Update@Noon

Attempted-murder accused Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala has told the Madlanga Commission that he first met businessman Hangwani Maumela around 2015 or 2016 through their shared interest in sports cars. Matlala says they later became friends and pooled money to secure RFQs from the Gauteng Department of Health for medical consumables between 2018 and 2019. He says each would take what he needed, purchase the goods, repay the capital with profit, and share the remaining gains. Matlala says the deals totalled less than five-million rand.

SIDSSA 2026 is underway in Cape Town, bringing together delegates to focus on economic growth through infrastructure, ports and logistics corridors. Sakina Kamendo spoke to The Group Chief Executive Officer of Zutari, Teddy Daka, who says South Africa’s infrastructure challenge is not a shortage of capital or projects, but a lack of capacity to turn plans into investment-ready projects. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson says the government’s focus this year is on improving infrastructure delivery at local level. He says this is where people experience infrastructure most directly through water, roads, electricity and sanitation.

SIDSSA 2026 is underway in Cape Town, bringing together delegates to focus on economic growth through infrastructure, ports and logistics corridors. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Deputy Minister of Public Works Sihle Zikalala says infrastructure investment must create jobs, provide training and support small businesses in local communities.

SIDSSA 2026 is underway in Cape Town, bringing together delegates to focus on economic growth through infrastructure, ports and logistics corridors. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to The Construction Industry Development Boards' Chairperson Khulile Nzo who says the board has deregistered 52 contractors since last year for non-compliance and fraudulent practices.

SIDSSA 2026 is underway in Cape Town, bringing together delegates to focus on economic growth through infrastructure, ports and logistics corridors. Sakina Kamendo spoke to The Group Chief Executive Officer of Zutari, Teddy Daka, who says South Africa’s infrastructure challenge is not a shortage of capital or projects, but a lack of capacity to turn plans into investment-ready projects.

Three suspects have appeared in the Knysna Magistrates' Court in the Western Cape in connection with the murder of former Knysna Mayor and ANC Ward 8 councillor Aubrey Tsengwa. A fourth suspect has since handed himself over to police in Plettenberg Bay. Sagree Chetty reports...

The delivery of basic services, including water and sanitation, among others, continues to be a challenge across metros in South Africa. Annually, vast numbers of people migrate to cities in search of opportunity, work and better lives. This puts pressure on existing infrastructure, while upgrades and improvements are often outpaced by this global trend. The city of Cape Town has seen rapid population growth over the last decade, with millions living in townships and informal settlements. Lerato Dlalisa reports....

The Emfuleni Local Municipality in the Vaal has condemned the fraud allegations against some of its employees. Seven people including municipal employees and the company contracted to conduct debt collection services appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court. They face numerous charges following their arrest on Friday and Sunday morning, respectively. Thabiso Radebe reports.....

Despite sustained efforts to advance peace in Sudan, the warring parties remain locked in a zero-sum military logic, while greater international attention and action was urgently needed to change that calculus. That was the clear message delivered to the U.N. Security Council by senior U.N. Secretariat officials during a meeting convened to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian consequences, including the protection of civilians, as a result of the more than three-year conflict. Often overshadowed by the wars in Gaza and Iran, the Council heard that more than two-thirds of the people of Sudan were in desperate need of lifesaving support. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports....

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a largely unchanged team for Saturday's second Test against New Zealand in Cape Town. Siya Kolisi is bracketed with Paul de Villiers at flank, while Handre Pollard and Cobus Reinach form the halfback pairing. Ethan Hooker replaces the injured Cheslin Kolbe, with Kurt-Lee Arendse switching wings. SAfm sports anchor Jon Gericke has more

The CRL Rights Commission says it is investigating a case involving a learner allegedly refused access to school after undergoing customary initiation. Deputy Chairperson Prince George Matlangu says the commission is concerned, stressing that education is a basic constitutional right. The commission will engage the school principal, governing body and Basic Education Department. Matlangu says the investigation will balance the learner’s rights with sensitivities surrounding cultural initiation practices, seeking a swift resolution.Deputy Chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission Prince George Mahlangu explains

