The department of forestry, fisheries and the environment has ordered the urgent evacuation of the overwintering team stationed at Marion Island after delays to the SA Agulhas II relief voyage raised fears that critical fuel supplies for the remote base could run out. Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp said the decision was taken after disruptions in the supply of additives needed to produce specialised polar diesel threatened the operation of the island’s generators.  Marion Island, a remote South African research base in the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean, lies about 2 000km southeast of Cape Town.  Unlike normal diesel, the fuel is designed to withstand the sub-Antarctic temperatures on Marion Island, where ordinary diesel would crystallise. “With the weather conditions having cleared in Cape Town, the helicopters that will be used for the evacuation of the overwintering team were able to land on the vessel, which is now ready to sail,” the department said on Thursday. Aucamp said the department could no longer delay action while uncertainty remained over when the fuel additives would become available. “The voyage delays were caused by the unavailability of crucial fuel products that are mixed with normal diesel and are used to create the special polar diesel required to keep the base running within extremely low outside temperatures that would crystalise normal diesel,” he said.  “As we are unsure when these fuel products will be available, we cannot wait any longer at the expense of the wellbeing of our team. Our people’s lives come first.” Department spokesperson Zolile Nqayi told the Mail & Guardian on Friday that supply chain disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East had affected the availability of the additives required to manufacture the polar diesel. He said the department had initially believed replacement supplies would be secured. “At the end of April the department was given assurance from some suppliers that additives for producing polar diesel stock were secured.” However, the department later received confirmation from a Cape Town refinery that it could not produce the fuel because of a national kerosene shortage. At the same time, aviation fuel for the helicopters involved in the operation could not be sourced in Cape Town and had to be transported from Durban. Nqayi said the base still had enough food supplies, although some items had run low. The main concern was the depletion of polar diesel needed to run generators supplying electricity to the base. Fuel levels were being monitored daily. The SA Agulhas II, an icebreaking polar supply and research ship owned by the department, was expected to depart on Thursday and arrive at Marion Island on Monday.  The crew is expected to remain at the base for between three and five days before returning to South Africa on 28 May, weather permitting. The department said the branch: oceans and coasts, together with the department of public works and infrastructure and the department of science, technology and innovation, shared responsibility for ensuring logistical support for overwintering teams. Nqayi said a full debrief would take place after the vessel’s return and that Aucamp and the department’s director-general would decide whether further investigation into the logistical failures was necessary.

