself, I hope the show gives people a better understanding of the realities of these relationships. I also hope it offers wives a sense of hope and respect, while acknowledging the concerns they may have about whether their own husbands would handle the situation in the same way.

Have there been any moments this season that left a lasting impression on you?

I was touched by the fact that many men struggle to express their feelings openly, while some women find it difficult to accept their reasons and emotions. Those moments reminded me how important communication is in any relationship.

What misconceptions do people have about polygamous marriages?

That polygamy is a backward practice. I think some of the people who came before us did not always do justice to the concept, which has influenced how it is viewed today.

Have you noticed any shifts in how South Africans are approaching conversations around marriage and polygamy?

Yes, I have seen a significant shift. People are not completely against polygamy in the way they once were. Today, the conversation is more focused on affordability and whether a person can provide security and stability for their family. Many women want reassurance that they will be cared for and supported.

Sowetan

]]>Supplied<![CDATA[LEON SMALBERGER | SA has more graduates than ever, so why youth unemployment?]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/columnists/2026-06-24-leon-smalberger-sa-has-more-graduates-than-ever-so-why-youth-unemployment/https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/columnists/2026-06-24-leon-smalberger-sa-has-more-graduates-than-ever-so-why-youth-unemployment/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:17:55 +0000South Africa graduated 220,758 students from its public universities last year, and more than one million are enrolled in higher education — more graduates than at any point in the country’s history.

Yet, in the first quarter of 2026, the youth unemployment rate for those aged 15 to 24 reached 60.9%. For those aged 15 to 34, the cohort we most associate with graduate employment, it stood at 45.8%.

Nearly 4.7-million young South Africans who want to work cannot find a job, and more than four in 10 young people are not in employment, education or training at all.

We are producing more graduates. We are also producing more unemployed graduates. Something is profoundly wrong, and it is not the ambition of South Africa’s young people. It is the system we have built around them.

Problem is the content

The truth our higher education sector has been slow to confront is that we have measured the wrong thing. For decades, graduation rates have been treated as a proxy for progress: more graduates equals better outcomes. The logic seemed sound, yet the data says otherwise.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, in its most recent economic survey of South Africa, identified mismatches between workers’ qualifications, their fields of study and available jobs as a primary driver of unemployment.

This is alongside a shortage of skilled and semi-skilled workers that constrains long-term growth even as graduates remain jobless. We are producing too many graduates in the wrong fields and too few in those the economy needs.

Research has found more than half of all workers show skills mismatches, among the highest rates of any country studied and exceeding those of India and Russia.

A quarter of graduates are over-educated for the work they find, while another quarter are under-educated. The properly matched middle is narrower than we would like to admit.

The fields driving this imbalance are not obscure. Commerce and the humanities account for most South African graduations, while sectors such as education, construction, safety and security, and agriculture are creating jobs. Engineering, IT, data science and cybersecurity are crying out for professionals. The pipeline is not meeting the demand.

Collapse of vocational education made this worse

A second structural failure rarely receives the attention it deserves. South Africa’s vocational and technical pathway — the TVET college system, formerly the technikon model — has declined sharply in quality and standing over the past two decades.

The decline has driven far greater demand for university places, yet universities cannot absorb it: little has been invested in expanding campuses or building new institutions. The result is a bottleneck.

Young people who would thrive in applied, occupational programmes are ushered towards degrees not designed for them and not valued by the industries that should employ them.

The artisan, the technician, the engineering technologist, these are the professionals our economy needs in their tens of thousands. We have systematically devalued the pathways that produce them.

At the National Education Summit 2026, higher education and training minister Buti Manamela framed the crisis as systemic, warning misaligned education directly fuels unemployment: “You cannot study qualifications that would lead to dead-end jobs,” he said.

He is right. But reform of the qualifications landscape — including the South African Qualifications Authority’s phasing out of 1,475 legacy pre-2009 qualifications — is only meaningful if institutions fill the space with programmes built for today’s economy, not that of 30 years ago.

Experience the invisible barrier

A further dimension escapes the statistics. Research tracking South African youth found those with work experience move from unemployment to employment at four times the rate of those without it. The qualification matters, but the experience dividend is transformative.

This creates a cruel paradox. Employers want graduates with experience but graduates cannot gain experience without employment. The system does not resolve this paradox, it entrenches it.

Qualifications with mandatory workplace components, industry partnerships and practical application are no longer merely preferable, they are essential. A degree without a structured pathway to professional practice is, too often, a very expensive piece of paper.

South Africa does not have a graduate surplus problem. It has a relevance problem. We are producing qualifications by the hundreds of thousands that do not connect to the economy, while 3.9-million young people aged 15 to 24 are not in employment, education or training at all — disengaged entirely from a system that has failed to offer them something worth engaging with.