The Madlanga Commission has ruled that it will proceed with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s application. Matlala has submitted an application addressing the reasons preventing him from engaging with certain arguments. The Commission is set to hear arguments pertaining to his self-incrimination application, but uncertainty remains over his legal representation. Matlala told the Commission he was “in the dark” and had not had enough time to decide whether he agreed with his lawyers’ position on withdrawing from his legal team. His legal team asked for more time to clarify his instructions. Commissioner Baloyi described the developments as “deeply problematic”, questioning whether Matlala’s lawyers had accurately represented his instructions.

Former Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola during his cross examination at the Truth and Reconciliation Cases Commission he wanted the investigation and prosecution to be victim centric.

Advocate Fatima Missi, representing alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala at the Madlanga Commission, says his legal team has not had sufficient access to their client. Missi says she had to "grovel and beg" security officials to be allowed to consult Matlala at the X max prison. She has asked for more time to file the required legal documents. Commission chairperson Justice Madlanga says he does not understand the issue around agonising over consultations with Matlala, saying these matters should have been dealt with in his response.

Advocate Fatima Missi, representing alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, says her client is not comfortable proceeding with his testimony at the Madlanga Commission without his lead counsel, who is ill. Missi says the legal team also needs more time to prepare its replying affidavit and written submissions. She says Matlala has instructed his lawyers to approach the court urgently to interdict the proceedings if the Commission does not postpone the matter until tomorrow. The Commission questioned why the defence had not brought a substantive application for postponement earlier.

Postbank says social grant beneficiaries have less than five days to migrate from SASSA gold cards to black cards before the 31 August deadline. More than 1.8 million beneficiaries have already migrated, while fewer than 80,000 still need to do so. Postbank says the deadline will not be extended. Beneficiaries can migrate for free at selected retailers, including Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer and Spar. They need only a valid ID or temporary ID. Funds will remain in their accounts, but beneficiaries must migrate before accessing them. Thami Cele is the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Postbank

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo says their tree-planting initiative is about more than simply adding trees to the city's landscape. Speaking to SABC News at Mushroom Farm Park, Sandton, the organisation said bringing different stakeholders and communities together reflects the shared responsibility of creating and protecting greener spaces. City Parks says trees play a vital role in the urban environment, and educating young people about environmental care is equally important. Zine Buthelezi filed this report…

Public Protector of South Africa Kholeka Gcaleka is calling on faith based organisations to help root out corruption by reporting suspicious financial contributions offered to them as donations. Gcaleka was speaking at the St Paul African Apostolic Church's Annual Feast in Moletsane, Soweto. The annual feast brings together congregants from across South Africa and neighbouring countries for a day of prayer, thanksgiving and fellowship. Sashin Naidoo reports...

Residents of several villages within the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality in Mpumalanga have expressed concern caused by the water shortages experienced in the area. Some residents report being without water for more than a month, while others have been without water for over a week. As a result, they are forced to fetch water from polluted streams and rivers, and some are resorting to purchasing water. Michael Mdluli reports

The SACP in the Western Cape has launched its election manifesto at Crossroads in the City of Cape Town. The 2026 Local Government Elections will mark the first time the SACP will contest for elections since 1994, marking a departure from their-long standing arrangement with the ANC-led Tripartite Alliance. They say they are currently working on localising the 6 priority areas that national has created in order to address the challenges specifically affecting the Western Cape. Tando Ntunja reports

Police have seized 100 firearms and ammunition from a Soweto security company for failing to comply with the Firearms Control Act. The seizure was carried out by SAPS members under Operation Buyisa during a compliance inspection on Saturday. Lt Col Amanda van Wyk

The seven people arrested in connection with alleged fraud, theft and tampering with essential infrastructure at the Emfuleni Local Municipality will today appear in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court south of Johannesburg. The Political Killings Task Team arrested five of the suspects on Friday and two on Sunday. Two of the suspects are employees of the municipality’s Revenue and Electricity Department. National Police Spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says, “Their arrests bring the total number of suspects arrested in connection with this investigation to seven. All seven suspects are expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 August 2026.”