The Madlanga commission on Friday dismissed an application by North West businessman Brown Mogotsi to recuse evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson, rejecting claims of bias and unfair prejudice. Mogotsi alleged that Chaskalson had promised to protect him during the commission’s hearings if he provided damaging evidence against North West businessman and ANC backer Suleiman Carrim. But commission chairperson Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga rejected the claim, saying the exchanges between Mogotsi and Chaskalson did not show any promise of protection or threat of reprisal. “The application is dismissed,” Madlanga said. “The effect of the dismissal is that Mr Mogotsi’s evidence will be heard … Mr Mogotsi’s evidence will be led by Mr Chaskalson.” Mogotsi said in his founding affidavit that his interactions with Chaskalson began in March this year after his attorney withdrew from representing him at the commission. He alleged that Chaskalson indicated he would protect him if he provided incriminating evidence against Carrim. “During this period, advocate Chaskalson and I had various WhatsApp calls and text conversations concerning Mr Suleiman and his evidence. The tone and context of these conversations caused me grave concern regarding advocate Chaskalson SC’s impartiality,” Mogotsi said. In one exchange, Mogotsi said he texted Chaskalson: “I think you can help me”, to which Chaskalson replied: “I think so too. But you can’t mess me around. “Ironically, he had earlier, when I was testifying, called me a liar and dishonest, yet reached out to me for information against Suleiman under the promise of protecting me,” Mogotsi stated in his affidavit. The commission said it was Mogotsi who initiated contact with Chaskalson and subsequently offered to provide information about Carrim and alleged crime boss, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. “The impression formed, according to Mr Mogotsi’s case, is that: ‘If I don’t bring anything valuable, if I don’t bring anything useful, then I cannot be indemnified, or I cannot be saved’,” argued Mogotsi’s attorney, advocate Nthabiseng Mohomane.  “I informed him that I needed protection and he assured me that he would ‘sort me out’, but again pressed for more evidence against Sueliman,” Mogotsi said in his affidavit. Chaskalson, however, described the allegations as fraudulent. He said Mogotsi’s case rested on the claim that he had improperly pressured him to provide evidence against Carrim and that any “help” offered was conditional on implicating Carrim. The record, he said, showed the opposite. “I have never suggested to Mr Mogotsi that he should give false evidence to implicate Mr Carrim,” Chaskalson said in his affidavit. Chaskalson also accused Mogotsi of submitting falsified evidence by deleting several missed calls and text messages. “Mr Mogotsi has removed a text that he sent me on 12 March 2026, at 11.29 pm, in which he stated: ‘M worried about coming [to the commission offices]’, also mentioning that ‘I called u at night, thought it would be strategic also’,” Chaskalson said. “I also deny that I ever offered to protect Mr Mogotsi from adverse findings by the commission if he could implicate Mr Carrim. I would never offer any witness a quid pro quo for implicating another witness and I have not done so.” Chaskalson said Mogotsi’s conduct could amount to criminal behaviour, including falsifying evidence, improperly impugning an evidence leader and acting in a manner prejudicial to the orderly conduct of the commission. He said Mogotsi initiated and pursued the communications because he was concerned that Carrim was blaming him. “Mr Mogotsi sought assistance to avoid being used as a scapegoat and Mr Mogotsi himself offered to provide evidence concerning Mr Carrim and the SAPS/Medicare24 Tshwane district contract,” Chaskalson said. Commissioner Sesi Baloyi also questioned Mogotsi’s claims of bias. “Is it not opportunistic to offer Mr Chaskalson information on Mr Carrim and then fail to deliver because Mr Mogotsi, as it turns out, does not have such information?” Baloyi asked. “You offer and then you fail to deliver. And without more, you say: ‘He is going to be biased against me.’” Baloyi noted that Mogotsi had not pointed to any messages in which Chaskalson expressed anger or threatened retaliation after he failed to provide information.

Communities in Eastern DRC face dire consequences as health authorities confirm a deadly Ebola outbreak, prompting urgent calls for regional coordination from the Africa CDC.

As the South African Communist Party prepares for its 'Conference of the Left', the inclusion of right-wing populist formations raises critical questions about the future of socialism in South Africa.

Chery-owned Chinese carmaker Jetour has made huge strides in a short space of time since arriving in South Africa in 2024. After starting with the Dashing and X70 Plus on its arrival, the Jetour T1 and T2 has joined the SUV family and especially the latter has been a big sales success. And yet, the brand is only warming up for a much bigger local onslaught over the next 12 months or so. The first-ever Jetour bakkie, the F700, as well as its SUV sibling, the G700, touch down in 2027. Jetour bakkie makes a Pitstop On this week’s episode of The Citizen Motoring‘s podcast, we look at what Jetour recently showcased in China. Online Motoring Reporter Charl Bosch and Head of Multimedia Shaun Holland was both at the Beijing Motor Show last month and got the see some of the SA-bound cars first-hand. The F700, which is likely going to be a plug-in hybrid, was on display in Beijing. This hybrid powertrain looks certain to be the combination of the same 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine, 31.4kWh battery pack and two electric motors which produces a total of 1 172kW of power in the G700 SUV. Holland got the see the amphibious G700 take a “swim” during an exhibition at Yangzi Lake in China. The SUV has a wading depth of 970mm and a six-axis gyroscope system that adjusts the body when going through water. Local G700 not a swimmer The standard production Jetour G700 is not a “swimming” car, as the amphibious models are reserved for emergency services. The Jetour bakkie does not feature the amphibious system at all. Also on display at the Beijing Moto Show was the T8, the new Jetour T-Series flagship. It is unclear if the T8 will find its way to Mzansi.