South Africa’s young people are not the problem. The problem is a system that has measured its own inputs — graduation numbers, enrolment figures, throughput rates — rather than its outputs: employed, productive, economically active young South Africans building the country they deserve to inherit.

That is the conversation our education sector needs to have, and it needs to have it urgently.

  • Smalberger is CEO of the Academic Institute of Excellence
]]>123RF<![CDATA[One Curro school has R9.3m electricity debt: City Power says no more]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-one-curro-school-has-r93m-electricity-debt-city-power-says-no-more/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-06-24-one-curro-school-has-r93m-electricity-debt-city-power-says-no-more/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:10:31 +0000Johannesburg’s electricity utility has pulled the plug on a Curro school in Noordwyk after the prestigious private institution allegedly failed to pay a R9.3m electricity bill.

City Power confirmed on Tuesday that its Revenue Protection Unit disconnected electricity supply to the school as part of a broader crackdown on large-scale defaulters.

Curro is one of four properties targeted in the operation, with the combined outstanding debt amounting to R38.1m.

According to City Power, the debt, ranging from R5m to R13m each, has accumulated since 2023 despite repeated attempts to recover the money and engage with those responsible.

Spokesperson Isaac Mangena said disconnecting the school was a last resort after prolonged non-compliance.

“The decision to disconnect supply was not taken lightly but was necessary after prolonged non-compliance, which has placed a severe strain on the utility’s ability to recover revenue and sustain the electricity distribution network,” he said.

Every unpaid account contributes to growing financial pressure on the system, limiting the city’s power to respond to infrastructure failures, reduce outages and invest in long-term network improvements for paying customers

Isaac Mangena, City Power spokesperson

City Power acting CEO Charles Tlouane added that it was concerning that an institution of Curro’s stature had allowed its debt to escalate to such levels.

“It is surprising that an institution of this nature, which is generally regarded as financially stable within the private education sector, has accumulated such a substantial debt. Situations like this place undue pressure on City Power’s ability to maintain and upgrade critical infrastructure,” he said.

Mangena warned that unpaid accounts of this magnitude directly threaten its operational stability and hamper its ability to respond to infrastructure failures.

“Every unpaid account contributes to growing financial pressure on the system, limiting the city’s power to respond to infrastructure failures, reduce outages and invest in long-term network improvements for paying customers,” he said.

“Continued accumulation of debt by large institutions and commercial users creates an uneven burden on compliant customers.”

Curro had not responded to Sowetan by the time of publishing.

Sowetan

]]>Sunday World/Tshepo Kekana<![CDATA[France reports Ebola case in doctor returning from humanitarian mission in Congo]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/africa/2026-06-24-france-reports-ebola-case-in-doctor-returning-from-humanitarian-mission-in-congo/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/africa/2026-06-24-france-reports-ebola-case-in-doctor-returning-from-humanitarian-mission-in-congo/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:05:46 +0000A doctor returning from a humanitarian mission in Congo has tested positive for Ebola, the country’s first case of the virus during the current outbreak, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

The patient is being isolated and authorities are contact tracing, the ministry said in a statement, adding that the risk for the general European population was low.

Congo’s Ebola outbreak, which has infected more than 1,000 people and killed 267, has had the largest number of confirmed cases within the first month of any episode of the disease, the World Health Organisation has said.

Reuters

]]>Stringer<![CDATA[US sends Ebola drug to DRC for outbreak trials]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/africa/2026-06-24-us-sends-ebola-drug-to-congo-for-outbreak-trials/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/africa/2026-06-24-us-sends-ebola-drug-to-congo-for-outbreak-trials/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:51:06 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

The US has provided doses of an experimental antibody drug from Mapp Biopharmaceutical for use in clinical trials to fight the widening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a health department spokesperson said, a shift from its position of making the drug available just for Americans.

After dismantling the US Agency for International Development and slashing aid to the region, the US is now making modest contributions to assist with what the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said could potentially be the worst Ebola outbreak yet without a strong response.

The department of health and human services spokesperson declined to comment on the number of doses it will provide, saying by email that the drug is being made available for compassionate use in DRC as well as to advance a clinical trial in the outbreak region.

The trial data could help inform future regulatory review and potential US approval, the spokesperson said.

There are no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has caused more than 1,000 cases in DRC, including more than 250 deaths. A handful of cases and deaths have also been reported in neighbouring Uganda.

Doses of the Mapp drug and other therapeutics intended for trials are being shipped now, the World Health Organisation told Reuters on Monday. The agency is working with health partners to prepare for trial enrolment in health facilities, the spokesperson said.

This marks the first time the US government has indicated it plans to directly support clinical trials of the antibody treatment known as MBP134 from San Diego-based Mapp, by providing stockpiled doses. The US had previously said doses would only be made available for Americans deemed to be at high risk after exposure to the virus.

