Wild daisies are in bloom on the dunes at Strandfontein Beach, creating a vivid spring display along Cape Town’s False Bay coastline.

Residents of Umlazi’s deteriorating Enduduzweni Centre face an uncertain future with plans to sell the facility in the pipeline.

There is a good vibe in the Springbok camp and the players are looking forward to playing at the 94,000 capacity FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, according to lock Ruan Nortje. It is a crucial third Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, with the Boks and All Blacks locked level at one-all after the first two Tests at Ellis Park and the Cape Town Stadium. On Tuesday Nortje said that not much had changed in the camp form last week in Cape Town when they were preparing for the second match after losing the opener. “The vibe has been really good. It’s not very different to last week. We know they got the better of us in that first Test, and for us it’s all about sticking to our processes,” explained Nortje. “We are working hard every week, and this week it’s exactly the same. Just sticking to our processes, and when we work, we work as hard as possible.” Set piece performance Asked about the Boks’ strong performance in the lineouts and mauls during the second Test, Nortje admitted that they had gotten the better of the All Blacks, but that there was still plenty to work on and improve going into this weekend’s match. “Our set piece (in general) was good. But we will never be satisfied with just good. We always strive to be as good as possible and I think we just want to be better,” said Nortje. “Some weeks they’ve got your number, some weeks you’ve got theirs, that’s the quality you’re up against. It’s about making sure that when we’re in camp we work as hard as possible, put plans in place to put them under pressure, and I’m sure they’ll have their own plans for this weekend too. “It’s about handling it when they put us under pressure and adapting as quickly as possible, especially in that situation in the game.” The Boks haven’t played at the FNB Stadium since 2013, when they thrashed Argentina. Before that they lost twice to the All Blacks there in 2010 and 2012, with only Eben Etzebeth and captain Siya Kolisi of the current group having played at the ground. “I think it’ll be an amazing experience. Last week was 56,000 people (in Cape Town), this week it might be 85,000 or 90,000. We can only imagine how awesome that will be,” said Nortje. “No matter where we play, we know what we have to do and what we have to stick to. It’ll just be awesome to have that many people supporting you, feeding off them, getting energy from them, and enjoying every moment.” Talking to the ref With the Boks having struggled with some of the reffing decisions over the two Tests so far, particularly in the scrums in the second Test, Nortje explained how he approaches talking to the ref as a captain. “I’m only captain at the Bulls, so I can speak to that. You’ve got to understand where the referee is at in the game and how he’s communicating,” explained Nortje. “Certain referees have different styles, different profiles, different ways of communicating and running the game, so it’s important to understand the person you’re working with, and what the best way and the best time is to talk to him, and when not to. “If you feel like you’re not getting the rub of the green from the ref, for me it’s about standing back a bit, making sure you work through your own actions in the game, play as close to the laws as possible, and then leave it to him to make his decision rather than putting too much pressure on him.”

The department of employment and labour, backed by Special Investigating Unit (SIU) findings, paints a troubling picture of foreigners dominating key posts in South Africa’s higher education sector, often aided by fraudulent entries facilitated by corrupt home affairs officials. Universities frequently invoke “internationalisation” to justify hiring abroad, but parliamentarians warn this policy is being misused to bypass local recruitment. Some MPs say when foreign nationals occupy senior management, they may prioritise compatriots in hiring, sidelining South Africans. MPs warn internationalisation sidelining South African academics The department of higher education and training, as the line department, admitted it lacks a reliable national picture of foreign recruitment and relies instead on incomplete and inconsistent data supplied by institutions. This gap was exposed during recent briefings to the portfolio committee on higher education and training, where the department, SIU and home affairs reported on foreign employment in the post school education and training sector, fraudulent visas and the internationalisation framework. The department of employment and labour’s investigation covered 14 of the 26 public universities, but only five provided usable figures. It said terminology used by institutions varied from “foreign national”, “international academic” to “international staff” – making comparisons difficult. MPs questioned how the department of higher education and training could monitor compliance or assess the impact of international hiring without reliable data. The clearest evidence came from department of employment and labour’s report that found foreigners make up 2.1% of the wider education workforce but 7.1% of staff at public universities, which accounted for nearly 78% of all foreigners employed in the sector. Foreigners make up 16% of senior management Alarmingly, concentration rises at senior levels where 12.8% of professionally qualified university staff and 16% of senior management are foreigners. This compares to 4.4% and 5.2% respectively across the broader education sector. The department warned this upward progression into senior and top management poses a long term transformation risk. MPs suspect the problem may be deeper, with SIU investigations still underway. Compliance failures compound the issue. The department reported that of 3 324 institutions targeted for inspection in the fourth quarter, 1 948 were inspected and 91% were non-compliant with the Employment Equity Act. Gauteng was the worst offender, with 99.6% non-compliance. MPs asked whether the department of employment and labour’s inspection regime was too advisory and welcomed its pledge to shift to active enforcement from October 2026. Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley had the highest proportional concentration of foreign nationals at the professionally qualified level at 39.2%, or 31 of 79 staff, against a reduction target of 32.9%. Previously, the University of Mpumalanga and Bloemfontein’s Central University of Technology were flagged for excessively high foreign staff numbers with no justification. Both struggle to explain the excessive number of foreign academics and staff in their employ, while locals were clearly sidelined. SIU reveals visa fraud schemes Wits and the University of Cape Town had the largest reduction targets, while Stellenbosch reflected limited change in senior management representation. MPs warned that allowing foreigners to dominate leadership pipelines risks undermining local empowerment and transformation in the country. Parallel SIU investigations revealed systemic fraud in the system. Between 2017 and 2025, 14 proclamations were issued in the higher education portfolio of which eight had been finalised and six ongoing. The SIU also probed fraudulent study and work visas, uncovering schemes involving fake university acceptance letters, medical certificates and medical aid documentation – allegedly facilitated by corrupt home affairs officials for payment. Home affairs was identified as being at the centre of a corruption storm. SIU reported manipulation of DNA results to secure permanent residence, abuse of retirement visas and misuse of asylum permits as pathways to citizenship. Investigations led to 278 referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority, 205 administrative referrals for visa revocation and deportation, but only seven internal disciplinary referrals. Parliamentarians asked if these represented only a fraction of cases. The SIU has set up a monitoring unit.

