The Ministry of Land Reform and Rural Development has moved swiftly and firmly to distance itself from a series of explosive public allegations circulating on social media and podcast platforms.

Public works Minister Dean Macpherson says the PMTE remains a key concern, citing a R4 billion overdraft, lack of clean audits since 2014, and continued R6 billion annual spending on private property leases.

Bafana Bafana is set to play Mexico in the opening match of the Fifa World Cup on Thursday, 11 June, with kick-off scheduled for 9pm South African time. This marks the national team’s first appearance at the World Cup in 16 years, and fans are expected to turn out in their numbers to support the national team. Whether you’re looking for a fan park atmosphere, a family-friendly viewing experience or a sports bar vibe, there are plenty of places across Johannesburg screening the match. Here is where to watch the World Cup opener match in Johannesburg Mall of Africa Fan Park One of the biggest live screening events in Gauteng will take place at Mall of Africa in Midrand. Hosted by Honor South Africa in partnership with SABC Sport, Safa and other stakeholders, the event will feature big screens, live entertainment, appearances by Bafana Bafana legends, and giveaways. Artists including Young Stunna, Mawhoo and Thatohatsi are expected to perform. Time: Gates open at 6pmCost: Free entry on a first-come, first-served basis Melrose Arch Piazza Melrose Arch is transforming its piazza into a World Cup fan zone for the opener. There will be big screens throughout the area, where supporters can enjoy family-friendly activations, food and drinks, whileofficial supporter merchandise will be on sale from a Totalsports pop-up stand. Cost: Free entry Play Braam, Braamfontein Soccer fans looking for a bustling watch party can head to Play Braam in Braamfontein. The Castle Lager event promises a giant screen, stadium-style sound, live DJs and MCs, and an atmosphere designed to bring supporters together as Bafana Bafana begin their World Cup journey. Time: Doors open at 5pm, kick-off at 9pmCost: R50 per personAge restriction: 18+ Phirinyane Bar at Gemelli Restaurant, Bryanston Bryanston’s favourite spot, Phirinyane Bar at Gemelli restaurant, is encouraging fans to arrive early as seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for the live screening of the match. Time: 9pmWhere: Phirinyane Bar, Bryanston Sakhumzi Restaurant, Soweto Few places capture the spirit of South African football like Soweto. Sakhumzi Restaurant is expected to be one of the busiest venues on match night, thanks to its spacious outdoor viewing areas, atmosphere and passionate football fans. Mall of Thembisa The Mall of Thembisa event will feature big screens, stadium-quality sound and performances from amapiano stars including Njelic, Daliwonga, and Jnr SA. Time: 3pm to 11pmCost: R80 to R100 via Howler Benchwarmers Sports Bar, Rosebank Benchwarmers Sports Bar in Rosebank is a fan favourite among sports fans and it’s expected to be packed for the opening match. The venue offers multiple big screens and plenty of food and drink options for Bafana Bafana supporters who want to watch the game in a traditional sports bar setting. Cost: Free entry, but early arrival is recommended. Pirates Club, Greenside One of Gauteng’s oldest sports clubs is also hosting a watch party for the highly anticipated match. Fans can expect food specials, cold drinks and extra screens throughout the venue as supporters gather to cheer on Bafana Bafana. Cost: Free entryNote: No table bookings available Tiger’s Milk Tiger’s Milk restaurants across Gauteng will be hosting World Cup watch parties. Fans can enjoy specials, football-themed entertainment and screenings of the match at participating branches. Cost: Free entry, but table bookings are recommended. Can’t make it to a live screening event? The match will be broadcast live on SABC1, SABC3, SABC Sport, and available for streaming on SABC Plus. DStv subscribers can also watch the game on Supersport or stream the match live on the DStv Stream app. See the list of South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup fixtures below: Thursday, 11 June: Mexico vs South Africa – 9pm Thursday, 18 June: Czech Republic vs South Africa – 6pm Thursday, 25 June: South Africa vs South Korea – 3pm Whether you’re in Thembisa or Rosebank, Joburg will be full of fans in green and gold as South Africans unite to support Bafana Bafana on their long-awaited return to the World Cup stage.

