South Africans may face rising food prices and drought risks as the UN's World Food Programme warns that a powerful El Niño could push millions into global food insecurity by 2027.

Springbok loose forward Elrigh Louw reflects on his arduous rehab journey, lessons from 2024, and the physical challenge awaiting in Buenos Aires.

We bring you a visual snapshot of the day’s news events, featuring a massive fire engulfing a chemical plant in Santiago, principal dancers rehearsing Cape Ballet Africa’s production of Swan Lake ahead of its Johannesburg run, and Ukrainian firefighters battling blazes after a deadly wave of Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv. These are some of the compelling images from around the world. This aerial view shows a large fire at a chemical plant in the Quilicura commune of Santiago on August 4, 2026. (Photo by Javier TORRES / AFP) Principal dancers Leanè Theunissen and Gabriel Ravenscroft perform in Cape Ballet Africa’s production of Swan Lake at The Teatro, at Montecasino, 5 August 2026. The classic love story, set to Tchaikovsky’s soaring score, is choreographed and directed by Elena Glurjidze and will run from 7 to 23 August. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Ukrainian firefighters work to put out a fire following massive Russian ballistic missile and drone strikes in Kyiv on August 5, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russian missile and drone strikes killed at least 17 people and wounded dozens more in Kyiv and the surrounding region overnight, authorities said August 5, 2026, the latest in a wave of deadly attacks on Ukraine. Kyiv was unable to shoot down any of the missiles launched by Russia, whose intensifying missile attacks have prompted Kyiv to plead for more US-made Patriot interceptors. (Photo by Tetiana DZHAFAROVA / AFP) People pack into a wave pool at an ocean park as they seek relief from the heat in Shenyang, northeastern China’s Liaoning province on August 4, 2026. (Photo by CN-STR / AFP) Maintenance workers from Switzeland and locall crew changing the cables during the annual maintenance shutdown at Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Lower Station on August 05, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. The dedicated closure period is essential to maintaining the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Cableway. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach) Athletes compete in the men’s 5km open water swimming event during the LEN European Aquatics Championships, in the Seine River in Paris, on August 5, 2026. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP) This photo shows boats in a marina left stranded on dry ground by the low water level of the Danube River near Apatin, Serbia, on August 4, 2026, as prolonged hot and dry weather continues to lower water levels across the country. Scientists say global warming is increasing droughts and causing weather emergencies to become more extreme and more frequent. Prolonged drought and hot weather across Europe have pushed water levels along the Danube river to record seasonal lows, reaching its lowest flow rate in the last 30 years. (Photo by Nenad MIHAJLOVIC / AFP) A Two-tailed swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata) is seen perching on a flower at the Chapultepec Forest, in Mexico City, on August 4, 2026. (Photo by Yuri CORTEZ / AFP) Officers receive year long service award at the medal ceremony for enforcement services staff at Sea Point Civic Centre on August 04, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. The ceremony recognised officers who have demonstrated exemplary professionalism, achievement, and dedication to the Directorate. (Photo by Gallo Images/Misha Jordaan) A ragpicker pushes his cart as he carries salvaged recyclable materials past a mural along a street in New Delhi on August 5, 2026. (Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP) An aerial view taken on August 5, 2026 shows the ‘Werksschwimmbad’ swimming pool at Zeche Zollverein in Essen, western Germany. The swimming pool at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein was designed by Frankfurt-based artists Dirk Paschke and Daniel Milohnic in 2001 as part of the art project ‘Contemporary Art and Criticism’. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP) The words “One Westbury, One People” are painted on one of the flats in Westbury, Johannesburg, 4 August 2026, ahead of an address by ACDP Bishop Dulton Adams at Mabaleng Grounds following the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old. Adams met with community members to discuss concerns over drugs and gangsterism in the area. Picture: Jessica Nkuna Leader of the Opposition in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Solly Msimanga, briefs the media at the Gauteng Legislature in Johannesburg on 5 August 2026. Msimanga criticised Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Morakane Mosupyoe over the legislature’s reported R5.9 million expenditure on a trip to Venezuela. Picture: Lerato Thooe Keira Lock, 17, poses for a portrait at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town, on August 5, 2026 where she is competing in the 13th South African International Ballet Competition. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP) A woman visits the 798 art district in Beijing on August 5, 2026. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP) A ’No Fishing’ sign is pictured in the dried up Falmer Pond in Falmer, East Sussex, south of London on August 5, 2026. England and Wales both experienced the “driest July on record”, the UK Met Office weather agency said on August 5, based on provisional figures. (Photo by GLYN KIRK / AFP) 1/16