On 26 August, Springbok lock Jean Kleyn celebrated his 33rd birthday with his wife, Aisling Kleyn, and their adorable children, Eli and Elsje-Mae, at their new home in England. The Kleyns have recently relocated to England after Jean signed with the English rugby team, Gloucester. Before this move, he enjoyed a ten-year stint with the Irish team Munster after playing for the Stormers in South Africa. JEAN KLEYN CELEBRATES 33RD BIRTHDAY WITH FAMILY Aisling marked Jean’s birthday with a series of Instagram photos showcasing some wholesome family moments at home, the birthday cake, and a relaxing outdoor outing. However, she mistakenly put the wrong number on the cake – 34 instead of 33. She later clarified in her caption, “JK is actually 33! Some numerical difficulties occurred.” Jean then jokingly replied, “Wishful thinking #marriedanolderwoman,” since Aisling is a year older than him. One thing about Aisling, she puts real effort into making her husband’s birthday memorable, as seen in the sweet birthday tributes she posts. In 2025, she assembled a variety of cheeses, crackers, and wine, along with beautifully wrapped gifts, a cake, and mouthwatering California and Spider Roll Sushi. The family celebrated Jean’s birthday right in the comfort of their home in Ireland.

Orlando Pirates have sent an early warning to their rivals in the Betway Premiership. They cruised g to a commanding 4-0 victory over newly promoted Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening. The result sees the Buccaneers move to 13 points at the top of the standings. They leave Mamelodi Sundowns in second place on 10 points, while Kaizer Chiefs sit third with eight points. GAMPHANI LUNGU SETS ORLANDO PIRATES ON THEIR WAY More importantly for Bucs, the emphatic victory extends their unbeaten start and underlines their attacking strength. Orlando Pirates needed just three minutes to break the deadlock after they were awarded a penalty following an early attacking move. Gamphani Lungu stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give the visitors an ideal start. The Buccaneers controlled much of the opening half despite Kruger United attempting to make the contest difficult and physical. Pirates went into the interval with their 1-0 advantage intact, but the second half would prove a completely different story. Boitumelo Radiopane doubled the lead in the 54th minute after Pirates produced a sweeping attacking move that opened up the hosts’ defence. The goal gave the visitors further confidence as they began to find increasing space in the final third. THE BUCCANEERS FINISH THE JOB The introduction of Yanela Mbuthuma proved decisive for Orlando Pirates as the substitute put the game beyond doubt with two late goals. Mbuthuma made it 3-0 in the 79th minute with a composed finish before completing his brace in the second minute of stoppage time. His 92nd-minute strike put the finishing touch on a ruthless 4-0 away victory. Also read: Sekhukhune part ways with former Chiefs coach after FIVE matches For Orlando Pirates, the result is another significant step in their title defence. The Buccaneers now have 13 points from their opening matches, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs already beginning to chase the early league leaders. For Kruger United, however, the top-flight adjustment remains a difficult one. The newly promoted side are still searching for their first Betway Premiership victory, while Orlando Pirates leave Mbombela with another statement that they intend to remain at the summit.

Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago signals a payments bill that will treat fintechs like banks on like activities.

Shoprite has closed its R&A Cellular deal, taking 51% of the point-of-sale platform serving spaza shops.