ANC chief whip, Mdumiseni Ntuli, says they have opened a case of fraud against the company of DA MP, Mark Burke at the Cape Town Police station. This relates to the Reserve Bank's investigation into Kastelo, a fintech company that Burke founded. The charges relate to contraventions of the country's exchange control regulations, regarding transactions to the value of four billion rand. The DA earlier this week removed Dr Burke from serving on finance portfolios. Burke has said he previously served as chairperson of the broader Kastelo group, but resigned in 2024, to pursue politics. Ntuli says they decided to lay criminal charges so that the allegations are placed before the relevant authorities. ANC chief whip, Mdumiseni Ntuli explains

Fadiel Adams, leader of the National Coloured Congress and MP, says retired General Lincoln had no ulterior motives. Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, Adams says Lincoln was passionate about stopping gang violence and cleaning up the police. He says Lincoln told him to walk away from certain matters. Adams acknowledges the consequences of his testimony, but insists Lincoln acted with good intentions and wanted to help fight crime..

Fadiel Adams, leader of the National Coloured Congress and MP, says General Lincoln had information beyond the official letter. Adams told the Madlanga Commission that Lincoln appeared to know about Minister Senzo Mchunu’s plans to clean up. Adams says he did not question how Lincoln obtained the information, because of the respect he had for him. He says some information was considered above his level, and he did not want to reveal more details.

Fadiel Adams, leader of the National Coloured Congress and MP, says he needed the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption to succeed. Adams told the Madlanga Commission he did not initially view a late-night visit to his home as seriously improper. He says officials wanted his affidavits changed. Adams admits he was willing to overlook some concerns to help secure cases before court, but says he later raised the matter.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has formally withdrawn fraud and corruption charges against Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, Brigadier Dineo Mokwele and five others in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court. The group was arrested in June last year and charged over the alleged irregular appointment of Mokwele. The decision to withdraw the charges follows evidence and developments before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that appeared to undermine the State’s case. Kaizer Kganyago is NPA's National Spokesperson

Fadiel Adams, leader of the National Coloured Congress and an MP, has denied lying to investigators about when he reported matters to Parliament. Adams told the Madlanga Commission that he gave IDAC incorrect information because he struggles to remember dates and timelines. He also said he was frustrated that issues raised with Parliament often appeared to go nowhere.

Fadiel Adams, leader of the National Coloured Congress and an MP, testifying before the Madlanga Commission says he became aware that the Inspector-General of Intelligence was investigating into Crime Intelligence because he was the complainant. Adams says he repeatedly sought updates and requested a copy of the completed report, but was refused. He says he then approached the Police Minister, asking that the report be brought before Parliament's Police Portfolio Committee, but received no response. Adams told the commission this silence made him suspect a cover-up.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson says investigations into several building collapses have uncovered unlawful construction, inadequate supervision, missing approvals, and weaknesses in municipal inspection and enforcement. He says the circumstances differed in each case. Seventeen people died and 24 were injured in building collapses between December last year and March this year. Macpherson has released the findings of investigations into the collapses in Verulam in KwaZulu-Natal, Doornkop in Soweto, Ormonde in Johannesburg, and Sea Point in Cape Town. Thato Letsaba reports.

A large group of Cape Peninsula University of Technology students staged a sit-in in front of the university's administration building, at the Bellville main campus in Cape Town. Earlier, university management gave the students a deadline of 4pm on Wednesday to vacate the university residences across all campuses, citing safety concerns. However, the students decided not to vacate, saying there was no consultation with them or the majority, who live outside of the Western Cape. The students say they don't have transport money to go home as they are NSFAS dependent. Our reporter, Yonda Magubudela has the details....