NCC Leader Fadiel Adams appears at Pinetown Magistrate’s Court for bail application on May 15, 2026 in Pinetown, South Africa. Fadiel Adams faces charges of fraud and defeating the ends of justice in relation to his alleged interference with the murder probe into ANC Youth League SG, Sindiso Magaqa. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart) Power lines are pictured on a street at Petare neighborhood in Caracas on May 14, 2026. (Photo by Juan BARRETO / AFP) US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One after his departure from Beijing Capital Airport on May 15, 2026, on his way back to the United States. Trump said he had made “fantastic trade deals” with China’s Xi Jinping, as the pair met on May 15 at final talks of a superpower summit that according to the US leader has also reaped a Chinese offer to help open the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP) Rescuers work at a residential building partially destroyed following Russian drone and missile strikes in Kyiv on May 14, 2026, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Ukraine’s capital came under heavy aerial attack early on May 14, an AFP journalist reported, as Kyiv’s mayor said Russia was striking the city. (Photo by Roman PILIPEY / AFP) Staff remove water from the tarp covering the clay court after the semi-final match between Italy’s Luciano Darderi and Norway’s Casper Ruud was interrupted due to a storm during the ATP Rome Open tennis tournament at Foro Italico in Rome on May 15, 2026. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) Crew members at the change of command parades for SAS Amatola and SAS King Shaka Zulu at Simons Town Naval Base on May 14, 2026 in Simons Town, South Africa. The parades mark significant leadership transitions within the South African Navy and reaffirm the Navy’s commitment to professionalism, continuity and effective defense of a democratic South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach) Released Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) wrapped with Ukrainian national flags hug each other following a prisoner exchange at an undisclosed location, in the Chernihiv region on May 15, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine exchanged 205 prisoners of war each on May 15, Moscow and Kyiv said, a week after US President Donald Trump announced a large swap would take place between the warring sides. (Photo by Roman PILIPEY / AFP) Pedestrians cross rue de Rivoli at sunset in Paris on May 14, 2026. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP) A French Foreign Legion paratrooper from the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP) takes aim from behind a tree during a urban assault exercise in La Souterraine, central France, on May 14, 2026. The exercise, running from May 11 to 20 across Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Centre-Val de Loire, tests short-notice redeployment and interoperability between air and ground components – capabilities central to France’s contribution to NATO rapid-reaction forces. (Photo by Philippe LOPEZ / AFP) French actor Vincent Macaigne carries French actress and model Laetitia Casta on the red carpet as they arrive for the screening of the film “Karma” at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France on May 15, 2026. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) A tourist boat sails under the Pont-Neuf bridge as “The Pont Neuf’s cave”, French photographer and street artist JR’s newest artwork, is being installed in Paris on May 15, 2026. As a tribute to the late French artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s 1985 “Pont Neuf wrapped” performance on Paris’ oldest bridge, JR is set to completely transform the Pont Neuf into a long, monumental “cavern” of canvases and open space that will change the capital’s skyline from June 6 to June 28, 2026. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP) People walk past a fire set by demonstrators during a protest against the lack of energy and blackouts in the Lawton neighborhood in Havana on May 14, 2026. Cuba blamed the United States for the “particularly tense” situation in its electricity grid, as the east of the country was hit by another widespread power cut on May 14, 2026. Washington has once again offered $100 million in aid, which the island’s government is “willing” to consider. (Photo by Yamil LAGE / AFP) Well-known entrepreneur, television personality and arts advocate Lenore Goss-Matjie (centre) embraces her daughter, Meah Matjie (left), during a celebration at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville campus in Durban, where Meah graduated as a Medical Doctor this week. Meah received her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree during the graduation ceremony attended by family, friends and supporters. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Riot police on motorcycles chase miners through tear gas during a march to demand the resignation of Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, in La Paz, on May 14, 2026. For the past two weeks, workers, farmers, school teachers, Indigenous groups and transport workers have been pressuring the government. Their demands range from wage increases and economic stabilization to opposition to the privatization of public companies. (Photo by AIZAR RALDES / AFP) Participants wave Palestinian flags during a pro-Palestinian demonstration under the motto ‘Song Protest Vienna 2026 – No Stage for Genocide’ against Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), in front of the Maria Theresa Monument in Vienna, Austria, on May 15, 2026. (Photo by Joe Klamar / AFP) MORE: 24 hours in pictures, 13 May 2026

