Tension between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in KwaZulu-Natal’s government of provincial unity are escalating before the November local government elections, with the DA accusing Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi of using state resources for political branding. The DA said it would submit parliamentary questions after images surfaced of government-owned water tankers bearing Buthelezi’s face. “The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal will be submitting a written parliamentary question over branding of government resources,” said newly-elected provincial DA leader Sithembiso Ngema. “This as the DA has seen images of department water tankers branded with KZN Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi’s face.”  Ngema said that branding government vehicles with the image of a politician blurred the line between the state and party politics. “The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, section 195 (public administration), states that using public property for personal branding constitutes a misuse of these resources,” he said. The DA would seek clarity on whether the MEC’s actions violated laws governing public administration. “As we fast approach the local government election, the DA warns MECs against using state resources for electioneering,” Ngema said.  Buthelezi, a senior IFP leader and traditional prime minister to the AmaZulu nation, unveiled the water tankers shortly after taking office as Cogta MEC, saying they would help municipalities battling water shortages, beginning in the uThukela district. At the time, Buthelezi said the tankers, owned by the department, would reduce municipalities’ reliance on hired water tankers and ease financial pressure on struggling councils. “In line with his commitment to improving access to basic services across the province, the MEC will hand over the water tankers and receive an update on the progress of water schemes within the district,” the department said. Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila dismissed the DA’s criticism as political posturing. “What is important is that the affected communities get water through the MEC’s intervention. The MEC will not be drawn into political posturing with the DA,” Mzila said. The dispute is the latest sign of strain in KwaZulu-Natal’s coalition government, led by the IFP and comprising the DA, ANC and National Freedom Party. In April, the DA announced plans to take IFP-led uThukela District Municipality to court over water supply failures. The party accused the IFP of shielding municipal manager Langelihle Jili despite allegations of financial mismanagement and governance failures. The DA and IFP also govern together in several hung municipalities across the province, including the City of uMhlathuze, where the DA holds the deputy mayoral position.

Xitsonga musician and former MP Papa Penny has joined the Afrika Mayibuye Movement (Mayibuye), saying the party offered him a platform to better serve communities in Limpopo. Speaking at a media briefing, Penny — whose real name is Gezani Erik Nkovani — said he was “going home” by joining the movement led by Floyd Shivambu. “People were asking themselves where I’m going. I said I’m going home. This is home,” he said. He recently resigned as an MP for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, citing internal conflict and lack of support from leadership in sectors outside of KwaZulu-Natal. “And as a revolutionary, I could stomach such behaviour if it were coming from the enemies of our revolution. Unfortunately, when such comes from those within our ranks, it is impossible to overlook such a betrayal,” he wrote in his resignation letter. Penny said he did not leave his previous political home on bad terms and thanked former president Jacob Zuma for the opportunity to serve in parliament. “I joined Mayibuye because I would find more opportunities to serve my people,” he said. Shivambu said Penny Penny would lead campaigning efforts in the Greater Giyani municipality, where he previously served two terms as a ward councillor. Shivambu said Mayibuye planned to contest all 4 488 wards in the 2026 local government elections and would develop municipality-specific manifestos.  He stressed that the party preferred to be referred to as “Mayibuye” rather than “AMM”. “We are not AMM; we are Mayibuye,” he said. Shivambu said the party would consult traditional leaders, churches and community organisations in selecting councillors and shaping policy positions. He added that Mayibuye would not “recycle failed councillors and mayors from ruling parties”. The party said it would prioritise water shortages, informal settlement upgrading, local government reform, healthcare and job creation. Shivambu claimed South Africa faced “crisis levels” of water insecurity and said Mayibuye had written to President Cyril Ramaphosa and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, calling for water shortages to be declared a national disaster. He also criticised what he described as continued de-industrialisation, high unemployment and weak alignment between education and industry. According to Shivambu, the party had spent recent months establishing structures across provinces, wards and voting districts while consulting with traditional and religious leaders. He said the party intentionally avoided media appearances while engaging with King Misuzulu kaZwelithini – the reigning king of the Zulu nation – faith-based organisations and community structures in several provinces. The party also announced agricultural and healthcare initiatives, including the Mayibuye agricultural support programme and “Mayibuye Medics”, aimed at supporting rural development and primary healthcare services. Shivambu said Mayibuye would continue nationwide consultations ahead of the elections and would establish a local government training task team focused on governance, revenue collection and service delivery.

eThekwini Municipality is under fire for over R6.4 billion in irregular expenditure, as DA MP Farhat Essack challenges municipal leaders on accountability and compliance issues during a parliamentary committee meeting.

Asgar Dalvie and Muhammad Sanglay aim to break a Guinness World Record at the Cape Town Marathon while raising crucial funds for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.