Some members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) are calling for a forensic investigation into the Rustenburg Rapid Transport project in the North West, to probe corruption and malfeasance. They say making available additional funding to complete the project is a waste of taxpayers' money. This comes after the Rustenburg Local Municipality indicated that they have requested more funding from the Department of Transport to complete the project. Over three billion rand has been used already. Members of the NCOP undertook oversight visits to key public infrastructure and service delivery projects in the Rustenburg area. Zebilon Maine reports. . .

The race to choose the next United Nations Secretary-General moves into another important phase tomorrow (Friday 21 August), when the Security Council holds its second informal straw poll. Eight candidates are now competing to succeed António Guterres, whose second term ends in December. The field has grown since the first poll at the end of July with the two latest entrants — Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu and Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki - having spent the past two days making their case to UN member states. Sherwin Bryce-Pease has this update for us.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says phase three of the Government-Business Partnership will focus on advancing economic growth to reach three percent, while aiming to create one million jobs by 2030. Addressing delegates in Sandton, the president underscored the success of the collaboration, which has resulted in the elimination of load-shedding, improved the logistics system and the country's removal from the Financial Action Task Forces' greylist, among others. Naledi Mabitsela-Ngcobo filed this report...

Western Cape serious violent crime detectives have launched a manhunt for gunman following a shooting that left two men dead in Knysna. Police say the victims, aged 47 and 48, were in a vehicle in Bongani at around nine last night when they came under fire. Detectives investigating another shooting involving a councillor on Wednesday have been reinforced. Police are probing whether the incidents are linked, while no arrests have been made. Brigadier Novela Potelwa is Western Cape police spokesperson

Gauteng Human Settlements warns residents against groups and individuals claiming credit for housing allocations, stressing that RDP and BNG houses are allocated through an established, regulated system. The Department says no activist, organisation or individual can influence waiting lists or fast-track applications. The department says Residents are urged not to pay anyone for housing. Tahir Sema, is the Head of Communication at the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements

Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga questions Fadiel Adams on why he did not approach the Public Protector directly, instead of expecting the minister to do so on his behalf. Adams is back at the Commission where he has been has giving details on a confidential Crime Intelligence report that was allegedly slipped underneath his office door in Parliament.

National Coloured Congress leader and MP Fadiel Adams tells the Madlanga Commission that he raised concerns over his dockets being moved from Cape Town to Pretoria. Adams says he believes the transfer requires explanation and questions the lack of communication from police officials. He maintains that he acted after suspecting interference.

National Coloured Congress leader and MP Fadiel Adams testifying before the Madlanga Commission, says he had every right and responsibility to email Police Minister over concerns about the investigation. He maintains he was seeking to protect the integrity of the investigative process and did not abuse his access to the Minister Mchunu.

While some of the blame for the dismal record of investigation and prosecution of TRC Cases can be attributed to the NPA, the lack of political will and interference need to be acknowledge. This was the testimony delivered at the TRC Cases Inquiry in Newtown, Johannesburg by long-time member of the Priority Crimes Litigation Unit (PCLU), Dr Jacobus Pretorius. Our senior reporter, Busi Bopela attended day 74 of the Inquiry's public hearings.…

Legal experts have warned against harsh criticism of the criminal justice system. This follows revelations that 24-year-old Reiger Park alleged gang member Regan Collis — who was arrested for the murder of two police officers and two women — was out on bail for other serious offences. Collis' case has raised concerns about bail being granted to accused persons facing serious charges. Neria Hlakotsa filed this report…

A large group of Cape Peninsula University of Tegnology students staged a sit-in in front of the university's administration building, at the Bellville main campus in Cape Town. Earlier, university management gave the students a deadline of 4pm on Wednesday to vacate the university residences across all campuses, citing safety concerns. However, the students decided not to vacate, saying there was no consultation with them or the majority, who live outside of the Western Cape. The students say they don't have transport money to go home as they are NSFAS dependent. Our reporter, Yonda Magubudela has the details...

