A concerted effort to tackle illegal immigration in South Africa's Hillbrow neighbourhood saw a mixed team of private security personnel and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducting an operation yesterday, which resulted in several arrests.

Japanese rider Ai Ogura ended a 22-year premier-class drought to win a dramatic Dutch Grand Prix at Assen, leading a Trackhouse Aprilia one-two finish.

Undocumented migrants warm up by a camp fire at the Durban Drive In in Durban, on June 27, 2026 where they will be registered by South African Immigration Officers ahead of their repatriation. Thousands of Malawians were awaiting clearance in makeshift encampments in South Africa Friday as tension mounted before an unofficial June 30 ultimatum for undocumented migrants to leave the country. Citizen-led groups have rallied behind the unauthorised Tuesday deadline after weeks of protests, attacks on businesses and threats against illegal migrants in which two Mozambican nationals and a Malawian have been killed. (Photo by MARCO LONGARI / AFP) Community members and local leaders in Kliptown, Soweto march against illegal immigrants, 28 June 2026. Picture: Nigel Sibanda / The Citizen A firefighter walks past a burning pile of seized illegal drugs during a destruction ceremony to mark the United Nations’ “International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” in Yangon on June 26, 2026. (Photo by Sai Aung MAIN / AFP) Law enforcement agencies parade, 26 June 2026, to demonstrate operational readiness ahead of the planned demonstrations scheduled for 30 June 2026, outside FNB stadium in Soweto. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen A group of people takes part in a picket holding placards as they protest against xenophobia outside the South African Parliament in Cape Town, on June 27, 2026. South Africans President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed on Thursday to crush any attempts to destabilise the nation during planned anti-immigrant marches next week, amid a wave of xenophobia. Citizen-led groups have set Tuesday 30 as a deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave and called for nationwide marches against illegal immigration, marking a crescendo in months of protests that have at times turned violent. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP) March and March leader Jacinta Ngobesi-Zuma (CR) leads a march by March and March supporters in Estcourt on June 26, 2026. South Africans President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed on Thursday to crush any attempts to destabilise the nation during planned anti-immigrant marches next week, amid a wave of xenophobia. Citizen-led groups have set Tuesday 30 as a deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave and called for nationwide marches against illegal immigration, marking a crescendo in months of protests that have at times turned violent. (Photo by Marco Longari / AFP) Thousands of Malawian migrants continue to gather at a temporary reception center in Durban, South Africa, following a renewed wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-migrant protests across the country on June 27, 2026. The migrants are waiting for registration procedures conducted by South African authorities to be completed before returning to Malawi. (Photo by Ihsaan Haffejee/Anadolu via Getty Images) Hundreds of Zimbabwean migrants gather with their belongings outside the Zimbabwean Consulate in Cape Town, on June 27, 2026, as they try to get repatriated to Zimbabwe. South Africans President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed on Thursday to crush any attempts to destabilise the nation during planned anti-immigrant marches next week, amid a wave of xenophobia. Citizen-led groups have set Tuesday 30 as a deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave and called for nationwide marches against illegal immigration, marking a crescendo in months of protests that have at times turned violent. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP) Vespa enthusiasts from around the world ride during the parade of the Vespa World Days marking the 80th anniversary of the iconic Italian brand of scooters in Rome on June 27, 2026. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) An aerial picture shows children competing in a street football tournament locally known as “Liga Aspal” (Asphalt League) along a railway track in Jakarta on June 27, 2026. (Photo by Lelananging Jagad / AFP) A jockey balances on a wooden plough adapted for the race, sometimes holding and biting the tails of two bulls to steer them through a flooded paddy field, during Pacu Jawi, a traditional bull racing event, in Simabur village, Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra, on June 27, 2026. (Photo by YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP) A hippopotamus catches a frozen apple at Rome’s Zoological Garden “Bioparco” during a heatwave on June 26, 2026. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP) A couple cools off in the Trocadero Fountain with the Eiffel Tower on the background during a heatwave in Paris on June 26, 2026. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP) Lightning strikes the Eiffel Tower during a thunderstorm in Paris on June 27, 2026. (Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF / AFP) A common yellow swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon) is feeding on a flower in Chisseaux, central France, on June 27, 2026. (Photo by Alain JOCARD / AFP) People are seen on the bus as thousands of Malawian migrants were put on buses to return to their home country following a rise in xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests in the city of Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, on June 26, 2026. (Photo by Ihsaan Haffejee/Anadolu via Getty Images) People bathe in the Vltava River in Cesky Krumlov, South Bohemia on June 27, 2026, as a heatwave hits the Czech Republic with temperatures rising over 40 degrees Celsius. The Czech Republic recorded its highest-ever temperature on June 27, 2026, with a reading of 40.6C at a weather station in Doksany north (Photo by Michal Cizek / AFP) A camel racer competes during the Marree Australasian Camel Cup run in the South Australian outback town of Marree on June 27, 2026. The Camel Cup is a much-loved outback event celebrating camel racing, Afghan cameleer heritage, community and culture. Camels were instrumental in helping settlers open the outback of Australia to development until trains took over. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) MORE: 24 hours in pictures, 25 June 2026

