Matlala remains mum on police connections
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has refused to answer questions regarding his ties to top SAPS officials and pending IDAC investigations, asserting his right against self-incrimination. Read the full article
South Africa · 1562 articles
MBFC: Left-Center; progressive South African outlet
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has refused to answer questions regarding his ties to top SAPS officials and pending IDAC investigations, asserting his right against self-incrimination. Read the full article
Pilchard herpesvirus is emerging as the prime suspect in the mass mortality of sardines along the Cape coast, an incident that prompted beach clean-ups and forced Eskom's Koeberg station to reduce power output. Read the full article
A warrant of arrest has been issued for TV presenter Molemo 'Jub Jub' Maarohanye after he missed his appearance at the Germiston Magistrate's Court. Read the full article
University of Pretoria researchers on Marion Island have found that shifting wind patterns, often overlooked in climate models, play a crucial role in shaping sub-Antarctic vegetation and seabird behaviour. Read the full article
Despite years of government commitments, parliamentary reviews and expert panels, South Africa’s commercial captive lion breeding industry remains operational as conservation groups urge immediate action to enforce a phase-out. Read the full article
Martin Wragge, a South African property developer, is the enigmatic force behind some of Cape Town's most iconic developments, including Century City, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, and Ratanga Junction. Despite his significant impact, little is widely known about the man who transformed swampland into thriving mixed-use hubs, faced immense challenges, and ultimately reshaped the city's landscape. Read the full article
Iconic Detroit hip-hop group Slum Village is set to perform at Johannesburg's Back to the City International Festival, bringing the legendary sound of J Dilla and T3 to South African fans. Read the full article
North-West University's bhive Enterprise Development Centre is partnering with Pont de Val and regional stakeholders to foster inclusive tourism, practical skills training, and economic growth along the Vaal River corridor, addressing local development needs. Read the full article
National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams has denied that suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu influenced his decision to lay fraud and corruption charges against crime intelligence officials. Questions have been raised about Adams's rapid actions and his connections to key figures in the ongoing inquiry. Read the full article
Double agent claims against Paul O’Sullivan have resurfaced after former head of the Gauteng Hawks, Major-General Prince Mokotedi, made explosive claims that O’Sullivan was working for foreign intelligence agencies. O'Sullivan vehemently denies the allegations, calling them fictional. Read the full article
Zambia’s president Hakainde Hichilema secured a second term with 60% of the vote, overturning pre-election assumptions that economic pain would lead to a decisive rejection of his government. The election was widely seen as a referendum on his economic reforms, including cuts to fuel and electricity subsidies, which had triggered a jump in the cost of living. Read the full article
South Africa's Springboks have set a modern rugby benchmark, thanks to a robust coaching culture and structural pathway. Yet, many highly successful South African coaches struggle to secure major overseas roles, despite their proven ability to produce world-class talent and deliver championship success. Read the full article
The new Netflix series, Umthetho, explores the ironic quest of a prison gang fighting for human rights, corrupt officials, and fractured families. An adaptation of the Brazilian series Brotherhood, Umthetho raises questions about how stories developed elsewhere can resonate with local audiences, yet delivers a tale of blood, bullets, and brotherhood reimagined through a South African lens. Read the full article
As South Africa approaches another electoral cycle, political parties unveil familiar promises, yet genuine transformation seems absent. The article argues that the country's persistent problems stem from a deeper issue: a deficit of statecraft, where political mobilisation often overshadows the essential work of governing and strengthening state institutions. Read the full article
Lindiwe Nkuna-Kgopa refused to accept the absence of women-owned, industrial-scale sanitary pad manufacturers in South Africa. Her determination led to the creation of Africa's first such facility, challenging industry norms and empowering women across the continent. Read the full article
A new anthology, 'Rising for Palestine', co-edited by Suraya Dadoo and Raouf Farrah, argues that the war in Gaza has exposed the erosion of Africa's tradition of internationalism. It connects the Palestinian struggle to a broader African history of dispossession and resistance, challenging the continent's shift from radical solidarity to diplomatic pragmatism. Read the full article
Zambia is challenging South Africa's long-standing dominance in the regional online gambling sector, with a growing number of SADC players exploring Zambian sites due to their more diverse features and less restrictive regulatory environments. Read the full article
National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams told the Madlanga Commission that his role in reporting allegations involving Crime Intelligence was limited to that of a complainant and argued that KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi should be investigated instead. Adams also accused Mkhwanazi and Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo of colluding and abusing power. Read the full article
South Africa celebrates Women's Day, but for many, the reality is far from the promise of a life free from violence and discrimination. This article critically examines the gap between ceremonial recognition and the practical failures to protect and empower women in the country. Read the full article
