The department of forestry, fisheries and the environment has ordered the urgent evacuation of the overwintering team stationed at Marion Island after delays to the SA Agulhas II relief voyage raised fears that critical fuel supplies for the remote base could run out. Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp said the decision was taken after disruptions in the supply of additives needed to produce specialised polar diesel threatened the operation of the island’s generators.  Marion Island, a remote South African research base in the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean, lies about 2 000km southeast of Cape Town.  Unlike normal diesel, the fuel is designed to withstand the sub-Antarctic temperatures on Marion Island, where ordinary diesel would crystallise. “With the weather conditions having cleared in Cape Town, the helicopters that will be used for the evacuation of the overwintering team were able to land on the vessel, which is now ready to sail,” the department said on Thursday. Aucamp said the department could no longer delay action while uncertainty remained over when the fuel additives would become available. “The voyage delays were caused by the unavailability of crucial fuel products that are mixed with normal diesel and are used to create the special polar diesel required to keep the base running within extremely low outside temperatures that would crystalise normal diesel,” he said.  “As we are unsure when these fuel products will be available, we cannot wait any longer at the expense of the wellbeing of our team. Our people’s lives come first.” Department spokesperson Zolile Nqayi told the Mail & Guardian on Friday that supply chain disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East had affected the availability of the additives required to manufacture the polar diesel. He said the department had initially believed replacement supplies would be secured. “At the end of April the department was given assurance from some suppliers that additives for producing polar diesel stock were secured.” However, the department later received confirmation from a Cape Town refinery that it could not produce the fuel because of a national kerosene shortage. At the same time, aviation fuel for the helicopters involved in the operation could not be sourced in Cape Town and had to be transported from Durban. Nqayi said the base still had enough food supplies, although some items had run low. The main concern was the depletion of polar diesel needed to run generators supplying electricity to the base. Fuel levels were being monitored daily. The SA Agulhas II, an icebreaking polar supply and research ship owned by the department, was expected to depart on Thursday and arrive at Marion Island on Monday.  The crew is expected to remain at the base for between three and five days before returning to South Africa on 28 May, weather permitting. The department said the branch: oceans and coasts, together with the department of public works and infrastructure and the department of science, technology and innovation, shared responsibility for ensuring logistical support for overwintering teams. Nqayi said a full debrief would take place after the vessel’s return and that Aucamp and the department’s director-general would decide whether further investigation into the logistical failures was necessary.

The Madlanga commission on Friday dismissed an application by North West businessman Brown Mogotsi to recuse evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson, rejecting claims of bias and unfair prejudice. Mogotsi alleged that Chaskalson had promised to protect him during the commission’s hearings if he provided damaging evidence against North West businessman and ANC backer Suleiman Carrim. But commission chairperson Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga rejected the claim, saying the exchanges between Mogotsi and Chaskalson did not show any promise of protection or threat of reprisal. “The application is dismissed,” Madlanga said. “The effect of the dismissal is that Mr Mogotsi’s evidence will be heard … Mr Mogotsi’s evidence will be led by Mr Chaskalson.” Mogotsi said in his founding affidavit that his interactions with Chaskalson began in March this year after his attorney withdrew from representing him at the commission. He alleged that Chaskalson indicated he would protect him if he provided incriminating evidence against Carrim. “During this period, advocate Chaskalson and I had various WhatsApp calls and text conversations concerning Mr Suleiman and his evidence. The tone and context of these conversations caused me grave concern regarding advocate Chaskalson SC’s impartiality,” Mogotsi said. In one exchange, Mogotsi said he texted Chaskalson: “I think you can help me”, to which Chaskalson replied: “I think so too. But you can’t mess me around. “Ironically, he had earlier, when I was testifying, called me a liar and dishonest, yet reached out to me for information against Suleiman under the promise of protecting me,” Mogotsi stated in his affidavit. The commission said it was Mogotsi who initiated contact with Chaskalson and subsequently offered to provide information about Carrim and alleged crime boss, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. “The impression formed, according to Mr Mogotsi’s case, is that: ‘If I don’t bring anything valuable, if I don’t bring anything useful, then I cannot be indemnified, or I cannot be saved’,” argued Mogotsi’s attorney, advocate Nthabiseng Mohomane.  “I informed him that I needed protection and he assured me that he would ‘sort me out’, but again pressed for more evidence against Sueliman,” Mogotsi said in his affidavit. Chaskalson, however, described the allegations as fraudulent. He said Mogotsi’s case rested on the claim that he had improperly pressured him to provide evidence against Carrim and that any “help” offered was conditional on implicating Carrim. The record, he said, showed the opposite. “I have never suggested to Mr Mogotsi that he should give false evidence to implicate Mr Carrim,” Chaskalson said in his affidavit. Chaskalson also accused Mogotsi of submitting falsified evidence by deleting several missed calls and text messages. “Mr Mogotsi has removed a text that he sent me on 12 March 2026, at 11.29 pm, in which he stated: ‘M worried about coming [to the commission offices]’, also mentioning that ‘I called u at night, thought it would be strategic also’,” Chaskalson said. “I also deny that I ever offered to protect Mr Mogotsi from adverse findings by the commission if he could implicate Mr Carrim. I would never offer any witness a quid pro quo for implicating another witness and I have not done so.” Chaskalson said Mogotsi’s conduct could amount to criminal behaviour, including falsifying evidence, improperly impugning an evidence leader and acting in a manner prejudicial to the orderly conduct of the commission. He said Mogotsi initiated and pursued the communications because he was concerned that Carrim was blaming him. “Mr Mogotsi sought assistance to avoid being used as a scapegoat and Mr Mogotsi himself offered to provide evidence concerning Mr Carrim and the SAPS/Medicare24 Tshwane district contract,” Chaskalson said. Commissioner Sesi Baloyi also questioned Mogotsi’s claims of bias. “Is it not opportunistic to offer Mr Chaskalson information on Mr Carrim and then fail to deliver because Mr Mogotsi, as it turns out, does not have such information?” Baloyi asked. “You offer and then you fail to deliver. And without more, you say: ‘He is going to be biased against me.’” Baloyi noted that Mogotsi had not pointed to any messages in which Chaskalson expressed anger or threatened retaliation after he failed to provide information.

