South Africa has secured R7.4 billion in funding from the New Development Bank to build a new 488-bed tertiary hospital in Limpopo and expand bulk water infrastructure serving communities in Limpopo and the North West.

Three women have been arrested after Cytotec tablets were allegedly stolen from Stretford Community Health Centre in Orange Farm and sold to women seeking termination of pregnancy services.

A 22-year-old Northern Cape man, who raped his biological mother, has been sentenced to 20 years’ direct imprisonment. Despite a guilty plea, the Carnarvon Regional Court in the province’s Karoo region found that the man’s actions warranted substantial prison time. The court also ordered that he be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. ‘Gross violation of trust and bodily integrity’ Evidence before the court revealed that on 23 November 2025, the man’s mother and her life partner had fallen asleep after consuming alcohol when the son returned from a friend’s house, also under the influence of alcohol. He then undressed his sleeping mother and sexually penetrated her without her consent. During the ordeal described by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as a “gross violation of trust and bodily integrity”, the mother woke up and found her son on top of her. The court heard that she then confronted her offspring about his actions, leading to him fleeing the house. The mother then relayed what had happened to her partner, and subsequently reported the matter to the police. DNA links son to crime According to NPA regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane, the man denied the allegations in a warning statement following his arrest. DNA evidence, however, linked him to the offence. “Faced with the compelling evidence presented by the state, including the complainant’s testimony and the DNA results, the accused ultimately pleaded guilty to the charge of rape,” Senokoatsane said on Friday, 28 August. In court, state prosecutor Xolisa March presented a Victim Impact Statement prepared by the mother with the assistance of court preparation officers Trott Manghana and Nicolene Moora. ‘Ongoing trauma’ Her statement detailed the devastating emotional consequences of the offence. She explained that she had raised her son as a single parent and felt deeply hurt and betrayed by his actions. “She further indicated that she continues to receive counselling and experiences ongoing trauma, including difficulties sleeping as a result of the incident,” Senokoatsane said. March argued that the son violated not only his mother’s dignity and bodily integrity, but also the fundamental trust that exists between a parent and child. The state further submitted that he deliberately exploited the complainant’s vulnerability, knowing she was under the influence of alcohol and unable to adequately protect herself. Senokoatsane said: “The state also placed before the court that the accused had recently been released on parole after serving a sentence for a dishonesty-related offence when he committed the rape. “It was argued that this demonstrated a serious disregard for the law and for the opportunity afforded to him for rehabilitation.” Senokoatsane encouraged victims and survivors of sexual offences to report such crimes and make use of the victim-support services available throughout the criminal justice process.

A whistle-blower tip sparked a sting operation at an Orange Farm clinic in Johannesburg, exposing three Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers allegedly selling stolen abortion tablets to vulnerable patients. The police have arrested three suspects linked to the alleged theft and illegal sale of Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) medication. The medication was CTOP tablets from Stretford Community Health Centre in Orange Farm. Three suspects allegedly stole two boxes of abortion tablets The arrests came after an incident on 24 August. During the incident, Cytotec tablets used as part of legal CTOP services were allegedly stolen from the facility. The suspects allegedly stole two boxes of Cytotec tablets and 24 loose tablets. They did this after breaking a padlock securing a medication cupboard. According to the Gauteng department of health (GDoH), a whistle-blower tipped off authorities and a sting operation was conducted. This led to the apprehension of one suspect, who allegedly sold the stolen medication to clients waiting in the CTOP queue at the clinic. “A client who had purchased the tablets assisted investigators by identifying the individual who sold the medication. Further investigations led to the implication of additional accomplices,” GDoH spokesperson Steve Mabona said on Friday. EPWP workers detained at Orange Farm Police Station The police arrested three suspects, who are female EPWP workers, on Thursday. The trio is detained at the Orange Farm Police Station and will appear in court on Monday. The department welcomed the swift arrest and said it is a significant step to protect patients. It will also safeguard public health resources and ensure those who profit from the unlawful sale of state medication are held accountable. “The GDoH strongly condemns the theft of medication and the exploitation of vulnerable women and patients seeking healthcare services,” Mabona said. “Such criminal conduct undermines the integrity of the public healthcare system and places the health and lives of patients at risk.” Serious and potentially life-threatening complications GDoH also cautioned the public against buying termination of pregnancy medication from individuals. This includes buying from non-professional medical practitioners in healthcare facilities. Mabona said this is similar to accessing termination of pregnancy services from backyard abortion clinics. It is also similar to getting them from people who are not authorised and designated to provide such services. “While these illegal operators often promise quick, cheap and discreet services, they expose women to serious and potentially life-threatening complications,” he added. The health department said unsafe and illegal abortions carry significant health risks. These include incomplete abortion, where tissue remains in the uterus; severe haemorrhage; infections; uterine perforation from sharp objects; and damage to the uterus. These complications can result in long-term health problems, infertility and, in some cases, death.