The US has pledged hundreds of millions of dollars to the Ebola response so far, and is building a controversial quarantine centre in Kenya for American citizens, saying the priority is keeping Ebola from reaching the US.

Trials to start in coming weeks

The Mapp drug is expected to be among the first to be tested in the outbreak, which was declared a public health emergency by the WHO just more than a month ago and is already the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record.

Despite the urgency of the need, the WHO has said experimental treatments and vaccines should still be tested in clinical trials before widespread use.

Trials of the Mapp drug and two Gilead Sciences antivirals are due to begin in the coming weeks, according to the WHO and scientists involved in the testing.

Vaccines will take longer, the WHO has said, although a top official at an international vaccines group said earliest-stage trials could begin next month, but probably not in DRC.

Running clinical trials in a conflict-hit part of the world, where disease testing and contact tracing are challenging, mistrust and attacks on health workers widespread, and supply chains disrupted, will be difficult, global health officials said.

Addressing these issues is a priority, the WHO said, as well as ensuring patients in the affected countries will be able to access the drugs after the trials if they are shown to be safe and effective.

Testing Mapp and Gilead drugs

Mapp’s MBP134 will be tested on its own as a treatment for Bundibugyo and alongside Gilead’s antiviral remdesivir, also known as Veklury, which was widely used during the Covid-19 pandemic, the WHO said.

The Mapp drug trial is sponsored by the WHO and led by the University of Oxford alongside the Congolese and Ugandan governments.

We have the resources, and how the trials will be stood up and implemented, and where the Phase 1s will be done. Anything beyond that is still being worked out.

Richard Hatchett, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations

Another Gilead antiviral, obeldesivir, will be tested as a potential preventive option, likely starting this month, the WHO and scientists involved said. This trial will be led by DRC, Uganda, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and co-sponsored by DRC’s National Institute for Biomedical Research and France’s ANRS Emerging Infectious Diseases agency.

Gilead declined to disclose details on shipments to DRC. Earlier this month it said it was preparing to support requests for both drugs.

Ethics committees and regulators in DRC and Uganda are reviewing trial protocols, the WHO and Mapp said. The treatments have been shown in earlier trials to be safe but have not been tested for efficacy against Bundibugyo.

Vaccine trials

Vaccine trials are a little further away, said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a press conference last week. Doses need to be manufactured and tested for safety and potential side-effects before being used in outbreak hot spots in the DRC.

Phase 1 trials could begin in July, likely in the UK and possibly Uganda, Richard Hatchett, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Cepi), said in an interview.

Cepi has so far backed four vaccine candidates. The first to reach testing is likely one developed by Oxford and the Serum Institute of India, alongside another from US vaccine maker Moderna based on mRNA technology.

“We have the resources, and how the trials will be stood up and implemented, and where the phase 1s will be done,” said Hatchett. “Anything beyond that is still being worked out.”

Reuters

]]>Gradel Muyisa Mumbere<![CDATA[England coach Tuchel says Ghana defensive wall was toughest he has seen]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/2026-06-24-england-coach-tuchel-says-ghana-defensive-wall-was-toughest-he-has-seen/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/2026-06-24-england-coach-tuchel-says-ghana-defensive-wall-was-toughest-he-has-seen/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:21:20 +0000England coach Thomas Tuchel says his team was frustrated by one of the most robust defensive displays he has ever seen in Tuesday’s 0-0 World Cup draw with Ghana, and has urged fans to stay positive.

“I think full respect [to Ghana] and they defended with a lot of determination, with a lot of discipline, and with one of the most physical performances that I saw from a team defending,” the German said.

“We had enough set-pieces to decide the match but we were not clinical enough,” he said, adding that he took more positives from the game than negatives.

Tuchel acknowledged fans might be frustrated after England failed to repeat the flowing, attacking football of their 4-2 win over Croatia in the opening match of the tournament.

England’s 78.8% possession against Ghana in Boston was the highest in records dating back to 1966 by any side in a World Cup match without managing to score.

“If one team tries to play and run against this deep block and you don’t find the spaces and it’s difficult for you to create chances it can be difficult to watch,” Tuchel said.

“We always try to entertain our fans. It was difficult today. I hope they don’t lose belief. There’s a long way to go.”

Tuchel said Harry Kane was unlikely to miss as good a chance in the rest of the tournament as the one he blazed over the bar in the 86th minute after substitute Nico O’Reilly hit the crossbar with a header and the ball rebounded perfectly for the England captain.

“Ninety-nine out of 100 he will convert this chance,” Tuchel said.

England have four points from their first two games, almost certainly enough to send them into the first knockout round, and they finish their Group L campaign against Panama on Saturday.

England failed to get a single shot on target for almost an hour but hit the bar late in the game.

It was the first match at this World Cup where neither team managed a shot on target in the first half with Ghana content to sit back and give possession to their opponents while working hard to close down spaces around the box.