Not for the first time, singer KB Motsilanyane has delivered a stellar rendition of South Africa’s national anthem. Her performance came as the Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, announced the recipients of a fan delegation that would watch the FIFA World Cup’s opening match between South Africa and Mexico. The tournament kicks off in less than a month and will be hosted by Mexico, Canada and the US. KB MOTSILANYANE DELIVERS ANOTHER MEMORABLE NATIONAL ANTHEM On Friday, 15 May, KB Motsilanyane appeared alongside Minister Gayton McKenzie and a fan delegation on SABC’s Morning Live show. Sporting her Bafana Bafana jersey, KB was invited to sing the national anthem – which she did flawlessly. “The nostalgia, pride and emotion filled the room all over again”, the official X account captioned a clip of the performance. Watch it below… This morning, South Africa relived a moment that once united the nation 🇿🇦As KB Motsilanyane once again delivered the National Anthem — this time alongside our lucky fans live on television — the nostalgia, pride and emotion filled the room all over again.❤️🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/w7cEguFWeI— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) May 15, 2026 THROWBACK TO THAT LOFTUS MOMENT KB Motsilanyane is widely credited with singing one of the best renditions of the South African national anthem at a sporting match. Her performance came in July 2024, at the Springboks’ first match on home soil at Loftus. The national team went on to beat their visitors – Ireland – 27-20 in front of a sold-out crowd. KB’s moving execution involved allowing the crowd to finish singing Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika. The star was even praised by Springbok players and celebrities, with fans calling on SA Rugby to permit KB to sing every national anthem at a rugby match.  She responded: “I’m humbled, thank you.” “I feel so blessed to have been a part of a wonderful moment,” KB responded to another who thanked her for uniting the nation.

A South African refugee couple is accused of having an “anchor baby”, born in the US after their arrival earlier this year. The news comes after the first anniversary of the initial group of Afrikaners who resettled in their adoptive country last May. The group, as well as others who have followed, claimed to have been “racially persecuted” back home. This came after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order geared at assisting white South Africans he believes are facing a “genocide”. SOUTH AFRICAN COUPLE WELCOME FIRST REFUGEE BABY Speaking to YouTuber Chris Wyatt, a South African refugee named Wade revealed that he had recently welcomed a baby boy, Jackson, with his partner. Wade, who works at a truck dealership in Nebraska, bragged that his son was the first refugee baby born in the US. He arrived in February and now lives in Yankton, South Dakota. Wyatt joked, “Is that an anchor baby? Now we can’t get rid of you?” BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP According to the US Constitution, the South African refugee baby would be automatically granted birthright citizenship – despite his parents’ immigration status –  as he was born in the country. Last year, President Trump signed an executive order limiting birthright citizenship. The order states that automatic citizenship would not be extended to those born in the US under the following circumstances: When the mother was unlawfully present in the US, and the father was not a citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of the birth When the mother’s presence in the US at the time of the birth was lawful but temporary (such as, but not limited to, visiting the United States under the auspices of the Visa Waiver Program or visiting on a student, work, or tourist visa), and the father was not a US citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of the birth.

The recovery is holding, but Eskom's own modelling warns of a possible return to blackouts by decade’s end.

Group CITO Johnson Idesoh says the bank will deploy "super agents" to scan its systems and shorten patch cycles.