THURSDAY, 30 APRIL 2026, 16:35
Top Stories
The Weekend Wrap covers a mix of political manoeuvring, economic strain and shifting urban dynamics. From the ANC Women’s League’s car controversy to the rising threat of populism and the immense energy demands of the tech sector, South Africa faces a series of systemic challenges that test both its infrastructure and democracy.
Top Stories
Steve Barker has now won two major trophies in his coaching career after getting his first with Stellenbosch FC in 2023.
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The First Thing newsletter’s Ever-lasting Subscriber Photo Gallery.
Top Stories
The completion of the Brixton Reservoir and Water Tower marks a notable addition to Johannesburg’s strained water infrastructure, increasing local storage and pressure capacity in key supply zones. However, without addressing systemic leaks, ageing pipelines and broader network instability, the project’s long-term effectiveness remains uncertain and largely untested under real stress conditions.
South Africa
Limpopo MEC urges road safety ahead of May Day rallies
Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, has called on motorists, public transport operators and workers travelling to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) May Day event to prioritise road safety, as traffic volumes are expected to spike over this long weekend.
The Cosatu national May Day...
South Africa
One police officer was killed during an ambush in KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa
Manhunt on for attackers of Crime Intelligence officers
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane says maximum resources have been mobilised to hunt down a group of criminals who attacked two Crime Intelligence officers this afternoon in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The attack on the Crime Intelligence officers happened in the Mount Edgecombe area.
A member who was...
South Africa
President sets 4 November 2026 as date for Local Government Elections
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially announced 4 November 2026 as the date for South Africa’s upcoming Local Government Elections, setting the stage for political parties and voters to begin preparations.
The President made the announcement on Thursday during the Extended Presidential Coordinating Council...
World
The Pentagon estimates the war with Iran has cost $25 billion so far. And, the Supreme Court ruled that Louisiana’s 2024 election map was “an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.”
World
The BBC’s Laura Bicker looks into why China has tightened regulations on drones, with authorities citing public safety concerns.
World
In southern Lebanon, towns near the border with Israel have been largely destroyed by Israeli demolitions and strikes. Israel says it has been attacking Hezbollah infrastructure, but civilian infrastructure has also been significantly affected.
World
President Trump said he talked to Russian President Putin Wednesday about the wars in Ukraine and Iran.
Africa
The blockade comes days after Mali’s defence minister was assassinated in a series of nationwide attacks.
Africa
Malagasy prosecuters used a Whatsapp group as evidence for the detained individuals alleged crimes.
Africa
Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi urges African federations to offer better support for athletes amid concerns of a talent drain from the continent.
Africa
The 28-year-old was arrested in February after a man had been shot at his home in Johannesburg.
Business
Business
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the official date for the 2026 local government elections.
Business
A new Private Members’ Bill is coming to Parliament, looking to stop employers from using past salaries to determine pay for new hires.
Business
Politics
The party secured around 43% of the vote during the by-election.
Politics
The party says it wants a speedy resolution to the allegations.
Politics
Suspended Director for Asset Protection Services at the TMPD is testifying at Madlanga Commission.
Politics
Ramaphosa announced the date at the extended President’s Coordinating Council Meeting.
Sport
The Lions Cricket Union has expressed its deepest condolences to Wiaan Mulder following the passing of his father, Pieter Mulder.
Sport
After keeping West Bromwich Albion in the Championship this season, James Morrison is given the head coach job on a permanent basis.
Sport
Millie Bright sits down with the BBC’s Jo Currie to talk about her decision to retire from football.
Sport
Phil Parkinson will have to watch games elsewhere in the Championship as they look to secure a top six spot on Saturday.
Education
[Capital FM] Nairobi — Public universities have recorded a sharp decline in government funding over the past three years, according to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
Education
The rating system changed after the death of head Ruth Perry highlighted the pressure of inspections.
Education
[Africa Check] IN SHORT: Widely circulated social media posts claim Kenya delayed school reopening in April 2026 due to floods, with some using a “breaking news” graphic and a clip of president William Ruto. But the claims are false and use old footage taken out of context.
Education
[Daily Trust] Education stakeholders have launched a nationwide push to reposition teachers as central drivers of reform, calling for urgent investment in their welfare, motivation, and professional development as a foundation for improving Nigeria’s education system.
Lifestyle
Johannesburg Mayoral Candidate Hellen Zille described ‘awaiting’ an arrest by the JMPD over entering the Metro Centre. Take a look…
Lifestyle
The Ferguson family honours Shona Ferguson with heartfelt tributes on what would have been his 52nd birthday.
Lifestyle
As is always the case with elections in South Africa, Local Government Elections day will be declared a public holiday.
Lifestyle
Minister Gayton McKenzie has faced backlash after announcing the department would fund Mi Casa and Mafikizolo’s trips to the FIFA World Cup.
Entertainment
BMW South Africa has approved the facelift 7 Series from the final quarter of the year.
Entertainment
Global markets react nervously as the Strait of Hormuz becomes a focal point in a deepening standoff.
Entertainment
Entertainment
Keagile from TikTok SA said the company mainly focuses on supporting creators to use their creativity for social good and is less concerned with defining the difference between the two.
Science/Tech
Home affairs has suspended two senior officials after AI ‘hallucinations’ were found in its new immigration white paper.
Science/Tech
The AI firm said that unlike previous model bugs, this issue “crept in subtly”.
Science/Tech
Boomi, the data activation company, today announced continued analyst recognition across multiple strategic technology categories, underscoring the company’s momentum as enterprises look for a unified foundation to connect data, applications, APIs, automation, and AI.
Science/Tech
Amazon and WomHub select 35 women entrepreneurs for the Amazon Sustainable Sellers Incubator, focused on manufacturing.
Motoring
Audi confirmed the A1 is reaching the end of its life cycle.
Motoring
Don’t miss out on this golden opportunity to put your brand top of mind for South Africa’s active automotive industry spenders.
Motoring
Motoring
Health
Sophie Raworth talks about the need for exercise as we get older.
Health
Mike Nesbitt says Northern Ireland’s first regional mother and baby unit in should open within the next three years.
Health
Dr Xand shares the latest information on testosterone
Health
How can a heart rate tracker help you? Dr Oscar explains.