England, who failed to build on their 4-2 opening win over Croatia, managed their first shot on goal just before the hour mark and hit the bar before Kane sent the rebound over the bar.

Also on Tuesday (early hours of Wednesday in SA), Croatia netted a second-half goal from substitute Ante Budimir to beat Panama 1-0 for their first points of the World Cup in a high-stakes Group L clash that eliminated the Central American side.

On a night in Toronto when Croatia captain Luka Modric became the second European to earn a 200th cap, the Balkans side broke the deadlock when Budimir, alone at the back post, converted a deep cross in the 54th minute.

Croatia, who struggled to assert their dominance in the first half, nearly doubled their lead moments later when Marco Pasalic broke through alone but he could not beat the Panama goalkeeper and then skied the rebound.

Both sides were desperate for points after a draw earlier between England and Ghana meant the losers would have no hope of reaching the knockout round.

In Group K on Tuesday (early hours of Wednesday in SA) Colombia secured their place in the round of 32 with a game to spare after a 1-0 victory over Democratic Republic of Congo, with Daniel Munoz scoring the winner after the South Americans had been frustrated for much of the evening.

Colombia moved to six points from two matches and guaranteed their progress to the knockout stage ahead of their final group game against Portugal, who beat Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier on Tuesday. DR Congo remained on one point and will need a result against Uzbekistan to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Colombia dominated possession at Estadio Guadalajara and created the better chances throughout but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who produced a series of saves to keep out efforts from James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz and Jhon Arias.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th when Juan Quintero’s pass found Munoz surging into the penalty area and the defender fired a low shot that took a deflection on its way past Mpasi.

  • All the World Cup fixtures here
  • World Cup page here
  • All the group profiles here
  • Star player profiles here
  • Bafana news here
]]>Greg M Cooper/EPA/BackpagePix<![CDATA[Why are US petrol prices still so high, Trump asks Big Oil?]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-24-why-are-us-petrol-prices-still-so-high-trump-asks-big-oil/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-24-why-are-us-petrol-prices-still-so-high-trump-asks-big-oil/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:32:25 +0000US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he has instructed the department of justice to look into oil companies for not lowering petrol pump prices in line with falling crude costs, and accused the companies of “gouging” customers.

Trump did not name any companies in his social media post, which came after midnight. The White House and the justice department did not respond to a request for further comment outside regular business hours.

Diplomacy between the US and Iran has translated into relief at the pump for Americans, data showed earlier this week, with petrol prices falling for a sixth straight week.

However, Trump said the fall in petrol prices was neither enough nor proportionate with declines in crude oil costs.

“Gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster than what I’m seeing!”

Trump’s latest post comes as consumers raise concern over high petrol prices, just as the president and fellow Republicans are battling to hold narrow majorities in Congress in November’s midterm elections.

The average price of petrol in the US was $3.906 per gallon early on Wednesday, GasBuddy data showed, down more than 14% from the peak in May.

By comparison, over the same period, crude oil prices have fallen 23%, with the US and Iran reaching an interim peace deal and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil supply moved before the war began. From their peak in March, US crude prices have sunk about 40%.

“The big oil companies are not dropping their price at the pump commensurate with the sharply lower prices they are paying for oil. Those prices are dropping like a rock! In other words, customers are being ‘gouged’,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

“I have instructed the DOJ to immediately start looking into this.”

Pump prices remain significantly higher than the $2.764 per gallon recorded in January, more than a month before the Iran conflict began.

Reuters

]]>123RF/Vladyslav Starozhylov<![CDATA[S’THEMBISO MSOMI | What does Ibrahim’s choice to be buried abroad say about (today’s) SA?]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/columnists/2026-06-24-sthembiso-msomi-ironic-that-patriotic-ibrahim-will-be-buried-in-foreign-land/https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/columnists/2026-06-24-sthembiso-msomi-ironic-that-patriotic-ibrahim-will-be-buried-in-foreign-land/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 03:00:00 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

On the eve of freedom in 1994, world-renowned music maestro Abdullah Ibrahim released his Knysna Blue album. It was, in part, a celebration of the country and what her people were about to achieve.

Two songs from that album have always stood out for me, the title track and Cape Town. Ibrahim must have been in his late 60s when he recorded it and, as he attests in Cape Town, would have “travelled far and wide all across the world”.

In his many decades performing as an exiled South African, he had been to celebrated landmarks such as Mount Fuji in Japan and San Francisco Bay in the US as well as the famed Roman amphitheatres.

Yet, as he says in the song, nothing could compare “to the sweeping beauty of Cape Town”, his birth city. No matter where he was in the world, Ibrahim never lost the love he had for his city, his country and his people.

It was this love in the first place that had driven him, like many others of his generation, into exile in the hope of spreading the word to the world about an evil political system that kept his countrymen and women in bondage and discriminated against people based on their race.