George Russell returned to winning ways after a series of disappointments on Sunday when he claimed a measured victory for Mercedes ahead of Red Bull’s four-time champion Max Verstappen in a thrilling Austrian Grand Prix. The 28-year-old Briton, the pre-season favourite for the drivers’ title and winner of the opening race, secured his second win of the year and the seventh of his career in a close race, declared to be a ‘heat hazard’ event, at the Red Bull Ring circuit. Russell came home 1.611 seconds ahead of a charging Verstappen who in turn resisted championship leader Kimi Antonelli, in the second Mercedes, to finish 0.375 seconds in front of him as they crossed the line. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was fourth, 20 seconds adrift, ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari, Isack Hadjar in the second Red Bull and world champion Lando Norris in the second McLaren. Charles Leclerc was eighth in the second Ferrari ahead of the two Red Bulls of Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad. “It’s beautiful to be back on the top step,” said Russell. “It’s been a while so I’m definitely going to enjoy this one tonight. Max and Red Bull were incredibly quick this weekend, so kudos to them. I had to push every single lap — and I’m looking forward to a drink now.” Russell’s win trimmed Antonelli’s advantage ahead of him in the title race by 10 points to 40, the Italian teenager having reeled off five straight wins to establish a clear lead earlier in the season. Verstappen, who started fifth, made light of the temperatures of 37C (air) and 62C (track). He said: “It was a very good race for us. The first laps were fun and then I managed the tyres.” Antonelli said: “I was a bit too excited in the first laps and I didn’t drive well, but after changing tyres, I re-set and the pace was strong. It’s a shame I joined the party a bit too late.” Shifting strategies On an afternoon of searing heat in the Styrian Alps, Russell made a clean start from his 11th career pole to lead while, behind him, Hamilton passed Leclerc for second and Antonelli, in pure exuberance, ran off twice on the opening lap. He passed Leclerc on lap two, but had to give the place back, offering Verstappen a chance to sweep through for third. By this stage, both Cadillacs had retired with overheating and Verstappen closed on Hamilton before diving past him on lap 11, prompting a wheel-to-wheel battle as the Briton hung on to second before pitting. He returned on hards in 11th, with instructions to push as Russell pulled 5.4 seconds clear of Verstappen and Antonelli rose to third. Verstappen pitted on lap 19, returning two seconds behind Hamilton before Russell came in and gave Antonelli the lead on lap 20, as Verstappen snatched third with a bruising move on Hamilton. Antonelli then pitted on lap 24, seconds before a brief Virtual Safety Car when Carlos Sainz stopped on the main straight. He rejoined fifth while Hamilton pitted again for used softs for another spell of spicy racing. All this left Russell leading ahead of Verstappen and Antonelli at half-distance with Hamilton chasing Piastri for fourth before both pitted on lap 43 followed by Russell. Verstappen delighted his ‘orange army’ in the grandstands, with Antonelli 4.3 adrift and Russell third, but more stops loomed as a tactical race of shifting strategies and degrading tyres took shape. The Dutchman pitted again on lap 50, handing the lead to Antonelli who in turn pitted once more to give the initiative to Russell. With 21 laps to complete, Russell resisted as Verstappen chased him home.

