Visit North West University press office Heavy floods that cut off roads, bridges and communities across the North West province have exposed gaps in disaster preparedness, emergency response capacity and long-term planning, according to Prof Christo Coetzee.  While the province has disaster management plans in place across most district and local municipalities, many of these plans are outdated and difficult to implement because of limited resources, says Prof Coetzee, an associate professor at the African Centre for Disaster Studies at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus. “A major challenge is how often these disaster management or disaster preparedness plans are updated.” He says some municipalities are still relying on plans that no longer reflect current risks, changing weather patterns or the growing exposure of communities to disasters. “Municipalities can identify hazards and communities that may be affected by disasters, and even plan for them,” he says. “However, the lack of funds and human resources means they can’t operationalise programmes or activities related to their plans before or during disaster events.” Identifying at-risk communities is challenging Flooding in several parts of the province has left communities isolated, while damaged infrastructure has complicated rescue efforts. According to Prof Coetzee, one of the biggest challenges during floods is identifying communities that are trapped or at risk. “It is very challenging to identify all the communities that are cut off and in imminent danger,” he says. “The damage done by flooding to communication infrastructure means some communities can’t even connect with emergency services to indicate where they are.” He warns that emergency response teams are also forced into dangerous situations when residents ignore evacuation instructions. Communities must heed evacuation orders “Communities can sometimes be reluctant to follow evacuation orders, meaning rescue teams have to go into areas to save lives when the situation escalates,” Prof Coetzee says. “Communities must follow evacuation orders when they receive them.” The province’s response capacity is also under strain because of limited equipment and ageing infrastructure. “Municipalities don’t have adequate human and physical resources such as fire trucks and helicopters to reach a multitude of communities,” he says. “Emergency response capacity in the province is easily strained due to the lack of maintenance of existing capacity and the lack of investment in new capacity.” With the South African Weather Service warning of more disruptive rainfall, Prof Coetzee urges residents and motorists to limit movement and prioritise safety. “Stay put as far as possible for the next couple of days while the storm passes,” he says. “Only travel or move around for emergency purposes.” If evacuation becomes necessary, communities living in flood-prone areas should contact local disaster management teams, fire departments or police services. Where investment is most needed Looking beyond the current floods, Prof Coetzee says municipalities and provincial authorities need to invest in both infrastructure and community preparedness to improve resilience against climate-related disasters. “There should be increased investment in both technical and community-based adaptation measures.” Prof Coetzee says long-term measures should include improved stormwater systems, early warning systems, updated disaster risk assessments, community awareness programmes and disaster response training. “Equal investment is needed in physical infrastructure and in building disaster response capacity within communities.”

