Two award-winning financial journalists contributing to News24, Maya Fisher-French and Bruce Whitfield, are being impersonated with deepfake AI videos that aim to dupe people into investing in doubtful schemes.

This edition of the weekly wrap covers widening anti-foreigner protests, sinkholes caused by illegal mining in Joburg, and the escalating executive fallout at the Department of Social Development. We also dive into high-profile court rulings on stolen cocaine, a corporate WhatsApp spam, and Gqeberha’s thriving open-water swimming community.

Six out of nine provinces had flooding in May, leading to a national disaster being declared, while a looming El Niño threatens drought towards the end of the year, affecting agricultural outputs, and eventually, the price of a food basket.

South Africa has begun rolling out lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug hailed as the most significant HIV prevention breakthrough in a generation. Experts say the new option could transform protection for people who struggle with daily medication, while expanding the country’s toolkit against new infections.

On #CrazySocks4Docs Day, healthcare workers and students across South Africa are using colourful socks to spark conversations about mental health, burnout and the pressures facing those on the front lines of care. The campaign highlights the urgent need for greater support, compassion and systemic reform in a healthcare system where many young professionals work under immense strain.

The Bulls and the Stormers face contrasting battles and have contrasting injury issues in this weekend’s United Rugby Championship semi-finals.

It may be silly and superficial, but Mortal Kombat II is the best kind of blockbuster junk food. Playing more to franchise fans over casual viewers, or people unfamiliar with 2021 predecessor Mortal Kombat, the film is all in in paying tribute to its over-the-top source material.