Bafana Bafana take on Canada in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 on Sunday evening, with Hugo Broos’ side aiming to make more history after reaching the knockout stages for the first time. South Africa secured their place in the last 32 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea in their final Group A match. The clash against co-hosts Canada will be played in Los Angeles, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00. Canada progressed as runners-up in their group behind Switzerland, setting up what promises to be a tightly contested encounter. Here’s how Bafana could lineup against Canada Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is an automatic selection after an outstanding group-stage campaign. The Bafana captain conceded just three goals in three matches and has been one of South Africa’s standout performers at the tournament. Defence Khuliso Mudau should continue at right-back, while the central defensive partnership of Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Ime Okon has earned another opportunity after a composed display against South Korea. Aubrey Modiba is expected to keep his place at left-back. Midfield Teboho Mokoena is available again after serving his suspension and is expected to slot straight back into the starting XI. He should partner Yaya Sithole, who impressed with his disciplined performance in the previous match. Bafana will need to dominate Canada in the midfield to win the game. Attack Relebohile Mofokeng is likely to continue in the attacking midfield role after another lively display. Oswin Appollis should keep his place on the left wing despite not yet reaching his best form in the tournament. On the opposite flank, Thapelo Maseko is expected to start after scoring the winner against South Korea, while Evidence Makgopa is tipped to lead the line once again. Predicted Bafana XI against Canada: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Yaya Sithole; Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis; Evidence Makgopa. Bafana Bafana have already achieved a historic milestone by reaching the knockout stages, but another disciplined and clinical performance could see Broos’ men book a place in the last 16 at the expense of Canada. What’s your lineup?

The time has arrived for the Springboks to kick off a new international campaign, and a blockbuster 2026 season gets underway with a highly-anticipated clash against England this Saturday. After a couple of days off to spend time with family and friends, the Springbok squad reassembled at their training base in Johannesburg on Sunday to begin their official Test-week preparations. The Test against England will kick off at 17:40 on Saturday, 4 July, and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. “England are a quality outfit, and they will present a completely different challenge to that which we faced against the Barbarians,” Rassie Erasmus commented. “They are a settled squad and come off a Six Nations campaign, but we are pleased that we had the opportunity to give our players invaluable game time before the Nations Championship begins. “The team is aligned on the expectations and standards going into the competition, and we are pleased with the hard work they put in this week, so we are ready to get the international season into full swing.” Springboks ready to kick off jampacked season with big opener against England The England match will be followed by clashes against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 11 July, and Wales at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on 18 July. With Erasmus working with a big squad of 46 players, it is tricky to predict what the maverick Springbok coach could have up his sleeve when it comes to selection, but this is how we think the first Test team of the year could look. SPRINGBOKS (possible): 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche. > full squad Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Ntuthuko Mchunu (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Zachary Porthen (Stormers), Carlu Sadie (Bordeaux Bègles), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Boan Venter (Edinburgh).Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Andre-Hugo Venter (Stormers).Locks: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Ruben van Heerden (Stormers).Loose forwards: Paul de Villiers (Stormers), Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Evan Roos (Stormers), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).Utility forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Riley Norton (Stormers), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls), Cobus Wiese (Bulls).Scrumhalves: Embrose Papier (Bulls), Herschel Jantjies (Bayonne), Cobus Reinach (Stormers), Grant Williams (Sharks).Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners), Vusi Moyo (Sharks), Handre Pollard (Bulls).Centres: Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).Outside and utility backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Quan Horn (Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Edwill van der Merwe (Sharks), Jaco Williams (Sharks), Damian Willemse (Stormers).

One of South Africa’s leading computer scientists weighs on the significance of the first sub-1nm chip.

South African operators have agreed interim measures to curb Sim fraud while pressing government for Rica reforms.