The absurdity of the apartheid system was such that even though Ibrahim had been born and bred in Cape Town, he reached his 60s without actually having been on top of the iconic Table Mountain.

Sometimes it is hard to believe, especially for our young growing up in a free and democratic SA, that we were once a country where your skin colour could determine whether you had access to a beach, a game reserve or other amenities.

As an internationally celebrated pianist who rubbed shoulders with such jazz greats as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and Ornette Coleman − and as an artist who had become a headliner in concerts hosted in some of the world’s most famous cities, Ibrahim could have easily turned his back on SA and her troubles and lived a happy life as a world citizen.

As novelist Mandla Langa, himself a freedom fighter and an exile, wrote in The Conversation the other day, “He could have lost all connections with South Africa, but he chose not to.”

Instead, Ibrahim used his fame and influence to put a spotlight on apartheid SA and to mobilise international support and resources for the freedom Struggle. He wasn’t alone, of course, but he was among the most vocal of voices.

Two years after the police had murdered protesting students in Soweto − sparking off a revolutionary uprising that was to revive the internal mass resistance movement – he composed Soweto as one of the songs that kept the plight of South Africans on the minds of people across the world.

And so, at the dawn of freedom, he released an album that, among other things, was a celebration of the South African spirit.

Cape Town, the second song that stood out for me in the Knysna Blue album, is a love story between the well-travelled man and his city. “I’ve seen many cities, new and old/ Copenhagen bored me/ Madrid was dark and cold/ New York has such crowded streets, yet I hear no laughter…” he sings. “Cape Town, lovely Cape Town/ You are the fairest city of them all, I know. Oh, my town, I miss you so/Your fragrant summer breeze, the old oak tree…"

Of course, liberation did not mean that Ibrahim would be confined within the borders of SA. He continued to record new music and toured the world to perform at packed concerts for another three decades.

When he passed away on June 15, a day before SA commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Soweto uprisings, he had three concerts scheduled for Munich in Germany next month, and a solo piano performance in Sollhuben, also in Germany.

It saddens one, however, that this great artist who has done so much in the service of SA and her people − a man who truly loved this country − has chosen to be buried in a town in the Bavarian region of Germany, far away from his beloved Cape Town.

At the same time, one is relieved that his great name is not at the risk of being sullied by the self-appointed inheritors of the liberation Struggle heritage who would have sought to use the solemn occasion of his burial to line their pockets like they did with Nelson Mandela and other doyens of the Struggle.

Flags may not be flying at half-mast in his honour, but I hope that millions of us in SA and around the world are paying our tributes to this Hip King of South African music and Struggle.

]]>Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images<![CDATA[Power cuts in France leave thousands sweltering amid scorching heatwave]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-24-power-cuts-in-france-leave-thousands-sweltering-amid-scorching-heatwave/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-24-power-cuts-in-france-leave-thousands-sweltering-amid-scorching-heatwave/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:08:02 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

Authorities in northern France were scrambling on Wednesday to restore electricity to thousands of homes hit by power cuts amid a blistering heatwave that has scorched much of western Europe for days.

Health-care centres and critical sites were being prioritised in the effort, with generators provided to tide over retirement homes after Tuesday’s outages blamed on a transformer incident, they added.

“The incident was accidental and related to the current heat wave,” officials said in a statement. “No one was injured.”

Record-breaking temperatures across Europe, ranging as high as 18°C above normal, according to the Reuters Climate Monitor, have disrupted transport networks and forced schools and tourist sites to shut.

Weather agency Meteo France has said the conditions are comparable to a heatwave in August 2003 that lasted 16 days and caused an estimated 80,000 excess deaths across Europe.

It was not certain how long the current heatwave, driven by a weather pattern known as an Omega block, for a shape that allows temperatures to build day after day, would last.

Europe is warming at more than twice the global average, the World Meteorological Organisation has said, which makes prolonged heat episodes increasingly likely.

The heatwave has forced builders to alter working hours so that employees can avoid the worst, as retailers struggle to meet demand for fans and portable air-conditioners and farmers harvest grain at night after a ban on afternoon work due to fire risks.

Dozens have drowned as they sought to escape the heat by jumping into bodies of water.

In Britain, the grid operator asked generators to make more power available amid soaring temperatures poised to break records later on Wednesday. With temperatures in the high 30s, British health authorities have issued a “red heat” health alert, for only the second time ever, warning of a risk to life for even the healthy, as well as the ill and elderly.

Temperatures could reach 41°C between Tuscany and Emilia, while in coastal areas such as Liguria the combination of heat and extreme humidity could drive perceived temperatures as high as 45°C

Britain’s train operators have advised only essential journeys over the two hottest days of Wednesday and Thursday, as the heat has brought speed restrictions.