Markets have always been complex. What’s changed is how quickly that complexity reaches everyday traders – and how convincingly it can be disguised. In the past year alone, South African regulators have warned repeatedly about fake trading platforms, impersonation scams and AI-driven investment fraud. The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) continues to highlight how convincing these schemes have become, often designed to look sophisticated, polished and legitimate. But that’s exactly the problem. Looking sophisticated is easy. Creating real clarity for traders is much harder. Digital access has made trading significantly more accessible to South Africans, contributing to a rise in self-directed investing and greater engagement with markets. But traders are also navigating more noise than ever before. And while trading has become easier to access, that doesn’t always mean the experience feels easier to navigate. That’s why simplicity is starting to matter in a different way. Not as a feature, but as a filter. More access, more noise Access to global markets has improved dramatically. Opening an account, placing a trade and tracking performance is far easier than it used to be. What hasn’t improved at the same pace is understanding. More people are participating, but not all are doing so with the same level of confidence or clarity. Locally, that gap is becoming more visible. Traders are often faced with platforms that feel busy rather than useful, layers of data, unclear pricing and interfaces that take time to understand. For many traders, this shows up in practical ways – unclear fee structures, cluttered dashboards, or platforms that prioritise data volume over genuine usability. The result isn’t just frustration; it’s decisions made under pressure that didn’t need to be. In fast-moving markets, that kind of confusion can affect how people respond. Instead of making measured decisions, traders often end up reacting emotionally or chasing short-term movements. Simplicity as a filter Markets will always be complex. Traders don’t necessarily need less information. They need platforms that make information easier to understand. When people can clearly understand their positions and costs, they tend to make calmer, more deliberate decisions. When platforms are difficult to navigate, traders often end up reacting emotionally to what’s happening in the market. That can lead to rushed trades, short-term thinking and unnecessary activity. Why this shift is happening now Markets are reacting faster than before. Global events from geopolitical tensions to policy shifts are reflected almost immediately in prices. At the same time, traders are balancing more. Time, financial pressure and information overload all play a role. With ongoing cost-of-living constraints, there is less appetite for unnecessary complexity. Expectations have also changed. People are used to digital experiences that are quick, clear and easy to use. Trading platforms are now being judged against the everyday apps and platforms people use daily. At its core, trading is about decision-making. The more complex the environment feels, the harder those decisions become not because traders lack ability, but because the experience gets in the way. Simpler experiences make it easier for traders to focus on the bigger picture, understanding their positions, managing risk and staying focused on long-term goals. In a market flooded with information, the advantage often comes from knowing what actually matters and what doesn’t. This is the thinking behind Clarity by Investec. The platforms that will win trust aren’t necessarily the most feature-rich – they’re the ones that remove friction at the moments that matter most. This is the thinking behind Clarity by Investec. Most investors are not full-time traders. They are making decisions alongside everything else in their lives. Platforms should reflect that reality and help traders make decisions more confidently, without adding unnecessary complexity. Disclaimer: “Clarity by Investec is a service offering of Investec Bank Limited (registration number 1969/004763/06), an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 11750) and Over-the-Counter Derivatives Provider, a Registered Credit Provider (NCRCP 9), and a member of the JSE Limited. Investec Bank Limited is committed to the Code of Banking Practice. Complaints may be referred to the National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa, an independent body that handles complaints against South African financial institutions. Copies of the Code and the Ombudsman’s details are available on request or visit Investec COBP.”

eThekwini Municipality is investigating claims that workers from an external contractor were drinking alcohol on duty at a Phoenix repair site. A resident filmed a confrontation after allegedly seeing five people drinking inside a municipal vehicle. The burst pipe was later fixed.

Playwright Tiisetso Mashifane wa Noni reflects on Soweto 1976 on the Crossing the Line podcast.

After a 20-year run, the curtain is finally closing on one of South Africa’s most recognisable television dramas as Scandal! prepares to air its final episode on 26 June 2026. After years of dominating primetime television and producing some of Mzansi’s most unforgettable soapie moments, the long-running e.tv series will officially come to an end. This marks the close of an era for local entertainment. The channel has confirmed that the soapie will be replaced by a brand-new family drama titled The Four Of Us. It is produced by the award-winning Tshedza Pictures. The production company is no stranger to hit television. Tshedza Pictures previously delivered fan-favourite productions, including The River, Legacy, Adulting, Youngins, and The Republic. While details surrounding The Four Of Us are still under wraps, the upcoming drama is expected to feature some of South Africa’s biggest stars. Also, viewers can look forward to seeing exciting new faces. For many viewers, however, the biggest conversation remains the ending of Scandal! This is a soapie that became part of South African pop culture over the past two decades. First introduced in 2005, the e.tv drama quickly built a loyal audience with its mix of newsroom politics, family betrayals, romance, crime and shocking twists. Set around the fictional newspaper The Voice, the soapie evolved over the years into a fast-paced drama filled with iconic villains and complicated love triangles. In addition, explosive storylines regularly dominated social media conversations. The series also became known for launching and reviving careers. Several actors became household names through the show’s unforgettable characters and dramatic scenes. Fans have already begun reacting emotionally online, with many describing the cancellation as the end of a television institution. Although Scandal! is bowing out, e.tv appears ready to usher in a new generation of storytelling. The Four Of Us is expected to take over immediately after the soapie’s final episode airs later this month.

Lions and Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been handed an 18-month ban by the Institute for Drug-free Sport following a anti-doping violation. The Lions said in a statement on Thursday they would deliberate with MyPlyers – the players’ association – on the appropriate next steps. They added they would continue to support Ntlabakanye. The prop is ineligible to play from 13 May, ruling out of the rest of the URC season as well as the Springbok Test matches this year, at least. This is a developing story.