As the South African Communist Party prepares for its 'Conference of the Left', the inclusion of right-wing populist formations raises critical questions about the future of socialism in South Africa.

As an EFF MP, I challenged Minister Parks Tau on South Africa's complicity in the suffering of Palestinians, demanding an end to coal exports that fuel genocide, writes Carl Niehaus.

NCC Leader Fadiel Adams appears at Pinetown Magistrate’s Court for bail application on May 15, 2026 in Pinetown, South Africa. Fadiel Adams faces charges of fraud and defeating the ends of justice in relation to his alleged interference with the murder probe into ANC Youth League SG, Sindiso Magaqa. (Photo by Gallo Images/Darren Stewart) Power lines are pictured on a street at Petare neighborhood in Caracas on May 14, 2026. (Photo by Juan BARRETO / AFP) US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One after his departure from Beijing Capital Airport on May 15, 2026, on his way back to the United States. Trump said he had made “fantastic trade deals” with China’s Xi Jinping, as the pair met on May 15 at final talks of a superpower summit that according to the US leader has also reaped a Chinese offer to help open the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP) Rescuers work at a residential building partially destroyed following Russian drone and missile strikes in Kyiv on May 14, 2026, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Ukraine’s capital came under heavy aerial attack early on May 14, an AFP journalist reported, as Kyiv’s mayor said Russia was striking the city. (Photo by Roman PILIPEY / AFP) Staff remove water from the tarp covering the clay court after the semi-final match between Italy’s Luciano Darderi and Norway’s Casper Ruud was interrupted due to a storm during the ATP Rome Open tennis tournament at Foro Italico in Rome on May 15, 2026. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) Crew members at the change of command parades for SAS Amatola and SAS King Shaka Zulu at Simons Town Naval Base on May 14, 2026 in Simons Town, South Africa. The parades mark significant leadership transitions within the South African Navy and reaffirm the Navy’s commitment to professionalism, continuity and effective defense of a democratic South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach) Released Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) wrapped with Ukrainian national flags hug each other following a prisoner exchange at an undisclosed location, in the Chernihiv region on May 15, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine exchanged 205 prisoners of war each on May 15, Moscow and Kyiv said, a week after US President Donald Trump announced a large swap would take place between the warring sides. (Photo by Roman PILIPEY / AFP) Pedestrians cross rue de Rivoli at sunset in Paris on May 14, 2026. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP) A French Foreign Legion paratrooper from the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP) takes aim from behind a tree during a urban assault exercise in La Souterraine, central France, on May 14, 2026. The exercise, running from May 11 to 20 across Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Centre-Val de Loire, tests short-notice redeployment and interoperability between air and ground components – capabilities central to France’s contribution to NATO rapid-reaction forces. (Photo by Philippe LOPEZ / AFP) French actor Vincent Macaigne carries French actress and model Laetitia Casta on the red carpet as they arrive for the screening of the film “Karma” at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France on May 15, 2026. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) A tourist boat sails under the Pont-Neuf bridge as “The Pont Neuf’s cave”, French photographer and street artist JR’s newest artwork, is being installed in Paris on May 15, 2026. As a tribute to the late French artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s 1985 “Pont Neuf wrapped” performance on Paris’ oldest bridge, JR is set to completely transform the Pont Neuf into a long, monumental “cavern” of canvases and open space that will change the capital’s skyline from June 6 to June 28, 2026. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP) People walk past a fire set by demonstrators during a protest against the lack of energy and blackouts in the Lawton neighborhood in Havana on May 14, 2026. Cuba blamed the United States for the “particularly tense” situation in its electricity grid, as the east of the country was hit by another widespread power cut on May 14, 2026. Washington has once again offered $100 million in aid, which the island’s government is “willing” to consider. (Photo by Yamil LAGE / AFP) Well-known entrepreneur, television personality and arts advocate Lenore Goss-Matjie (centre) embraces her daughter, Meah Matjie (left), during a celebration at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville campus in Durban, where Meah graduated as a Medical Doctor this week. Meah received her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree during the graduation ceremony attended by family, friends and supporters. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal Riot police on motorcycles chase miners through tear gas during a march to demand the resignation of Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, in La Paz, on May 14, 2026. For the past two weeks, workers, farmers, school teachers, Indigenous groups and transport workers have been pressuring the government. Their demands range from wage increases and economic stabilization to opposition to the privatization of public companies. (Photo by AIZAR RALDES / AFP) Participants wave Palestinian flags during a pro-Palestinian demonstration under the motto ‘Song Protest Vienna 2026 – No Stage for Genocide’ against Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), in front of the Maria Theresa Monument in Vienna, Austria, on May 15, 2026. (Photo by Joe Klamar / AFP) MORE: 24 hours in pictures, 13 May 2026