In southeastern France, two children aged two and four who died in a hot car outside their family home were shown on autopsy to have succumbed to the excessive heat. Their mother said the children were in the car without her knowledge, the regional prosecutor said.

Italy’s health ministry issued its highest heat alert for 16 cities, from Florence and Milan to Rome, Turin and Verona.

Conditions were expected to worsen further, especially across central and northern regions, with the heatwave likely to peak between Sunday and Monday, meteorologists said.

Temperatures could reach 41°C between Tuscany and Emilia, while in coastal areas such as Liguria the combination of heat and extreme humidity could drive perceived temperatures as high as 45°C.

Reuters

]]>Abdul Saboor<![CDATA[World Cup history beckons for coach Hugo Broos and Bafana Bafana ]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-24-world-cup-history-beckons-for-coach-hugo-broos-and-bafana-bafana/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-24-world-cup-history-beckons-for-coach-hugo-broos-and-bafana-bafana/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:41:12 +0000Bafana Bafana are highly motivated and prepared to make World Cup history.

After three unsuccessful attempts in France in 1998, South Korea and Japan in 2002 and on home soil in 2010, South Africa are on the cusp of progressing to the knockout stage of the Fifa World Cup for the first time.

However, for this to happen, they must dig deep and beat highly organised, high work rate, classy on paper and superbly drilled South Korea in their final match of Group A at Estadio Monterrey on Wednesday (7pm local time, 3am Thursday SA time).

It will be a contrast of styles, with Bafana more of a possession-based team with speedy wingers, while South Korea rely on tactical organisation, speed and physical strength.

“It‘s a special game for both teams and we know we have to win,” Bafana coach Hugo Broos said in his pre-match press conference at the match venue on Tuesday.

“Being in the second round of the World Cup will be historical for South Africa. This is a big motivation to go out there and win the game.”

He knows how he is going to approach the game, but the vastly experienced Broos was not going to parade his plans in public.

“This is a difficult game because we have to win and the question is: what are we going to do? Are we going for a 100% push in the beginning and maybe try to get a goal, or we go easy [to start]?

“It is difficult to choose, but at the same time it is also easy because we have to win the game. I think it is the same question South Koreans are asking themselves, to say: ‘What are we going to do?’

“A draw is enough for them to get to the next round, but that is not easy. Our situation is much easier because we have to do one thing and that’s winning the game and that is something we are going for.”

Broos said Bafana know what they will be up against.

“One month ago, they were a team we didn’t know at all — but we have worked hard over the past few weeks to know the team better. With the technical things you can use, you can find every detail you want about the opposition and we are well informed.

We will see if we can exploit their weaknesses and achieve what we want. If we can do that we have a big chance of winning the match

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos

“South Korea are a very disciplined team, they run for 90-minutes and everyone knows his role. For us, it will be the question of: how can we stop their qualities and use their weaknesses?

“We have analysed the team and we will see if we can do what we have to do in the game. It’s easy for us because we just have to win the match.

“We will see if we can exploit their weaknesses and achieve what we want. If we can do that,w we have a big chance of winning the match.”

  • All the World Cup fixtures here
  • World Cup page here
  • All the group profiles here
  • Star player profiles here
  • Bafana news here

TimesLIVE

]]>Gavin Barker/BackpagePix<![CDATA[Sithole puts Mexico horrors behind him, focused on helping Bafana reach knockouts]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-24-sithole-puts-mexico-horrors-behind-him-focused-on-helping-bafana-reach-knockouts/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/bafana-news/2026-06-24-sithole-puts-mexico-horrors-behind-him-focused-on-helping-bafana-reach-knockouts/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:01:59 +0000Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole has opened up and taken responsibility for his underwhelming performance in the 2026 Fifa World Cup opening game match against Mexico.

Sithole’s early mistake led to Mexico’s opener by Julián Quiñones in the ninth minute that put Bafana under pressure on their already-pressured opening-match return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence at Estadio Azteca. Then he was red-carded in the 49th minute for clattering down Brian Gutiérrez, though if he had not fouled the attacker he probably would have scored.

His selection was questioned given Sithole had not shown his best form in the lead-up to the World Cup, and the performance led to torrent of torment from South African supporters.

Sithole is grateful for the support he has received from his teammates and coach Hugo Broos.

Bafana recovered from the opening loss to earn a 1-1 draw with Czechia that left them needing to beat South Korea at Estadio Monterrey on Wednesday (7pm Monterrey time, 3am SA time) and hoping Mexico will do them a favour by beating the Europeans in the concurrent match at Estadio Azteca.

Star midfielder Teboho Mokoena’s suspension for his second booking in as many games against the Czechs could see Sithole drafted back into the midfield against South Korea.

“I know I didn’t have a good game in the first game [against Mexico] but the support I got from the guys was good,” Sithole said on the even of the game in Monterrey on Tuesday at the match venue before Bafana wrapped up their preparations.

