The search for a 16-year-old teenager missing after being caught in a rip current at Cape Vidal, KwaZulu-Natal, has passed 100 hours. A 14-year-old friend was rescued.

Cape Town is forecast to be cloudy and mild on Friday, 9 October 2026, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 19°C and little or no rain expected.

Tensions from an unaired political debate have spilt into law as the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK party) opens a crimen injuria case against the DA’s Helen Zille over an alleged “profane and vulgar” outburst. This comes as ActionSA, which also participated in the debate, urges television channel Moja Love to urgently broadcast the debate. Parties accuse Zille of verbal abuse at political debate On 31 August, the channel recorded a political debate through a segment called Lentswe La Hao in Orland East, hosted by presenter and actor Nimrod Nkosi. The nearly four-hour debate involved DA’s Johannesburg mayoral candidate Zille, Ayanda Allie from ActionSA, IFP’s mayoral candidate Mlungisi Mabaso, MK party Gauteng spokesperson Andile Chalwe and Solly Mkhize of the Patriotic Alliance. According to a joint statement from ActionSA and MK party, tensions escalated among the panellists and members of the audience. “As tempers flared, Helen Zille directed profane language at Andile Chalwe during an exchange witnessed by Ayanda Allie,” the parties said. “When the issue was raised with the host, Zille admitted to using vulgar language in response to Chalwe’s remarks.” Moja Love decided not to broadcast debate The parties said that despite reportedly being told that the two-part debate would be aired in September 2026, the recording has not been broadcast. The channel allegedly decided not to broadcast the episodes because it couldn’t get the panellists’ signed release forms. ActionSA and the MK party, however, maintain that the forms were signed, and they called Moja Love for clarity on the decision not to air the debate. MK party national spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said the party regarded the matter as serious and said political debate must remain within the bounds of dignity, respect and lawful conduct. “No political office or position should place an individual above accountability,” he said. MK party open crimen injuria case against DA’s Joburg mayoral candidate As a result of the incident, the party said it opened a case of crimen injuria against Zille at the Orlando Police Station on Thursday afternoon. “We therefore call on the South African Police Service to receive and process the complaint in accordance with the law and to conduct any necessary investigation without fear or favour,” Mahlangu said. Both parties are also calling on Moja Love to broadcast the two-part debate in full by 15 October, including the exchange between Zille and Chalwe, “so that the public can hear and judge the events for themselves.” The parties said the recording of the debate came at great expense to the political parties involved. “At Moja Love’s request, the participating parties incurred expenses to transport and provided refreshments for supporters attending the recording,” they said. “In addition, the IFP mayoral candidate, Mlungisi Mabaso, missed his flight and paid personally to reschedule his transportation in order to accommodate the production.” If the episodes are not broadcast by the stated deadline, ActionSA and MK party said they will consider appropriate legal action against Moja Love. “The MK party remains committed to accountability, equality before the law and the protection of the dignity of all political participants. The law must apply equally to everyone,” Mahlangu concluded.