As tensions between South Africa and fellow African countries continue to rise over xenophobic attacks, Ghana has announced support for its countrymen who are being evacuated. The West African country’s ministry of foreign affairs said all Ghanaians being evacuated from SA due to ongoing attacks will be entitled to a relief package. Ghana announces support for returning nationals This includes a welcome home financial package, transportation assistance to their various destinations across Ghana, a reintegration allowance, free psychosocial support, and entry into a special database for jobs and start-up opportunities. The announcement comes after the country committed to repatriating 300 nationals who were affected by the protests in South Africa. Violent anti-immigration protests have erupted in various parts of the country in recent months, including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Eastern Cape. Earlier in May, Ghana facilitated the return of Emmanuel Akowuah Asamoah, a Ghanaian national who was seen being interrogated by a group of South Africans in a widely circulated video. The group of anti-immigration protesters were questioning Asamoah about why he certified a copy of his passport and why his passport reflects that he left South Africa, entered Ghana, and re-entered SA on the same day. Watch the viral video here: AFRIQUE DU SID: XENOPHOBIA. les Sud-Africains menacent un Ghanéen de rentrer dans son pays.“Nous réparons ce continent. Cette habitude que vous avez de vous déplacer d’un pays à l’autre, ça ne marche plus chez nous é AfriqueduSud. On ne veut plus de ça en tant que peuple… pic.twitter.com/HdQOTza85C– Ebale ya mozindo (@ebalemozindo) April 21, 2026 African governments raise concerns over attacks The Ghanaian government recently wrote to the African Union (AU) to share its concern about what it describes as the recurrence of xenophobic incidents in SA. It said the incidents “have regrettably resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of investment and continue to pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of many African nationals residing in South Africa”. “It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years. This development is especially concerning when viewed in the light of the longstanding solidarity demonstrated by African states in support of the struggle against apartheid and South Africa’s subsequent democratic transformation,” it added. The country joins many others who have spoken against xenophobic violence in South Africa. Fellow West African country Nigeria also shared plans to repatriate Nigerians who have indicated that they want to return home. The country’s Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said 130 people showed interest in voluntary repatriation. “This figure is expected to rise,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said in a statement on social media, adding that “Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk”. Durban protest descends into chaos On Tuesday, the Durban CBD descended into chaos when civil organisations, political parties and lobby group March and March led an anti-illegal immigration protest. Reportedly chased out of their homes, scores of foreign nationals, including refugees and children, gathered at the Durban Central Police Station seeking protection. However, the group clashed with police who fired rubber bullets at them, leaving three people injured. The group then camped outside the Diakonia Centre in the CBD overnight, pleading for protection. Watch: Police fire rubber bullets at a group foreign nationals Public order police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse a group of about 300 protesting foreign nationals outside the Durban Central police station. :supplied pic.twitter.com/PNWstFD0hF– Yasantha Naidoo (@NaidooYasantha) May 19, 2026 Human Rights Commission condemns violence In a statement on Wednesday, the South African Human Rights Commission said circulating footage of recent violent attacks apparently targeted at foreign nationals was “deeply alarming”. “These incidents threaten South Africa’s constitutional values of ubuntu, dignity, equality, and the rule of law, as well as the social cohesion,” the commission said. “The commission reaffirm that members of the public may raise grievances and protest, but such actions must remain peaceful and lawful. Violence, intimidation, hate speech, looting, and property destruction are unacceptable and constitute serious human rights violations and criminal conduct.” It said it will continue to monitor the situation, engage stakeholders, and advocate for accountability and the protection of human rights.

Get the Lotto and Lotto Plus results as soon as they are drawn on The Citizen, so you can rest easy and check your tickets with confidence. Estimated Lotto and Lotto jackpots for Wednesday, 20 May 2026: Lotto: R8.5 million Lotto Plus 1: R5 million Lotto Plus 2: R7.5 million Lotto and Lotto Plus results for Wednesday, 20 May 2026: Lotto: 01, 04, 12, 13, 24, 58. Bonus: 53. Lotto Plus 1: 14, 46, 47, 51, 54, 55. Bonus: 41. Lotto Plus 2: 01, 19, 21, 29, 32, 51. Bonus: 28. The winning Lotto numbers will appear after the draw. Usually within 10 minutes of the draw. You might need to refresh the page to see the updated results. While great care has been taken to ensure accuracy, The Citizen cannot take responsibility for any error in the results. We suggest verifying the numbers on the National Lottery website. For more details and to verify the PowerBall results, visit the National Lottery website. When do South African National Lottery ticket sales close? Lottery outlets close at 8.30pm on the day of a draw, which takes place at 9pm. The terms and conditions may differ from other service outlets. Visit www.nationallottery.co.za for more information. You can find the historical winning numbers for PowerBall and Lotto draws here. How much does it cost to play Lotto? Lotto entries cost R5 per board including VAT. Lotto Plus costs an additional R2.50 per board. You can also play Lotto on selected banking apps (T’s & C’s apply).

