Former ANC MP Vincent Smith gets seven years for corruption
Former ANC MP Vincent Smith has been sentenced to seven years of direct imprisonment after reaching a plea and sentencing agreement with the state.
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Counting my Blessings: My encounter with a kind stranger
I met a Blessing. A real one. Standing quietly at a gate. And I was reminded that they are everywhere, if you’re willing to see them.
Russia accuses US and Israel of trying to drag Arab countries into a wider Middle East conflict
Russia on Thursday accused the United States and Israel of trying to drag Arab countries into a wider Middle East conflict by provoking Iran into striking targets across the region and said there was no sign Washington and Tel Aviv would let up.
Gulf countries concerned about risk of Iran civil war, says EU’s foreign chief
Countries in the Middle East have told European officials they are concerned about the risk of civil war in Iran as a result of the conflict between Tehran and the United States and Israel, EU foreign chief Kaja Kallas said on Thursday.
Mexico steps up investigations into fuel smuggling by drug cartels
Mexico has expanded a probe into fuel smuggling at sea ports highlighted in a 2025 Reuters investigation into cartel-linked fuel crimes, according to a government document reviewed by the news agency outlining actions taken by the administration.
Godongwana raises the alarm about petrol and diesel prices in South Africa
Sustained higher oil prices resulting from conflict in the Middle East may fuel inflation in South Africa, though the buffers built by the government should help keep its debt-consolidation plans on track.
More than 25,000 VW Polo Vivo recalled for possible handbrake failure
The National Consumer Commission has warned drivers of VW Polo Vivo manufactured in 2025 to have their cars checked for possible handbrake problems.
News24 | ANC threatens legal action over DA billboard targeting Panyaza Lesufi
The ANC is demanding the removal of a massive DA electioneering billboard depicting Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi in a shower, with the words: “The ANC showers in hotels. You have no water. Vote DA to put water in your taps.”
Syrian man handed 13-year sentence for Berlin Holocaust memorial stabbing
A Syrian refugee who stabbed a tourist at Berlin’s Holocaust memorial last year has been sentenced to 13 years in prison on charges of attempted murder, among others, said a Berlin court spokesperson on Thursday.
Mugabe case postponed again as power outage disrupts court
The case involving Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and his co-accused Tobias Mathondze was postponed again on Thursday when the Alexandra magistrate’s court was left without electricity.
FOREIGN LANDS: International pathways boost netball stars but must feed back into strong local leagues
International netball leagues have commenced and more than 15 South African stars have been contracted to join. While the overseas opportunities offer valuable exposure to some of the world’s strongest competitions, Netball South Africa maintains that the domestic game remains a priority.
Teacher arrested for allegedly raping pupil during private lesson at his home
A 37-year-old mathematics teacher from Ivory Park Secondary School has been arrested for allegedly raping a Grade 12 pupil at his home after providing private tutoring lessons.
News24 | Iran war is ‘failure’ of international order, says Canada’s PM Mark Carney
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East was a “failure” of the international order, and the United States had not consulted its allies before striking Iran.
News24 | VW recalls 25 000 Vivos over handbrake issues
Owners impacted by the recall have been urged to get a free inspection from a VW dealership.
News24 | Ex-ANC MP Vincent Smith jailed for 7 years over Bosasa kickbacks and tax fraud
Former ANC MP Vincent Smith has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for corruption charges, including kickbacks he received from Bosasa.
NHI will never see the light of day
South Africa’s NHI is unlikely to ever be implemented due to funding and design flaws, and warns that pursuing it risks further damaging the healthcare system instead of fixing its underlying governance problems.
FOOD BASKET CHECK: SRD grant, set for a ‘redesign’, falls R60 short of our list of basic food items
In the 2026 State of the Nation Address the President said the Social Relief of Distress grant will remain for another year, until 31 March 2027, unchanged at R370. It would be redesigned to ‘effectively support livelihoods, skills development, work opportunities and productive activity’.
Zwane alleges referees target AmaZulu in PSL matches
AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane criticised the refereeing standards in the PSL, claiming his team has been unfairly targeted by officials, which has impacted their performance, particularly in matches against Magesi and Stellenbosch.
Barbie Kyagulanyi Ordeal: How love is animating the struggle for meaningful democracy and good Governance
Barbie Kyagulanyi’s ordeal reveals how love can become a powerful, non-violent force driving resistance, courage and conviction in Uganda’s struggle for meaningful democracy and good governance
Paul O’Sullivan apologises for abrupt parliamentary walkout – Clone
Private investigator Paul O’Sullivan has issued a formal apology to parliament for abruptly leaving the ad hoc committee proceedings last week.