The Cape Town Regional Court says it cannot make a ruling in the civil matter between the Department of Home Affairs and former Miss South Africa contestant and Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina. This is due to a matter that is pending at the Western Cape High Court. It follows Adetshina's arrest in June for allegedly being in the country illegally. Amahle Du Toit reports...

Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police has begun its inquiry into gang-related violent crime. This solution-based summit in Cape Town, will bring together more than 150 people. Communities affected by gang violence, policing officials, civil society and oraganised-crime experts have been asked to identify practical measures to tackle the scourge. Mkhokheli Bandla has more...

National Coloured Congress leader and MP Fadiel Adams has told the Madlanga Commission that he spoke to alleged political fixer Brown Mogotsi only once, while at suspended Crime Intelligence General Andre Lincoln’s house. Adams says the conversation concerned Lincoln’s unpaid pension, not the opening of cases in Soweto. He denies Mogotsi had any involvement in his decision to open those cases.

Fadiel Adams, leader of the National Coloured Congress and MP, told the Madlanga Commission he relied on General André Lincoln for information about his dockets. Adams said Lincoln told him the dockets had been intercepted. When shown investigation diary entries proving work continued on the day the charge was laid, Adams grudgingly accepted Lincoln may have been mistaken. He rejected claims of unseemly haste, saying the Cape Flats crisis demanded immediate action.

COSATU has welcomed the fall in consumer inflation to 4.3% in July from 5% in June, but warns workers remain under severe financial pressure from rising living costs and debt. The union is calling for an end to the conflict in the Middle East, saying lower oil and fuel prices could help bring inflation back towards the 3% target. It is also urging the Reserve Bank to avoid raising the repo rate and government to restore fuel levy relief for commuters. Matthew Parks is COSATU's Parliamentary Coordinator

MISA is calling for urgent action following the death of a woman whose vehicle was struck by a rock while driving under a bridge on the R24 in Bedfordview. The union says rock throwing is murder and demands intensified patrols, cameras, drones, lighting and warning signs at hotspots. MISA also urges motorists to remain alert, change lanes before bridges, adjust speed and avoid stopping under bridges. It says authorities must act decisively to prevent further deaths. Phakamile Hlubi-Majola speaks on Behalf of MISA

Mpumalanga police are offering a R100,000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest and successful conviction of wanted murder suspect Phumulani Ezekiel Matsane.Matsane is allegedly linked to the shooting deaths of two men at a tavern in Marite, within the Calcutta policing precinct, on 15 May 2023. Police say they cannot rule out his possible involvement in other similar cases under investigation. Police say Anyone with information about Matsane’s whereabouts can contact Detective Lieutenant Colonel Madala Ndashe on 076 244 8577 or Lieutenant Colonel Freddy Magagula on 082 780 6815. Police have warned the public not to approach Matsane, as he is considered armed and dangerous. All information will be treated confidential. Colonel Mavela Masondo is Mpumalanga saps spokesperson

Reaction Unit South Africa says it has received multiple complaints about alleged indecent acts at the Wick Street Local Cemetery in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal.Residents claim different men have been visiting the cemetery since January, allegedly performing sexual acts on or near graves while watching pornographic videos.RUSA says residents have reported the incidents to security and cleaning company Project 360. The organisation says its drone pilot will conduct regular aerial patrols and dispatch reaction officers when necessary. Prem Balram is the national spokesperson of Reaction Unit South Africa

Madlanga Commission Chief Evidence Leader, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, says WhatsApp exchanges extracted from the late taxi boss Mswazi Msibi's phone reveal an alleged plan involving a mobile phone surveillance device, known as a "grabber". Chaskalson says the Czech government was told the equipment would be demonstrated to the South African Police Service, while the messages suggest Motsumi, Molefe and Msibi were exploring a plan to sell it to the Kingdom of eSwatini. He says this raised questions about whether SAPS documents were improperly used in dealings with foreign governments, potentially amounting to fraud.