National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams conceded that he misled the Madlanga Commission when he testified that he had not seen the request to testify on 3 October 2025, resulting in his late statement submission. This admission came after Commission Chairperson Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga presented evidence contradicting Adams' claims. Read the full article
African and South African universities face a deepening crisis of legitimacy. To rebuild democratic purpose, institutions must move community engagement from the margins to the core of knowledge production and learning. Read the full article
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture celebrated South Africa's top creative talent at the 2026 National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) held at Sun City Resort, honouring competitive winners across six disciplines alongside legendary cultural icons. Read the full article
Decades after the historic 1956 Women's March, prominent South African women leaders from across generations gathered to reflect on the ongoing journey from political protest to boardroom power, stressing that leadership is about creating pathways for others. Read the full article
The passing of Cambridge sociologist Professor Jason Arday marks the loss of an intellectual force who challenged colonial epistemologies and championed Black radical scholarship across the globe. Read the full article
Former two-weight world champion and world-record holder Zolani “Last Born” Tete leaves behind a lasting legacy in South African boxing following his tragic passing at 38. Read the full article
The Nedbank Golf Challenge returns to Sun City with a star-studded field, a $6 million purse, and a massive R50 million upgrade to the historic Gary Player Country Club. Read the full article
As tensions rise between the SACP and the ANC ahead of local government elections, SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila has strongly criticised the governing party's neoliberal policies and coalition governance, though analysts view the rift as recurring political rhetoric. Read the full article
While technology has transformed how we discover and enjoy music, it has also created new challenges for protecting the rights and livelihoods of the people who create it. At a time when Africa's music industry is enjoying unprecedented global recognition, safeguarding our artists’ intellectual property has never been more important. Read the full article
South African R&B singer-songwriter Rowlene releases her new album, Some Strings Attached, a collection of ballads exploring relationships with lovers, friends, family, and fans. She discusses her journey to independence and finding her unique voice. Read the full article
This article critically examines the populist governance style in Tshwane, South Africa, contrasting it with the social democratic politics exemplified by Zohran Mamdani in New York. It highlights the ripple effects of global right-wing movements and calls for a shift towards policies that address systemic inequalities rather than merely policing poverty. Read the full article
Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, reflects on the unique exhaustion faced by black women leaders who are constantly asked to prove their competence, despite their achievements. She discusses the institutional biases that make leadership more costly for some and calls for systemic change. Read the full article
Kelebogile Marope, the 2026 FNB Art Prize winner, shares her disbelief and profound insights into her art practice. From Botswana, she discusses her work which excavates memory from domestic spaces and ordinary objects, challenging us to see the histories embedded in our everyday lives. Read the full article
Artist Mikhael Subotzky's new exhibition in Johannesburg explores his family's multigenerational journey, from Nazi Germany to South Africa, intertwining personal history with the city's layered past. Discover how a 13-ton steamroller and a voyage across continents shaped his unique artistic perspective. Read the full article
The failure of public services often stems from improper appointments and political pressure. Two presentations by the Public Service Commission highlight the importance of professionalising the public service and preventing political interference to build a capable and impartial administration. Read the full article
A family embarks on an electric vehicle road trip from Johannesburg to Durban in an iCAUR 03T, navigating charging infrastructure, range management, and the realities of long-distance EV travel in South Africa. Read the full article
Former Public Investment Corporation (PIC) board chairperson David Masondo has alleged that chief executive Patrick Dlamini failed to provide the board with a key legal opinion on the contentious Lanseria Airport transaction, raising fresh questions about whether directors had access to all the information required to exercise oversight during the institution's governance crisis. Read the full article
The national government has enlisted traditional leaders to address the illegal immigration crisis and revitalise local economies. This initiative, cemented in Durban, involves Justice Minister Mammoloko Kubayi and AmaZulu Royal Chancellor Inkosi Malusi Zondi collaborating on a multifaceted plan to create jobs and enhance public safety. Read the full article
This article challenges women leaders to move beyond merely securing a seat at the table and instead focus on how they use their influence to foster collaboration, amplify voices, and create opportunities for other women. It highlights the importance of building trusted relationships and collective action to drive progress. Read the full article
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is not just a farming issue; it's a profound South African crisis affecting food security, farmers, and the vital informal trading sector, with far-reaching economic consequences for everyone. Read the full article
High levels of pilchard herpesvirus have been found in sardines involved in South Africa’s extensive mortality event, with the virus detected in all 15 fish in an initial detailed round of testing. Scientists are yet to establish whether the virus is solely responsible, with environmental conditions also emerging as possible contributing factors. Read the full article