Jumpers informal settlement, locked behind a green devil’s fork fence and squeezed ‘in-between’ industrial buildings in Cleveland and on the site of the Jumpers Deep Gold Mine Ltd, East Incline shaft, now defunct, has seen its first horrifying mass killing. The night was settling for residents, some preparing themselves for bed, others fast asleep. The sound of Hospital Street, silent, short for a few cars passing by. When suddenly the ‘pah, pah, pah’ of fireworks startled everyone in the newer, multicoloured, and neatly spaced-out dwellings near Jumper’s entrance and the cramped, rusted shacks towards its back. But when the rapid ‘fireworks’ kept going for almost an hour, panic and fear set in. Those were not the sounds of fireworks. It was the sound of more than 20 people (12 dead, 10 injured) bleeding out from multiple hands on a rifle. ‘Please don’t die’ “I was holding on to my child,” a female resident told The Citizen the morning after the shooting. Wrapped in a doek and a blanket around her waist, she reenacted leaping for her child on their shared bed, pressing her body into the child. “I kept saying, ‘ Please don’t die, please don’t die’,” she continued with quick breaths. Another woman recounted getting off her bed to lie on the floor, “I thought that [the shooters] were sent to us as I am a committee member of the settlement.” “The shooting was everywhere,” she exclaimed, pointing to her former shack, where the crime scene unfolded, before pointing to the newer shacks where she stayed. The Citizen saw a room close to a tavern where the a part of the senseless wrath happened. Its floor was covered blood, including a floor-born mattress, and bloodied footprints. Bullet casings were sporadically spread over Jumpers. One of the shacks was seen with a single bullet-hole through its window. The garage near Jumpers, a gated informal settlement in Cleveland. Picture: The Citizen/Lukholo Mazibuko Police confirmed that at least 10 heavily armed individuals entered Jumpers informal settlement through two entrances after being dropped by off a Toyota Quantum at a nearby garage. “There was nowhere to run,” she said. “It was tough hearing all those gunshots. So loud.” The cordoned off and traumatised settlement fell into silence and looked on as Saps pathologists, one by one, carried the deceased to its vans. ‘These guys were on a mission’ Prince Gamade, who has lived in Jumpers since 2007, said the rounds lasted more than 30 minutes. “It was going on for a long time. I haven’t heard of gunshots like this, only in the movies,” he said. Resident Charlie Khumalo added that the assailants’ faces were obscured with material similar to balaclavas. Cleveland police station sits five minutes away, yet “it took an hour [for them] to arrive on scene, ” said Khumalo. The gate protecting Jumpers is usually manned by security during the day, but Gamade said it wouldn’t have mattered if they were there. “These guys were on a mission. Even if the security were there, they were going to shoot them. They destroyed everything that they came across.” With the length of the crime, “it was like they were looking for someone and anyone they came across was dead meat.” It’s the mines, the illegal ones Since living there, Gamade said he had never seen anything like this, although he had witnessed gunfights linked to illegal mining before, which usually left fewer people injured. “Jumpers was a peaceful place until two years ago when Lesotho nationals arrived in bits and pieces.” With the derelict mine nearby, Gamade now describes Jumpers as a place riddled with petty fights, amongst groups of zama zamas over the potential discovery of gold. While it could not be confirmed, police are working on the assumption that it is linked to illegal mining and possible warring factions in the area. “There are no positive leads as it’s too early. As you know, this area is just adjacent to the illegal mining area. However, we cannot confirm whether this incident was caused by illegal mining. “We have those suspicions, but one can term this incident to be insane, to be heartless, to a certain extent, or, to a certain extent, it is barbaric,” said Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni. “People are always firing guns in Jumpers, but police must do their job for this case. “We are shaken,” Gamade said, solemnly looking at his feet. Voice wavering in pain, Khumalo whispered, “This is my home. When dusk arrives today, we don’t know if they will come back and shoot us again.”