Actress, producer and human rights activist Nomzamo Mbatha made a glamorous appearance at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on Sunday, May 17 2026. The South African star attended the official screening of Garance at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France, where she proudly represented local talent on an international stage. Nomzamo Mbatha walked the red carpet in a striking gown designed by House of Marvee. The colourful corset-style dress stood out with detailed beadwork and floral-inspired patterns in shades of pink, orange, yellow, and blue. With a black butterfly accents near the neckline added a dramatic touch. The lower part of the gown flowed into layered black and deep purple fabric, finished with a thigh-high slit that enhanced the glamorous red-carpet look. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nomzamo Mbatha (Nxumalo)🇿🇦 (@nomzamo_m) NOMZAMO MBATHA STUNS IN HOUSE OF MARVEE The actress once again trusted House of Marvee to create one of her biggest red-carpet looks. Additionally, the fashion house also designed the dress she wore while co-hosting the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2026. After the event, House of Marvee proudly shared photos of the actress wearing the gown on Instagram and celebrated the special moment. “Nomzamo Mbatha in custom House of Marvee for the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. It was a true honor for House of Marvee creating this one of one piece for Nomzamo on such a prestigious Festival.” Followers quickly praised her beautiful Cannes look after she shared photos and videos from the event on social media. Many people admired the bold colours, detailed craftsmanship and unique design of the gown. View this post on Instagram A post shared by House of Marvee (@house_of_marvee) NOMZAMO MBATHA SHARES HER GRATITUDE The actress expressed excitement and gratitude after attending the prestigious event. She thanked Canal Plus and Studio Canal for inviting her to the screening. “Thank you to @canalplus @studiocanal for the special invitation to the official #Garance premiere screening.” Nomzamo’s appearance at Cannes once again highlighted her growing influence in the global entertainment industry. Over the years, she has attended several international events and continued to build her name beyond South Africa. THE STORY BEHIND ‘GARANCE’ Meanwhile, according to Deadline, Garance, also known as Another Day, is a 2026 French drama film written and directed by Jeanne Herry. In the film, Adèle Exarchopoulos in the lead role as a jobbing actress and working-class woman trying to survive the instability of her profession while dealing with personal tragedy and a growing struggle with alcoholism. Notably, the film attracted attention during the festival because of its emotional storyline and powerful performances. Celebrities, filmmakers and film lovers attended the Palais des Festivals screening, making it a memorable Cannes red-carpet event.

Melanie Viljoen, the wife of Peet Viljoen, has opted to voluntarily return to South Africa after meeting with an immigration judge. The reality TV couple – known for appearing on the Real Housewives franchise – have been detained at a US ICE detention centre after overstaying their tourist visa. They are also facing criminal charges relating to a shoplifting arrest in March. MEL VILJOEN APPLIES FOR VOLUNTARY DEPARTURE Speaking to news outlets, Mel Viljoen revealed that she had recently filed a voluntary departure application to return to South Africa. This means that she would leave the US at her own expense, under court supervision. This eliminates the need for a formal deportation, which carries future immigration repercussions. The blonde reality TV star – being detained at the Denver Contract Detention Facility – had met with an immigration judge over her illegal immigration status. She revealed that her husband, now at the California City Detention Facility, would take the same steps. Their application will likely be reviewed by a judge who will determine whether they can pay for their own transportation and flights home and whether they are likely to leave the country, as agreed. The judge also has to take into account the Viljoen’s criminal charges of shoplifting and whether they intend to pursue legal action. Mel and Peet Viljoen want to voluntary return to South Africa.Images via Instagram Mel Viljoen has previously complained about the conditions of the ICE detention centres, claiming that they had been fed “dog food” and were “malnourished” and that they had been “tortured and screamed at”. Both Mel and Peet have also claimed to have “misjudged” US President Donald Trump, and have withdrawn their public support. WHAT AWAITS THEM IN SOUTH AFRICA? If Mel and Peet Viljoen are granted voluntary departure, they will have to contend with a possible travel ban to the US, Information about their illegal immigration status, ICE detention records and overstaying their visa will remain on the system. The Viljoens are facing multiple criminal and civil charges from several individuals relating to their past fraudulent business dealings. The couple could be arrested in South Africa if a warrant is issued. According to private investigator Mike Bolhuis, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa has already confirmed active criminal cases and many other pending cases against the Viljoens; those investigations remain ongoing.

Teachers are improvising and learners are exposed unevenly - South Africa urgently needs a national AI policy for schools.

Eskom is in exploratory talks with the World Bank over funding for a multibillion-dollar nuclear programme.