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has threatened to approach the courts to halt his testimony before the Madlanga Commission after his senior counsel, Annalise van der Heever, fell ill and could not attend Monday’s proceedings. Matlala told the commission that he was not prepared to be cross-examined without Van der Heever, his lead counsel. Read the full article
Former Justice Minister Ronald Lamola testified at the TRC Cases Inquiry, addressing progress made in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes, budget constraints, and the decentralisation of investigations. Read the full article
What began as a response to gendered fear in Cape Town has become the After 8 Sistahood—a movement transforming public spaces, confronting spatial apartheid, and asserting women's right to safety, solidarity, and joy. Read the full article
Popcru president Thulani Ngwenya has questioned the relevance of the ANC Youth League and the Young Communist League, labelling leaders who fail to challenge the status quo as 'factory faults'. Read the full article
Broadcaster Clement Manyathela has launched a foundation at his former school in Vaalbank, offering psychosocial support, career guidance, and mentorship to empower rural learners. Read the full article
The National Prosecuting Authority has unconditionally withdrawn all fraud and corruption charges against Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo and six top officials. Read the full article
South Africa is placing digital technology at the heart of its tourism growth strategy, as highlighted by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille at the launch of Tourism Month 2026 in Durban. The country aims to leverage platforms like TikTok to attract visitors and empower smaller businesses in the digital era. Read the full article
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) is strategically targeting the Eastern Cape, a traditional ANC stronghold, to weaken the governing party and reduce its national support by the 2029 elections. This move capitalizes on the ANC's ongoing leadership crisis and court challenges in the province. Read the full article
Professor Jason Arday's story highlights the urgent need to address neurodiversity in South Africa. This article explores how our education systems and workplaces may be overlooking talented individuals whose abilities don't conform to conventional expectations, hindering the nation's transformation and economic growth. Read the full article
When South African women’s football makes headlines, it is often because players have achieved extraordinary feats against the odds. This article argues that while resilience is admirable, it should not substitute for systematic development, highlighting that growing women's football is central to the future of the game and creates stronger communities. Read the full article
Professor Jason Arday, the youngest black professor at Cambridge, was driven to suicide by relentless media attacks over plagiarism accusations, a fate not shared by white academics guilty of similar offenses. This editorial condemns the British press for its disproportionate and racially biased coverage. Read the full article
Explore the vibrant arts scene with an interactive theatre experience in East London, the return of the Kaza Kamba Pan African Theatre Festival in Johannesburg, and Kwanda Mahlombe's inspiring new single, Ungayeki. Read the full article
South Africa's Succulent Karoo, a global biodiversity hotspot, is under severe threat from a sophisticated international plant trafficking operation. What was once dismissed as niche plant collecting has evolved into organised environmental crime, with millions of rare, endemic succulents illegally harvested and sold globally, pushing species like Conophytum to functional extinction. Efforts to combat this crisis face challenges from porous borders, limited resources, and socio-economic drive...
Every August, South Africa celebrates the strength of its women, often praising them for carrying burdens that should never have been placed on them. This article argues for a shift from celebrating survival to demanding systemic accountability for the safety of women and girls. Read the full article
Masingita Masunga, a businesswoman and media practitioner with 30 years in the industry, argues that Women's Month should focus on creating economic opportunities for women, especially those with disabilities. She wants people to see her skills and value beyond her disability, advocating for genuine inclusion and investment. Read the full article
Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first African musician to achieve this prestigious recognition. She joins a distinguished list of legends on Hollywood Boulevard, marking a significant milestone for her career and African music globally. Read the full article
Rwanda's grey crowned cranes have achieved a remarkable recovery, with their population surging from under 300 to 1,438 in a decade. This success, driven by sustained conservation, wetland protection, and community involvement, offers a beacon of hope for endangered species. Read the full article
While the Madlanga Commission exposes deep rot in SAPS, a parallel crisis of patronage and ethical collapse is silently destroying South African academia. This article argues that academic corruption, though discreet, has profound societal consequences, weakening the country's capacity to think honestly and govern competently. Read the full article
South Africa and Zambia are grappling with a significant challenge in rolling out lenacapavir, a new six-monthly HIV prevention injection. Despite high demand and promising early results, limited supplies mean clinics often run out of stock, creating a complex balancing act between generating awareness and ensuring equitable access. Read the full article
The Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2026 returns to the Sandton Convention Centre on 8–9 September, bringing together leaders and changemakers to explore the next era of women's economic participation and influence under the theme "Her Power. Africa's Future. Amplifying Women-Led Growth." Read the full article