
Man handed life sentence for raping stepdaughter for 13 years
The court heard that the minor was sexually abused by the man since the age of three.
THURSDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 2026, 17:58

The court heard that the minor was sexually abused by the man since the age of three.

Mangena further told the commission that the officers severely assaulted the victim.

Doses of the Biogenesis vaccine from Argentina are being administered.
North West declares 2026 year of ‘decisive action to fix local government’
North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has declared 2026 the “year of decisive action to fix local government and transform the economy”, pledging firm interventions to restore municipal functionality, accelerate infrastructure delivery and drive inclusive growth.
Delivering the State of the Province Address...
Cabinet backs local FMD vaccine production
Cabinet has confidence the rebuilding of local vaccine manufacturing capacity within the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) will help South Africa reclaim its Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)-free status from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
The Agricultural Research Council’s...
Public Works senior official placed on precautionary suspension
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has directed Director-General Sifiso Mdakane to implement precautionary suspension and disciplinary proceedings against a senior Construction Project Management (CPM) Director.
The director appeared in court on Tuesday on charges of fraud in relation to a...

The department says this will help protect the province’s livestock and dairy industry
Cabinet notes downward trend in murder cases
With the South African Police Service (SAPS) having released Quarter 3 2025/26 crime statistics last week, Cabinet says the national picture painted by these statistics indicates progress, while more work still needs to be done.
“[With regards to] murder, the downward trend that began in Q1 of 2023/24 has been sustained, with a recorded...

The fire was ignited by lightning over the weekend, and two fire lines are still burning.
Cabinet commends Russia’s assistance in return of recruited South Africans
Cabinet has joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in expressing gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating the return of 17 South African men, who were recruited to fight on the Russian frontlines in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The South African government, working closely with...
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has ordered the precautionary suspension and disciplinary action against a senior Construction Project Management director.
Budget restores SA’s credibility
The key economic milestones reflected in the 2026 Budget indicate that government’s implementation of structural reforms to support economic recovery has strengthened the country’s global standing.
This is due to government’s efforts to promote faster economic growth, anchored on four pillars: maintaining macroeconomic stability, implementing...

Proceedings paused after the Commission required a detailed medical note from the officer.
Budget 2026 balances redistribution and fiscal responsibility – Masondo
Deputy Finance Minister, Dr David Masondo, says the 2026 Budget is redistributive while balancing the need for fiscal discipline.
The Deputy Minister participated in the post-Budget speech breakfast discussion hosted by the National Treasury, in partnership with Brand South Africa and the Government...

Olivier and his co-accused are being tried for the murders of two women.
Business welcomes 2026 Budget
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) has welcomed the 2026 National Budget, noting its clear acknowledgement of South Africa’s central economic challenge, including insufficient growth, which continues to entrench unemployment and inequality.
Reacting to the 2026 Budget Speech tabled by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in Parliament on Wednesday, BUSA...

Despite a R2.7bn boost, the SANDF warns funding gaps still threaten border and anti-crime missions.
Traditional leaders the roots that hold the nation up
Traditional leaders are indispensable partners as government works to improve the economy and the lives of every South African man, woman and child.
“It is you who our people turn to in times of uncertainty and upheaval, and on whom they rely for guidance and wisdom that has been passed down through the ages and...

According to Minister Godongwana, discussions are underway through intergovernmental channels.
Increases in social grants welcomed as a lifeline for SA’s most vulnerable
The South African Social Security Agency has welcomed the increase in social grant amounts announced by the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana on Wednesday.
All social grants, barring the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, will increase in the next financial year.
The grant increases are as...
KZN Finance MEC welcomes fiscal discipline in National Budget
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance Francois Rodgers has described the 2026 National Budget as a critical step towards restoring South Africa’s financial credibility.
Presenting the 2026 Budget Speech in Parliament on Wednesday, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that public debt is projected to stabilise at 78.9% of...