“Everyone and the coach was supportive and I am grateful for that. In our group, we have good human beings.”

Sithole, who may get a run in the starting line-up in the place of suspended midfield kingpin Teboho Mokoena, said the players are ready to help the team make history.

“We know what is coming because we have done our analysis on them and the only thing we need to do on Wednesday is to go out there, win the game and qualify for the next round.

“We are more than prepared and motivated for that.”

Though he is confident of victory, Sithole is fully aware it is not going to be easy against a hard-running, experienced, well-drilled South Korea who have European-based quality players all round and who need a win or draw to reach the knockout stage.

“We know we are playing against a quality side in South Korea but we are prepared for them. To talk about intensity, everybody knows that the World Cup is the biggest stage of football.

“So, the intensity is very high and we are playing against very good sides [at the World Cup].”

  • All the World Cup fixtures here
  • World Cup page here
  • All the group profiles here
  • Star player profiles here
  • Bafana news here

TimesLIVE

]]>Miguel Sierra/EPA/BackpagePix<![CDATA[Rutte meets Trump to calm Nato rift before July summit]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-24-rutte-meets-trump-to-calm-nato-rift-before-july-summit/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-24-rutte-meets-trump-to-calm-nato-rift-before-july-summit/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:05:48 +0000Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte is set to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, seeking to ease tensions over the Iran war and US threats to draw down troops in Europe ahead of a pivotal Nato leaders summit in July in Ankara.

Trump, a longtime Nato critic who has called the alliance a “paper tiger,” has been angered by its reluctance to support the US in the Middle East conflict or help reopen the Strait of Hormuz after a US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28 disrupted the major oil shipping route.

Defence secretary Pete Hegseth last week berated “free-riding” allies at a Nato meeting and announced a six-month review of US troop deployments in Europe that could result in some reductions of American forces. That followed a decision by the US to shrink the pool of US military capabilities ​available to the alliance in a crisis, leaving members grappling with how to fill gaps.

One of Rutte’s primary roles since Trump’s election in November 2024 has been managing the president’s hostility toward the alliance and preventing tense moments, including Trump’s push to acquire Greenland, from spiralling into a lasting crisis.

Wednesday’s meeting is likely to follow that pattern.

The Nato alliance is under unprecedented strain, with some European countries concerned that Washington may withdraw outright

“I expect he is trying to get on the same page with Trump to make sure that the Nato summit is a success or not a wipeout,” said Stephen Wertheim, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington-based think tank.

“The Nato summit carries a potential for significant risk because Trump is upset and erratic, and even if Rutte comes and thinks he has an understanding with Trump, who knows what two weeks later will bring,” Wertheim said.

Tensions have escalated in recent months. After Nato allies refused to back Trump’s Iran campaign, which he began without prior consultation, Trump openly questioned whether the US should stand by Nato’s mutual defence pact and said he was considering leaving the alliance.

Months earlier, the US president laid claim to Greenland, an autonomous territory belonging to fellow Nato member Denmark. Rutte steered the fraying transatlantic alliance back from the precipice, reinforcing his reputation as a “Trump whisperer.”

Rutte, in an interview on Tuesday with Fox News, described the incidents of some Nato members denying US basing and overflight rights for war-related activities as “isolated”, saying hundreds of US planes took off from US bases across Europe to support Washington’s war, which he said he would convey to Trump on Wednesday.

“We will also zoom out from this to this bigger picture of what he is doing for Nato,” Rutte said, adding that members were ramping up their defence spending and that he would be revealing those “huge” numbers on Wednesday.

Summit preparations

Rutte’s visit is part of the final preparations for the July 7-8 summit in Ankara, Nato spokesperson Allison Hart said.

The summit “will focus on how Allies are delivering on the commitments made last year at the Nato Summit in The Hague, including on increasing defence investment, expanding defence industrial production, and continuing support for Ukraine,” Hart said.

The Nato alliance is under unprecedented strain, with some European countries concerned that Washington may withdraw outright, which would be an extraordinary move that would throw into question the future of the alliance. Trump has in the past threatened to do that.

Rutte is also expected to meet with members of Congress. His visit comes as the US believes there is an “unhealthy co-dependence” by Europe on US forces.

Still, Rutte has maintained strong ties with Pentagon officials, and Hegseth spoke warmly of his leadership at the Brussels event last week.

At last year’s summit in The Hague, Nato leaders backed the big increase in defence spending that Trump demanded, pledging to spend 5% of GDP on defence and defence-related measures within a decade. But while some European countries have sharply increased defence spending, others have lagged behind.

Reuters

]]>Stoyan Nenov<![CDATA[READER LETTER | Youth must vote in November]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/letters/2026-06-24-reader-letter-youth-must-vote-in-november/https://www.sowetan.co.za/opinion/letters/2026-06-24-reader-letter-youth-must-vote-in-november/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:47:16 +0000On November 4, South Africans will once again head to the polls for the 2026 local government elections. It is an opportunity for citizens to exercise their constitutional right to choose who they see fit to meet their service delivery needs.