Lions Rugby Company has confirmed that it has received communication from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) regarding the decision to sanction Lions and Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye for a period of 18 months following an anti-doping rule violation. LIONS RUGBY CONFIRM SUSPENSION VIA STATEMENT The Lions Rugby Company, together with MyPlayers – The Rugby Players’ Organisation, will deliberate on the appropriate next steps. During this time, the Lions Rugby Company will continue to support Ntlabakanye as he navigates the process ahead. As a result of SAIDS’ decision, Ntlabakanye’s period of ineligibility commenced on 13 May 2026, which rules him out of this weekend’s Round 18 Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster. No further comment will be made by the Lions Rugby Company or the player until the process regarding the way forward has been concluded. The ban will be effective from 13 May 2026, and it will rule him out of the World Cup next year. THE VIOLATION EXPLAINED: Last year, it came to light that Ntlabakanye had tested positive for the non-performance-enhancing banned substance Anastrozole, and which was apparently prescribed by “a specialist physician early in 2025 for medical reasons”. Yet, athletes are generally given very little leeway under the principle of strict liability as the responsibility ultimately rests with them to double check everything they take. Complicating matters further is that Ntlabakanye actually volunteered the information in good faith that he had also taken dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a ‘non-specified’ and ‘performance-enhancing’ substance. LIONS WERE ALREADY PREPARING FOR THE WORST FOR THIER SPRINGBOK Recently, the Lions opted to bolster their front row stocks with the recruitment of former Junior Springbok prop Corne Weilbach. “We believe and hope for the best for Asenathi. If it doesn’t turn out that way, though, that is one of the reasons why (Weilbach) joined us recently,” coach Ivan van Rooyen admitted.

After a lengthy wait, Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye is said to have learned his fate after testing positive for prohibited substances. Last year, it came to light that Ntlabakanye had tested positive for the non-performance-enhancing banned substance Anastrozole, and which was apparently prescribed by “a specialist physician early in 2025 for medical reasons”. Yet, athletes are generally given very little leeway under the principle of strict liability as the responsibility ultimately rests with them to double check everything they take. Complicating matters further is that Ntlabakanye actually volunteered the information in good faith that he had also taken dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a ‘non-specified’ and ‘performance-enhancing’ substance. Springbok learns his fate The Independent Doping Tribunal Panel (IDHP) has now handed down its verdict, and the 27-year-old has been suspended for 18 months. The ban will be effective from 13 May 2026, and it will rule him out of the World Cup next year. “Lions Rugby Company confirms that it has received communication from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) regarding the decision to sanction Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye for a period of 18 months following an anti-doping rule violation,” a statement read. “The Lions Rugby Company, together with MyPlayers – The Rugby Players’ Organisation, will deliberate on the appropriate next steps. During this time, the Lions Rugby Company will continue to support Ntlabakanye as he navigates the process ahead. “As a result of SAIDS’ decision, Ntlabakanye’s period of ineligibility commenced on 13 May 2026, which rules him out of this weekend’s Round 18 United Rugby Championship fixture against Munster. “No further comment will be made by the Lions Rugby Company or the player until the process regarding the way forward has been concluded.” The Player, SAIDS, World Rugby and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) are expected to have 21 days within which to file an appeal against the sanction to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). It’s a huge blow for the Springboks and the powerful prop, who earned four Test caps last season and had clearly been earmarked as a genuine World Cup contender. Ntlabakanye, who has also been a mainstay at the Lions since 2020, went through a rigorous fitness and conditioning programme last year and had just got himself into some of the best shape of his life when the news of his positive tests became public. Although there is some level of leniency on his ban, as it could have been as long as four years, it is still a potentially career-defining decision. Lions were already preparing for the worst Recently, the Lions opted to bolster their front row stocks with the recruitment of former Junior Springbok prop Corne Weilbach. “We believe and hope for the best for Asenathi. If it doesn’t turn out that way, though, that is one of the reasons why (Weilbach) joined us recently,” coach Ivan van Rooyen admitted at the time.

Telkom says "most" of its connectivity has been restored while it continues to monitor the network across the region.

Seacom has told TechCentral it learnt hard lessons about redundancy that all business leaders should heed.