
Dark clouds gather over South Africa’s biggest political party
The upcoming local government elections in South Africa are expected to see a monumental shake-up in the local political landscape.
TUESDAY, 27 JANUARY 2026, 18:16

The upcoming local government elections in South Africa are expected to see a monumental shake-up in the local political landscape.
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE, Jan 22 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States has an “armada” heading toward Iran but hoped he would not have to use it, as he renewed warnings to Tehran against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear program.
WASHINGTON, Jan 22 (Reuters) – The US Justice Department said on Thursday it had brought criminal charges against a man who allegedly shared classified military information with a Washington Post reporter, whose house was raided during the investigation.
Jan 22 (Reuters) – A UN-backed security force deployed to Haiti to help local police fight off armed gangs that have taken over much of the country should get more troops in April and reach full strength by summer, the UN’s special envoy for Haiti said on Thursday.
WASHINGTON, Jan 22 (Reuters) – TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, on Thursday said it has finalised a deal to establish a majority American-owned joint venture that will secure US data, to avoid a U.S. ban on the short video app used by over 200 million Americans.

Trompies’ story reveals how true legends endure by evolving without losing their cultural centre
Gabrielle Goliath fights back against censorship as she battles Arts Minister Gayton McKenzie to secure her Venice Biennale representation, highlighting the tension between art and authority.
Scores of EFF members descended on East London in anticipation of their party leader Julius Malema’s pre-sentencing proceedings after his conviction on several firearm-related charges.
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has told Parliament he did not know murdered Madlanga Commission witness Marius van der Merwe, who implicated him in a cover-up. Mkhwanazi has, however, confirmed to once being close to organised crime accused Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and accepting money from him.
Lawyers have rushed to support the SPCA in Kariega, which faces eviction after the municipality awarded a new pound contract, raising concerns about animal welfare amid controversial and rapid procurement processes.
Parts of the “globally recognised conservation asset” have reopened after relentless rains. But a 41% plunge in guest entries during the devastating storm places at risk the “sustainability” of South Africa’s “entire national parks network”.
The recent collision in Vanderbijlpark between a minibus taxi and a truck, which claimed 14 young lives, has laid bare the lethal disconnect between South Africa’s scholar transport laws and the chaotic reality on the roads.
A bachelor’s pass does not guarantee admission to a university or to a specific programme, says Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela after complaints that universities are locking out more than 100,000 applicants.
A Mitchells Plain teen who aced matric has been inundated with support after a post went viral showing him willing to wash cars to pay for university registration. What he didn’t know was that his efforts would also earn him a surprise bursary.

Curious about what the skies hold? Discover the latest outlook for all nine provinces across South Africa this Friday, 23 January 2026.
Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Babalwa Lobishe contends with allegations of financial misconduct as the Hawks and Public Protector are asked to investigate claims of a frozen bank account.
A rotten egg smell recorded over large tracts of Johannesburg has been officially attributed to industrial activity in Mpumalanga. Environmental watchdogs warn that current monitoring systems are inadequate.
Three Western Cape towns are at high risk of water shortages, while more are medium risk. Fires have devastated 100,000ha of land and 45 structures have been destroyed. This is why the Western Cape government is asking for a state of disaster declaration.
Protests and defiance occurred in Somalia after Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland. Analysts say it could inspire secessionist movements in other parts of the continent.
A conversation about the dangers of rowing a boat into the surf and her instinct of when the shoals are in the right place to do that.