As South Africa prepares for the 2026 local government elections, African Transformation Movement (ATM) leader Vuyo Zungula defended his party’s policies. He also criticised the ANC’s governance record. Zungula outlined what he believes is needed to restore municipal service delivery. Speaking to host Itumeleng Mafisa on The Movement podcast, Zungula said South Africa’s biggest challenge is a lack of political will. He argued that legislation and resources already exist. He blamed corruption, poor leadership and weak governance for failing municipalities. A significant part of the discussion focused on illegal immigration. Zungula expressed support for recent anti-illegal immigration marches. He said peaceful protest is a constitutional right. Zungula argued that South Africa faces an immigration crisis. He maintained that people living in the country illegally should leave. They should return through legal immigration processes. Zungula also criticised what he called selective law enforcement. He claimed the government deploys more resources against peaceful protesters than against organised crime. He said illegal mining and failing public infrastructure receive far less attention. On the economy, Zungula acknowledged that many structural inequalities began before 1994. However, he argued that the ANC has failed to transform economic participation. He called for greater investment in black-owned businesses. He said stronger political leadership is essential for inclusive economic growth. The ATM leader also opposed proposals for electoral thresholds for smaller parties. He described the proposals as anti-democratic. He called for coalition governments to operate under transparent, legally binding agreements. He said this would allow residents to hold political parties accountable. Asked whether he could become ATM’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Zungula said the decision would not be his alone. He said the party’s community consultation process would determine its candidates. According to Zungula, residents should ultimately decide who represents them in local government. ALSO SEE: The young KZN mayor turning things around, as northern towns battle daily

Police have launched an inquest into the deaths of two St Stithians College teens – matriculant Ethan Coetzee and Grade 11 learner, Cameron Waldeck-Cooks. The bodies of the 19-year-old and 17-year-old were reportedly discovered at a lodge in Sabie in Mpumalanga on Monday, 3 August. The Johannesburg private school has paid tribute to both Ethan and Cameron on their Facebook page. POLICE PROBE DEATHS OF ST STITHIAN COLLEGE TEENS According to Maroela Media, two bodies discovered at a Sabie lodge on Monday were identified as St Stithians College 2025 matriculant Ethan Coetzee and Grade 11 learner, Cameron Waldeck- Cooks. Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said: “The police are conducting an inquest into the deaths of a man (19) and a woman (17) who were found dead at a lodge in Sabie on Monday. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause of their death”. Authorities have not disclosed the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths. No indication of foul play, suicide, accident, or illness has been officially released TRIBUTES POUR IN On Tuesday, St Stithians College shared two separate posts about the tragic deaths of Ehan Coetzee and Cameron Waldeck-Cooks. Ethan, who matriculated last year, was a member of the school’s first team rugby, while Cameron was remembered as a talented rower and netball player. Posting a picture of the blonde, blue-eyed teen, St Stithians shared: “Cameron will be remembered for her kindness, warmth and determination. She approached life with resilience, quiet strength and a genuine care for those around her. Today, our community mourns the loss of a cherished student, daughter, sister and dear friend who was loved by all and will be remembered with great affection”. Of Ethan, who had now graduated from the school, a tribute read: “Ethan possessed a natural warmth and charisma that drew people to him, forging strong friendships. “He had the ability to instil confidence in others, offering encouragement when it was needed most and making those around him feel seen, valued, and supported”.

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has argued that new signing Langelihle Phili does not have the right players at Amakhosi to complement his talent. The young attacker joined Chiefs this week having completed his move from Stellenbosch FC. Phili is the club’s fifth signing of the season and is the second former Stellies player to join Amakhosi with Thabo Moloisane having joined a few weeks ago. The Glamour Boys already look in good form having won their opening match of the season. Khanye feels Phili is a good addition and will help the team with the right support. Phili completes Chiefs move “He’s a player for a big team, and it’s been long coming,” said Khanye on iDiski TV. “I mean the boy worked for it and he has bright future if he can remain humble when he arrives in Johannesburg because it’s different from Cape Town. “I think it’s a good signing, but if they won’t compliment him…It’s like saying you want to eat good food, but you don’t buy the ingredients, so it’s going to be difficult.” Khanye said Chiefs needed a playmaker to help Phili.  “Who’s going to cook and dish for the boy? “Do they have a proper number 10 at Kaizer Chiefs who can fetch the ball, rotate it, and drive the midfield? I mean a playmaker? They don’t have that type of player. “You have released [Gaston] Sirino, and not to say Sirino was great at Kaizer Chiefs, but he’s better compared to the players they have,”  Phuli could make his debut for Chiefs this weekend in the MTN8. Who is Chiefs best signing?

Exclusive | The communications minister has rejected the idea that South Africa must align with Washington or Beijing.

The JSE is building software at a rapidly accelerated rate as it works towards a pan-African digital marketplace by 2031.