Over the past weekend, the IEC kick-started the 2026 election campaign under the slogan “Get Up, Show Up, Vote”, to strengthen democratic participation among young South Africans in particular.

What started as a concern about youth voter apathy and participation when the IEC announced that 70% of South Africans aged 18 and 19 who are eligible to vote have not registered ended with encouraging results.

The IEC reported that over 700,000 new voters registered; of these, over 81% (574,899) are under 30 years of age. However, even with these numbers, evidence indicates that youth are disengaging from the political parties that are supposed to represent them.

The youth have expressed frustration over the high unemployment rate, which at the second quarter of 2025 stood at 46.1%; lack of accountability by political parties and politicians; and poor service delivery. Young people need to participate meaningfully in elections so that their frustrations receive the attention they deserve.

And one way to do that is to engage the youth in formal political processes so they can have a say in formulating today’s and tomorrow’s politics.

As we head to the polls, may we remember that the youth of 1976 did not fight so we can stand on the sidelines and moan. Let us all go out and make our mark; it is our responsibility to do so. — Zamansele Mhlambi, Sandton

]]>Thapelo Morebudi<![CDATA[Kenya signs $1.2bn deal with China to expand Nairobi airport]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-24-kenya-signs-12bn-deal-with-china-to-expand-nairobi-airport/https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/world/2026-06-24-kenya-signs-12bn-deal-with-china-to-expand-nairobi-airport/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:39:53 +0000Kenya’s government has signed a 154.2-billion Kenyan shilling (R19.51bn) agreement with China Road and Bridge Corporation to expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, transport minister Davis Chirchir said on Tuesday.

The East African nation plans to nearly triple the annual passenger capacity at the Nairobi airport to 22-million people from 7.5-million. The project was previously halted last year after Kenya cancelled a 2024 agreement with India’s Adani Group following the indictment of its founder in the US.

“The project scope includes the construction of a new terminal building and associated support facilities, the modernisation and upgrading of existing infrastructure, the improvement of airside and landside operations,” Chirchir said on his X account.

Kenya is aiming to maintain its role as a regional aviation hub as countries such as Ethiopia and Rwanda invest heavily in new airport construction to attract airlines and travellers.

Last week Chirchir said the government had appointed Africa’s Trade and Development Bank and the Africa Finance Corporation to arrange financing for the project.

Reuters

]]>,Reuters/Thomas Mukoya<![CDATA[Algeria recover from Messi mauling to show WC promise]]>https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-24-algeria-recover-from-messi-mauling-to-show-wc-promise/https://www.sowetan.co.za/sport/2026-06-24-algeria-recover-from-messi-mauling-to-show-wc-promise/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:38:22 +0000

Story audio is generated using AI

Santa Clara, California − After being on the wrong end of a Lionel Messi hat-trick in their World Cup opener against Argentina, Algeria had to wait nearly a week to showcase their talents with an impressive fightback against Jordan.

Coach Vladimir Petkovic’s side had been outclassed 3-0 by the defending champions but showed resilience and determination to beat Jordan, who were riding a wave of euphoria from their first-ever World Cup appearance.

In the all-Arab clash at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Algeria, who used 14 players from clubs across seven European countries, combined precise passing with deft touches and adventurous runs in a relentless push to get their World Cup back on track.

Petkovic’s decision to start with captain Riyad Mahrez proved decisive in the 2-1 win. The former Manchester City forward was energetic, menacing and a central figure in their rally, providing the corner for Nadhir Benbouali’s headed equaliser.

Amine Gouiri scored the winner eight minutes from time when he poked home a loose ball, triggering jubilation on the pitch and in the stands, and condemning Jordan to an early World Cup exit.

“We had the mental strength to come back, and I think we’re continuing to improve. This victory, earned with character and determination, will do us the world of good,” Gouiri said.

“It could be a turning point. A win is always good, especially for confidence given the way the match unfolded. We’re very happy, but we know nothing is done yet. We’ve taken an important step.”

Algeria had the majority of possession and 16 attempts on goal as they battled to break down a compact and organised Jordanian defence.

Stifled on the flanks, they were creative in the middle, with Marseille’s Gouiri linking up with Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza, and Hicham Boudaoui sending two perfectly weighted passes from deep inside his half into the path of Mahrez.

Algeria, who last appeared at the 2014 World Cup, are hoping the expanded 48-team tournament will make it easier for them to reach the knockout rounds and offer them the chance to write a new story that goes beyond their famous 1982 upset of West Germany.

They face Austria in their final Group J game on Saturday.

Reuters

]]>BERNADETT SZABO / REUTERS / FILE PHOTO