Cape Town has added two major accolades to its tourism reputation, after bagging two titles at the World Travel Awards. The wins were announced at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony at Diamonds Bijoux in Zanzibar on Thursday, 27 August. Often referred to as the “Oscars of Tourism”, the World Travel Awards are determined through votes from travel professionals, industry leaders and the travelling public. This year, Cape Town came out on top in two categories covering both leisure and business travel: Africa’s Leading City Destination and Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination A double win for the Mother City The two awards recognise different sides of Cape Town’s appeal. The Africa’s Leading City Destination title reflects the city’s attraction as a leisure destination, from Table Mountain and its Atlantic coastline to its food, cultural and creative offerings. The Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination award, meanwhile, recognises the infrastructure supporting business tourism, including conference venues, hotels, professional services and transport. Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, said winning both awards was significant for the city. “Winning one of these is a good night. Winning both is a statement,” he said. He added that business visitors often extend their stays beyond conferences, becoming tourists and potentially returning as investors or bringing colleagues, friends and family with them. Cape Town is attracting more African visitors The double win comes as travel between Cape Town and the rest of Africa continues to grow. Arrivals at Cape Town International Airport from elsewhere on the continent increased by 17% in 2025, making it the fastest-growing visitor category. Foreign visitor spending in the city also increased by 18% over the same period. This points to a growing role for Cape Town not only as a destination for international tourists, but also as a hub for African business and leisure travel. James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, said business events are particularly valuable because delegates tend to travel during weekdays and outside traditional peak tourism periods. He said Cape Town currently has direct international connections to 31 destinations, with efforts continuing to attract more flights and strengthen relationships with cities around the world. Cape Town will now progress to the World Travel Awards Grand Final later this year, where it will compete against regional winners from around the world for the global titles.

Orlando Pirates will be confident of reaching the MTN8 final this weekend when they host Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Amstel Arena. The Buccaneers head into Saturday’s second-leg semi-final with a slender advantage after securing a 1-0 victory in Polokwane last weekend. Pirates need only avoid defeat to book their place in a fifth consecutive MTN8 final. However, the Buccaneers will know there is little room for complacency as they prepare to face the same opponent for the third time in the space of a week. Sekhukhune know Pirates well and are expected to make life difficult for the defending champions, although Babina Noko will also be wary of taking too many risks as they look to overturn the first-leg deficit. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be aware that a slip-up could undo much of the good work Pirates have done this season, with the Buccaneers still competing on multiple fronts. How Pirates could line up against Sekhukhune In goal, Sipho Chaine is expected to retain his place, while captain Nkosinathi Sibisi could return to the starting XI after missing the midweek encounter. Deon Hotto could drop to the bench, with Nkosikhona Ndaba potentially starting on the left side of the defence. In midfield, Cameroon international Camren Dansin could return to the starting lineup as Ouaddou looks to freshen up his side. Upfront, Tshepang Moremi could make a return on the left wing, while Evidence Makgopa and other attacking options remain in contention. Mohau Nkota is also expected to feature after making an impact in recent matches, while Relebohile Mokhuoana could be another option in the attacking areas. Radiopane is expected to lead the line after scoring against Sekhukhune in midweek, giving him confidence heading into another important clash against Babina Noko. Pirates will be looking to make it three consecutive victories over Sekhukhune United and, more importantly, secure their place in another MTN8 final. Heere’s how Pirates is expected to lineup: Chaine, Sebelebele, Sibisi, Seema, Ndaba, Dansin, Mokobodi, Masilela, Appollis, Moremi, Radiopane Can the Buccaneers reach another final?

The JSE has suspended Labat Africa's shares after it failed to pay its maiden dividend on time.

South African talk radio is now searchable. Shaun Trennery built the platform without writing a line of code himself.