News South Africa

These are the key developments happening in South Africa today, 18 February 2026.

SA’s critical minerals strategy is under strain as manganese is exported raw, smelters shed jobs, and beneficiation stalls.

Five South Africans are accused of recruiting for Putin’s army, as reports allege Ethiopia is secretly training fighters for Sudan’s war.

South African motorists are expected to face higher petrol and diesel prices in 2026 as the Finance Minister is likely to hike fuel levies in his upcoming Budget Speech.

Two structural barriers have long limited the effectiveness of global AI voice platforms in South Africa: lack of local accent authenticity and latency caused by routing calls through overseas data centers. Cape Town-based Untapped AI says it has addressed both challenges by building a voice automation platform specifically for South African conditions, rather than adapting […]

French President Emmanuel Macron begins a state visit to India on Feb. 17, with artificial intelligence emerging as a central pillar of cooperation that could significantly affect Africa’s technological future. While the trip includes major defense and industrial agreements, including the sale of Rafale fighter jets, attention is also focused on the India AI Impact […]

The Government of Rwanda and Anthropic have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding to formalize and expand their partnership, bringing AI to Rwanda’s education, health, and public sector systems. This agreement builds on the ALX education partnership announced in November 2025 and marks the first time Anthropic has formalized a multi-sector partnership through a government […]

Artificial intelligence has already secured a foothold in higher education, but institutions are now entering a more consequential phase of adoption. According to Ashraf Davids, Solutions Manager for Digital Business Solutions at Datacentrix, a leading hybrid ICT systems integrator and digital transformation partner, the conversation is rapidly shifting from experimentation with generative AI...

The US special envoy struck an optimistic note after the first day of talks in Geneva, but hopes for a breakthrough remain low.

Robert Dorgan – who also went by the name Roberta Esposito – was found dead inside the Pawtucket arena.

The daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte has feuded spectacularly with the incumbent, Bongbong Marcos.

José Jerí is the third consecutive president to be ousted and the country’s seventh since 2016.

“This is the only hustle we know,” miners tell the BBC as they try their luck at the site in Springs.

It is the latest twist over the fate of Lungu’s body, which remains in a South African morgue since his death.

The troops, who landed at an airfield in Bauchi state, will not take part in combat operations, officials say.

Officials allege that an empty coffin was placed over concealed bags of charcoal in a hearse.

Araxi is acquiring an 80% stake in Araxi in a deal worth R1 billion, as the payment companies look for further expansion.

The Local Economy Forum welcomes a £2,250 rise in the personal allowance on the Isle of Man.

Rising remuneration among black South Africans has dramatically changed the makeup of the country’s band of middle- and top-income groups.

Xiaomi Robot Vacuums offer a smart, automated cleaning solution ideal for busy South African professionals and large households.

The Mayor of Ekurhuleni has reshuffled the city’s Mayoral Committee. The reason is still unclear.

Hlabisa was speaking at the State of the Nation Address Debate in Cape Town.

Bantu Holomisa says his party welcomes the deployment of soldiers in provinces ravaged by crime.

Radzilani emphasised the need for accountability in the projects to rebuild public infrastructure.

A former Orlando Pirates winger looks set to finally get his career back on track after being thrown a lifeline by Highlanders FC.

As South Africa and India prepare for a crucial Super Eight showdown in the ICC T20 World Cup, Dale Steyn has confirmed he’s heading home.

Wales centre Joe Hawkins ready to go toe-to-toe with Scotland’s Lions in the Six Nations at Principality Stadium.

Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs says the Buccaneers have no fear of Mamelodi Sundowns and enjoy bigger support.

Marise Pollard, the wife of Springbok Handre Pollard, celebrated their baby girl’s first milestone in an adorable video. Take a look…

Both e-hailing drivers and employers could be operating outside the law if critical compliances are not met in the coming weeks …

Once again, Sihle Dambuza has defended his reputation by asserting that he is indeed employed, contrary to popular belief.

‘Another great tree has fallen,’ says The Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Despite confirmation of the Duster-based Tekton for South Africa, for now, the Gravite has not been approved for the local market.

South Africa have three matches to come in the next phase of the competition.

History warns that military deployments against gangs and illegal miners can intimidate, but not address root causes of crime.

South Africa’s leading crypto platform Luno has launched SA’s first bundle combining market-leading crypto and top tokenised US stocks in a single investment. This provides investors with diversified exposure to two established asset classes through a single purchase. Luno’s Blue Chip+ bundle offers a curated mix of 20% Bitcoin, 10% Ethereum, and 70% blue-chip US […]

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A phone used by Teixeira Candido was infected with surveillance software from spyware vendor Intellexa.

The “baby Toyota Prado” SUV is coming to South Africa very soon.

The launch of the highly anticipated VW Golf 8.5 GTI has been delayed due to South Africa’s poor petrol quality.

These are the lowest prices you can expect to pay for a last-minute flight from Joburg to Cape Town this February.

Farmer Sam Stables walks from Herefordshire to London to raise awareness of mental health.