Aryna Sabalenka briefly paused her US Open third-round match against Kamilla Rakhimova after complaining about a strong cannabis smell near Louis Armstrong Stadium. She later joked that she might “get high”.

José Mourinho said Real Madrid deserved more from their 1-0 defeat by Real Betis on Friday, 4 September 2026, after Troy Parrott scored and Kylian Mbappé missed a late penalty.

Mamelodi Sundowns are believed to be preparing a massive bid for the services of a high-rated Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi. Orlando Pirates are also said to be interested in signing the Bafana Bafana right back. However, according to a source, Sundowns are leading the race for the 27-year-old due to their heavy financial backing.“Sundowns are determined to sign Matuludi. That’s why they have tabled a huge offer for him. They see him as a long-term replacement for (Khuliso) Mudau and (Thapelo) Morena who are in their thirties now,” said the source.“Pirates are also ready to table an offer for him and are ready to outbid Sundowns, but as you know, Sundowns’ budget is unlimited. I think they’ll outbid Pirates in the end due to their financial muscle. However, Pirates have a good relationship with Polokwane City. Remember what happened with the Oswin Appollis transfer. Apparently, Chiefs’ offer was better than Pirates’ but where is he now? But at this stage, Sundowns lead the race for Matuludi’s signature,” added the source.Kaizer Chiefs are also reportedly keen to sign Matuludi, but Amakhosi are yet to submit an offer for him.

As South Africans continue to brace for severe weather conditions, a minibus taxi was damaged when strong winds uprooted a tree that fell onto the vehicle. This comes after the South African Weather Service (Saws) issued an orange level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms for parts of the Northern Cape, while the Free State, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) are also bracing for severe conditions. Springboks The storms could also complicate Saturday’s decisive Springbok-All Blacks clash at FNB Stadium. Severe weather is expected to move across Johannesburg around the same time as the showdown kicks off shortly after 5pm, potentially placing tens of thousands of spectators and both teams at risk. Disaster teams, traffic police and emergency services are on high alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms and destructive winds. Joburg warning With the winds howling at tremendous speeds, a taxi was damaged by the severe gusts. The Citizen visited the scene and discovered no one was in the taxi at the time of the incident. Meanwhile, Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) has urged residents to remain vigilant. “As the city, we remain on high alert together with our specialised rescue unit, which is prepared to respond to water-related emergencies,” said EMS spokesperson Kagiso Phasha. “We urge motorists to slow down, maintain a safe following distance and avoid flooded roads. Pedestrians should avoid walking through flooded areas and stay away from fast-flowing water.” A tree fell onto a taxi in Langlaagte, Johannesburg, amid adverse weather conditions across Gauteng on 4 September 2026. Picture: Shaun Holland/The Citizen Emergency services Pasha warned that weather conditions may continue into the weekend. “Residents are urged to remain vigilant and monitor official weather and emergency updates. For any emergency that might occur, you can contact the city’s command and control centre on 011 375 5911.” The eThekwini Municipality has also placed its Disaster Management and emergency services teams on high alert as damaging winds of up to 90km/h were forecast for Friday, 04 September 2026.

Durban motorists are being urged to plan ahead and allow extra travelling time this Sunday, 6 September, as several roads will be closed or have lane restrictions in place for the Iqwembu Cycle Challenge. Motorists are being advised to use alternative routes where possible and follow instructions from traffic officers deployed along the affected routes. Durban roads that will be closed Several sections around the Ruth First Highway and surrounding roads will be affected. The following road closures will be in place: Ruth First Highway northbound at Sandile Thusi Road: The road will be closed, with no northbound traffic allowed. Ruth First Highway northbound at Isaiah Ntshangase Road: The road will be closed to traffic travelling towards Isaiah Ntshangase Road. Isaiah Ntshangase Road at the Country Club exit: The road will be closed towards Ruth First Highway, with traffic diverted west along Isaiah Ntshangase Road. Athlone Drive at the Ruth First Highway northbound on-ramp: The on-ramp will be closed, with no northbound traffic allowed onto the highway. Lane restrictions for cyclists The municipality said that other roads will remain open but will have lane restrictions to accommodate cyclists. The left lane on Sandile Thusi Road eastbound, between Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and Ruth First Highway, will be closed. Left lanes on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue southbound, between Isaiah Ntshangase Road and Sandile Thusi Road, will also be closed for cyclists. Meanwhile, lanes on Stalwart Simelane Street northbound before Ruth First Highway will be reduced. Durban Metro Police officers will be deployed to manage traffic and help ensure the safety of both cyclists and motorists. Motorists travelling through the affected areas on Sunday have been urged to plan their journeys in advance, consider alternative routes and allow extra time to reach their destinations.

Cape Town is shaking off winter, the days are getting longer and braai season is calling — and now Mzoli’s is back in the mix. The iconic Gugulethu-born shisanyama brand has officially opened its new home in Gardens, bringing its trademark mix of grilled meat, music and good company into the city bowl. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde attended the opening earlier this week, marking the start of a new chapter for the much-loved Cape Town name. The timing could hardly be better. Spring usually signals the start of Cape Town’s outdoor social calendar, with weekend lunches, sundowners, braais and festive-season plans quickly filling diaries. Mzoli’s will now be part of that energy again. A Gugulethu favourite turned Cape Town icon The reopening also comes just months after the death of founder Edwin “Mzoli” Ngcawuzele, who died in June 2026 at the age of 72 following an illness. Affectionately known as Ta Mzo, Ngcawuzele built Mzoli’s from a modest Gugulethu butchery into one of Cape Town’s best-known shisanyama destinations. His family is now carrying that legacy into a new chapter in Gardens. The Mzoli’s story began in Gugulethu in 2003, when Ngcawuzele opened a small butchery and gave customers the option of having their meat braaied on site. The concept quickly caught on. Before long, Mzoli’s Place became one of Cape Town’s most recognisable weekend hangouts, with Sundays drawing crowds for braaied meat, music and its lively township atmosphere. Locals mixed with tourists, celebrities and other high-profile visitors, helping turn the venue into a destination in its own right and putting Gugulethu firmly on Cape Town’s food and social map. The original venue closed in 2021 after nearly two decades in business, as economic pressures, safety concerns and the impact of Covid-19 restrictions took their toll. A fresh chapter in Gardens The Gardens opening now gives the brand a new address while keeping the spirit that made Mzoli’s famous. The new venue will lean into the same shisanyama experience, with African food, grilled meat, music and a laid-back social atmosphere at the heart of the offering. And with summer and the festive season just around the corner, Mzoli’s return adds another name to Cape Town’s growing list of places to eat, meet and make a day of it. For a brand built around meat on the fire, music in the background and people coming together, spring feels like a fitting time to start again.

ACT CEO Nomvuyiso Batyi answers Wapa’s Paul Colmer on the operators’ rural infrastructure exemption application.

Icasa opens a market inquiry into telecoms affordability, the fifth such process in under a decade.