The FIFA World Cup represents the ultimate stage in world football. All 26 Bafana Bafana players selected by coach Hugo Broos have earned the honour of representing South Africa on the grandest stage of them all. They now have the opportunity to transform their careers, elevate their reputations and potentially change their lives forever. Bet With The Best. World Sports Betting The FIFA World Cup has launched countless careers over the decades. A standout performance can turn local stars into global names overnight. With that in mind, here are five Bafana Bafana players worth keeping a close eye on at this year’s tournament. ORLANDO PIRATES DUO SET TO TAKE THE WORLD BY STORM Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis are poised to enjoy unprecedented international exposure. While every player at the FIFA World Cup will have the eyes of the footballing world on them, both Orlando Pirates stars are expected to play prominent roles under Broos. Mofokeng remains South African football’s brightest young talent. At just 21, the Orlando Pirates sensation is widely regarded as one of the players capable of carrying Bafana Bafana into a new era. Therefore, the FIFA World Cup presents the perfect platform for him to elevate his growing reputation. Clubs from the United Kingdom, Europe and the Middle East have already been linked with the gifted attacker. Consequently, a strong tournament could significantly increase both interest and opportunities abroad. Mofokeng is yet to consistently reproduce his dazzling Orlando Pirates form in national colours. However, there is no bigger stage on which to silence those doubters than the FIFA World Cup. If he delivers when it matters most, he could emerge as one of South Africa’s biggest football exports in recent years. Key figure in attack Meanwhile, Appollis is expected to be a key figure in Bafana Bafana’s attack. Football careers can change in a single moment. One decisive goal, one match-winning performance or one unforgettable piece of skill can alter a player’s trajectory forever. Appollis has already enjoyed a remarkable rise. He progressed from Polokwane City to become an influential figure at Orlando Pirates, helping the Buccaneers end their 14-year wait for the Betway Premiership title. Now, he has the chance to showcase his talent before a global audience. Blessed with pace, creativity and directness, Appollis possesses the attributes that attract international scouts. If he performs to his full potential, overseas interest will inevitably follow. ALSO READ: KAIZER CHIEFS TARGET OUTBOUND ORLANDO PIRATES MIDFIELDERS SIGNATURE MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DUO TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams and midfield general Teboho Mokoena are preparing to step onto the biggest stage of their careers. That statement carries considerable weight given their recent achievements. Both players played pivotal roles in Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League triumph last season, while also featuring prominently during the club’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign. Williams will have the honour of leading South Africa onto the field as captain at the FIFA World Cup. Responsibility often defines great players, and few carry it better than the experienced goalkeeper. Bafana Bafana will face a demanding Group A featuring co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic. Therefore, Williams will need to replicate the form that established him among the world’s elite goalkeepers. Should he produce another outstanding tournament, interest from clubs abroad could intensify significantly. Similarly, Mokoena remains one of the first names on Broos’ team-sheet. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder combines tactical intelligence, composure and leadership with exceptional technical ability. Consequently, he is expected to feature heavily throughout the tournament, provided he remains fit. Every minute on the pitch presents another opportunity to impress scouts from some of the world’s biggest leagues. MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI TO STEP UP ON NEW-FOUND ‘HOME’ SOIL Mbekezeli Mbokazi enters the FIFA World Cup in familiar surroundings. The former Orlando Pirates defender recently joined Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer and has adapted impressively to life in the United States. Since making the move, Mbokazi has built a reputation as a strong, composed and dependable defender. He will be more familiar than most with the conditions, venues and atmosphere surrounding the tournament. That experience could prove invaluable. The towering centre-back will be tasked with helping protect Bafana Bafana against some of the world’s most dangerous attacking talent. To do so, he will need to combine discipline, composure and leadership throughout the tournament. Should he rise to the occasion, the rewards could extend far beyond the World Cup itself. A series of commanding displays would not only strengthen South Africa’s chances of success but could also attract attention from clubs in Europe and beyond, further accelerating the next chapter of his career. Which Bafana Bafana star do you think will stand out at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Give us your predictions in the comments section below …

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Hawks worked together on a major drug bust at the Port of Durban. Together, they seized thirty bricks of cocaine on 9 June 2026. This comes after another 90kg of cocaine was found and seized at the same port days prior.  SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu stated plainly that “South Africa’s borders are not open to illicit trade.” Both Dr Makhubu and Acting National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant-General Sphesihle Nkosi, highlighted the strength of coordinated enforcement efforts across government agencies. Drug bust at Port of Durban According to SA News, a vessel had been flagged by both local and international law enforcement agencies.  The vessel, originating from a South American port, was then targeted when it came to Durban harbour. Customs officials boarded the flagged vessel. They soon located a container positioned below the waterline.  Officers found during the inspection that parts of the container apparatus had been tampered with. This prompted a more intrusive drug-busting search.  Their mobile testing kit confirmed the recovered bricks as pure cocaine.  When SARS and the Hawks act as one Dr Makhubu notes that this operation shows what can be done when different agencies act “as part of a single value chain.” Such joint crime fighting is essential to stopping criminal networks by closing the space in which they can operate.  Port monitoring technology through cargo profiling and targeted inspections are some of the tactics that they will continue using throughout South Africa’s ports.  Lieutenant-General Nkosi called drug trafficking a national threat that fuels violence, weakens communities and harms children. He said those responsible would be pursued wherever they operate, whether locally or across borders.  Closing the border to illicit trade Tuesday’s drug capture can be read as a real attempt by both SARS and the Hawks to curb illicit trade through the South African border.  That said, drugs making their way into South Africa through the Durban Port has been an ongoing issue for years.  Ending illicit trade in South Africa still requires the continued efforts of both organisations.

New MTN South Africa CEO Ferdi Moolman wants R4-billion to R6-billion in savings by 2029 via a “structural reset”.

MTN Group's Ambition 2030 strategic plan targets tripled fibre, fintech up 13-fold and a doubling of data usage.