In the news today, Soweto erupted in violence after residents clashed with foreign nationals on the back of a Home Affairs directive concerning asylum seekers. Meanwhile, the National Executive Committee of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) said that no taxi fare increases will be announced or implemented at this stage. Furthermore, uMngeni mayor Chris Pappas says apartheid is not coming back. Weather tomorrow: 9 October 2026 Partly cloudy and warm conditions are expected this Friday, with isolated showers and thundershowers possible over the southwestern and eastern parts of South Africa. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Cars torched as Soweto residents clash with foreign nationals [VIDEOS] Firefighters spray water into a burning vehicle following clashes between local residents and foreign nationals in Soweto on October 8, 2026. The clashes followed protests over a Constitutional Court ruling concerning the processing of asylum applications in South Africa. Picture: Emmanuel Croset / AFP Soweto erupted in violence on Thursday, 8 October, after residents clashed with foreign nationals on the back of a Home Affairs directive concerning asylum seekers. Several cars reportedly belonging to immigrants were set alight in Orlando West in a stand-off between residents and foreign shop owners. Goods belonging to some of the shop owners were also reportedly torched. CONTINUE READING: Cars torched as Soweto residents clash with foreign nationals [VIDEOS] Fuel price hikes: Santaco says there will be no taxi fare increases … yet Picture: iStock The National Executive Committee of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) said that no taxi fare increases will be announced or implemented at this stage. This, as ongoing discussions take place with government on the impact of rising fuel costs and the sustainability of the taxi industry. Santaco spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala said the National Executive Committee (NEC) made the decision to hold the fare prices at a meeting held yesterday, following extensive deliberations on the financial pressures facing taxi operators and the potential impact on commuters. CONTINUE READING: Fuel price hikes: Santaco says there will be no taxi fare increases … yet Chris Pappas: Apartheid is not coming back [VIDEO] uMngeni mayor Chris Pappas. Picture: The Witness uMngeni mayor Chris Pappas says South Africa must move beyond racial fears in politics. Pappas is seeking re-election after the DA took control of the KwaZulu-Natal municipality in 2021. Speaking to The Citizen, Pappas reflected on his time leading uMngeni, outlining how his administration prioritised financial stability, maintenance, and economic growth. Acknowledging South Africa’s painful history of racial inequality and political division, Pappas stressed that those wounds cannot simply be ignored by political leaders CONTINUE READING: Chris Pappas: Apartheid is not coming back [VIDEO] AKA-Tibz murder trial: Three police witnesses testify on gun allegedly linked to Eddie Myeza Five suspects in the AKA-Tibz murder case appear in court. Picture: Supplied Three police officers took the stand on day four of the murder trial of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane on Thursday. The state is trying to show how a firearm was found, where it was found and how it links to accused number three, Siyanda “Eddie” Myeza. According to the state’s version, Myeza hired out guns. It is also trying to link the firearm to two crime scenes: the shooting of AKA and Tibz on Florida Road in February 2023, and the shooting of taxi boss Gift Khanyile in Mayville in 2022. CONTINUE READING: AKA-Tibz murder trial: Three police witnesses testify on gun allegedly linked to Eddie Myeza Zama zamas offer to help police identify Wedela mass shooting killers Kloof Gold Plant 1 at Westonaria has been identified as the source of conflict behind the Wedela tavern shooting that left 18 people dead. Picture: Nigel Sibanda Illegal miners whose fellow zama zamas were among those killed in the Wedela mass shooting have offered to help police identify and arrest the alleged perpetrators. The zama zamas said they feared further violence in the area unless those responsible for the shooting were arrested. The shooting near Carletonville on the West Rand on 26 September left 18 people dead and more than 10 people injured, including women and children. The Citizen tracked down several illegal miners who claimed to have information about the suspected attackers and the motive behind the violence. CONTINUE READING: Zama zamas offer to help police identify Wedela mass shooting killers Yesterday’s News recap READ HERE: In case you missed it: Why ‘Don’t Vote ANC, DA & EFF’ is trending | November petrol shock warning | Tired of spam calls?

The principal of Roosevelt High School, Cristèl Venter, is heard chastising learners at its recent matric dance, which was shut down early after it spiralled out of control The disastrous event made headlines after Ventre penned a lengthy open letter after learners were caught indulging in underage drinking, drug use, and threatening staff with firearms. Since then, podcaster Penuel Mlothswa has visited the school to encourage learners to become responsible and accountable for their actions. ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL MATRIC DANCE: VOICE NOTE GOES VIRAL In a voice note leaked online, Roosevelt High School principal Cristèl Venter was heard scolding learners who had misbehaved during the matric dance, held at Avianto Hotel in Muldersdrift. The event took place during the third term holidays. Venter – who had initially skipped the matric dance due to poor health said: “I had to drag myself out of my house because I’m shutting down your matric dance – because of guns, drugs and drunk people vomiting all over Avianto “I don’t care what you do afterwards…I said be quiet! When I have to apologise to the management of Avianto…when one of your drivers pulled a gun on a staff member…when one of you people bumped my staff with a car when they asked you to move along. She added, “I suggest you finish quickly because SAPS is also on their way” In her open letter, Venter stated that she had decided to shut down the matric dance celebrations due to unruly behaviour. She added that staff had supervised learners who awaited their parents’ pick-up. Following the backlash, Roosevelt High School have since disabled their social media platforms PRAISE FOR PRINCIPAL On social media, many South Africans have praised Roosevelt High School’s principal for her no-nonsense approach. Here’s what some had to say… Peter John Wilsnagh: “Not many principals have the testicular fortitude of this dynamic principal.” Hilde Lotter: “What a principal..so much guts..so real. Well done. Your parents should be so grateful to have a leader like you heading the school their children attend”. Satie Raath: “This is leadership!” Ann Collins-Polglase: “Well done! It’s about time!”

If you’re heading to the coast on Thursday, check the tide times to plan your activities around changing water levels. However, tides are only part of the picture. Wind, waves and swell can also affect conditions along the shore and at sea. Spring tide approaching Tides can affect surfing, swimming, fishing and other coastal activities. Conditions vary from beach to beach depending on the seabed, swell and wind. Higher tides can cover rocks and reefs that you might easily spot at low tide, so check when water levels will rise and fall. The next spring tide coincides with the new moon on Saturday, 10 October. Spring tides bring higher high tides and lower low tides than usual. Tides to watch along the coast on Friday Checking the high and low tide times can help beachgoers, anglers and boat users plan their activities around changing coastal conditions. Check the tide times and the latest weather and marine warnings before you head to the coast.

Dimension Data was one of South Africa's great business stories. It's a terrible shame how its history is concluding.

Consumer sign-ups promised for July 2026 have slipped, leaving spam-weary South Africans waiting until next May.