A rushed settlement entered into by the beleaguered Umdoni local municipality (Umzinto) in southern KwaZulu-Natal with an “unfairly” axed senior official has come back to haunt the entity. In October this year, the municipality entered into a settlement to reinstate Dr Bongiwe Mbatha as the head of Human Resources. This was after Mbatha had scored a reinstatement at the SALGA bargaining council, which ruled that her firing in November 2022 was unfair. Left with an egg on the face, the…

A disturbing video of a 35-year-old man brandishing a knife and confronting police officers outside the Hillbrow police station has ignited widespread debate about public safety and police readiness after it went viral on the social media platform X on Friday. The three-minute-and-twelve-second clip, recorded by bystanders in the early hours of the morning, had amassed more than 15 000 views by midday as users expressed shock at how the suspect managed to evade police for several minutes before eventually…

The disbanded Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the South African Communist Party (SACP) in KwaZulu-Natal has turned to lawyers to overturn the Central Committee’s (CC) decision. The provincial structure has since roped in Modidima Mannya Attorneys to challenge the matter internally with the CC, stating that it will seek redress in the country’s courts if necessary. This is contained in a letter dated 11 December 2025, addressed to Solly Mapaila, the General Secretary of the communist party and Professor Blade…

As South Africa enters the festive season, crime experts are raising an alarm over the increased risks faced by citizens travelling and celebrating during this busy period. The festive season, traditionally marked by bonus payouts, stokvel collections, and heightened travel to visit family and loved ones, is also a time when criminal activity such as robberies, hijackings, and cash-in-transit thefts tends to spike. Authorities are urging the public to exercise heightened caution to avoid becoming victims. Independent crime researcher Calvin…

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has uncovered what appears to be growing and coordinated human trafficking and irregular migration networks operating through OR Tambo International Airport. The latest interceptions carried out on 11 December 2025 have renewed concerns about South Africa’s exposure to transnational criminal groups that continue to exploit weaknesses in the aviation and border management system. Acting BMA Commissioner Jane Thupana confirmed that officials intercepted 30 foreign nationals in two separate operations. While the festive season usually prompts…

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has come under fire from South Africans after confirming on Thursday that his party is ready to join the Government of National Unity (GNU). Speaking at a press briefing, Malema said the only obstacle preventing the EFF from entering the GNU is African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. Citizens took to social media platform X to question Malema’s stance, reminding him that in 2024 he declared the EFF would only join the…

The Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontsho, has reached out to King Misuzulu KaZwelithini to get his nod to suspend four members of the Ingonyama Trust Board. In a letter dated 4 December 2025, Nyhontsho says the suspension of the board members will allow the investigation that is being undertaken by Adv Marumo Moerane SC (senior counsel) to go unhindered. The members to be suspended are Advocate Linda Zama, Dr Thandi Dlamini, Inkosi Nomusa Zulu, and Ndzambudzeni…

EFF Leader Julius Malema said ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula is on track to become the next president of the ANC if no major intervention takes place within the governing party. Malema addressed journalists in Johannesburg on Thursday, where he raised concerns about the level of influence Mbalula has gained in the organisation. Malema said Mbalula and several other senior figures in the ANC leadership previously served as presidents of the ANC Youth League and were shaped by the same…

A storm is brewing around Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos following his recent over-the-top comments. The Belgian raised eyebrows on Wednesday during a media briefing in Pretoria, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Brooks’ tirade was sparked by defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s late arrival in camp. “I will have a chat with him after training, and I can assure you, he’s a Black guy, and he will leave my room as a white guy,” said Broos. The Bafana…

The two men who, in June 2023, stormed a church in Nseleni township and killed a pastor who was also a councillor of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) in the City of Umhlathuze (Richards Bay-Empangeni) have been sentenced to life behind bars. Phakamani Eugene Khumalo (33) and Sandile Mthokozisi Mabuyakhulu (33) were also handed 11 years and 6 months imprisonment for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition by the Ngwelezane regional court. At first, it was thought that John…