After a tense day at the Madlanga commission, political fixer Oupa Brown Mogotsi has reportedly been arrested for allegedly staging an assassination attempt. The South African Police Service (Saps) confirmed that a multidisciplinary team executed a warrant of arrest and detained a suspect for defeating the ends of justice. Police arrested Mogotsi for defeating the ends of justice – reports “The case emanates from the alleged staging of an attempted assassination on the suspect’s life in Vosloorus,” the police said on Friday night. According to media reports, the police arrested Mogotsi. In November 2025, the self-proclaimed contact agent reported that unknown gunmen ambushed him while he was driving a red Chevrolet in Vosloorus. Mogotsi claimed gunmen in a white bakkie opened fire on his car. Police recovered about 11 bullet casings from the crime scene. However, there were doubts at the time about whether the assassination attempt was staged. Couple saw man shoot Chevrolet A couple told The Sowetan they saw a man in a speeding red Chevrolet stop in an open space near the N3, get out of the car with a gun, and then fire several shots at the same car. Saps’ preliminary investigations also revealed that the firearm used in the incident has been linked to other serious and violent crimes. These include cases of murder and attempted murder. “The suspect is expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 May 2026,” the police said. Mogotsi’s reported arrest comes after he left the Madlanga commission, where he was testifying. Tense day at Madlanga commission He had a tense day as his bid to recuse evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson was dismissed by the commission’s chairperson, Mbuyiseli Madlanga. He refused to answer questions, saying he didn’t want to incriminate himself before agreeing after consulting with his legal team. “I’m not going to incriminate myself,” he said.

Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster may not have won over many fans with his recent performances, but he remains a key player for the national team heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. After an encouraging Africa Cup of Nations campaign, the former Orlando Pirates forward struggled to make an impact in the recent friendlies against Panama, missing several clear-cut opportunities in both matches. His finishing frustrated supporters, with many questioning whether he should continue leading the line for Bafana. However, at just 25 years old, Foster still has time on his side and remains one of the most experienced attacking options available to coach Hugo Broos. While his goal return under Broos has not always been convincing, Bafana often look more dangerous in attack whenever the Burnley striker is involved in build-up play. Here are five reasons why Foster is still likely to be part of South Africa’s World Cup squad. Experience against top-level opposition Playing in the English Premier League has exposed Foster to some of the best defenders in world football week in and week out. Competing at that level gives him valuable experience that few South African strikers currently possess. His movement and physical presence also attract defenders, creating space for attacking players such as Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng to thrive. Physical presence and aerial ability The Burnley FC striker offers more than just goals. His height and strength make him valuable defensively, especially when Bafana need to deal with crosses and set-pieces. Going forward, Foster’s ability to hold up play and bring teammates into the game gives South Africa another attacking dimension. He can also win aerial duels and flick the ball into dangerous areas for runners around him. Technical quality Having spent close to a decade in European football, Foster has developed strong technical ability. He is comfortable on the ball, capable of linking play, and dangerous when given space in and around the box. The striker also possesses intelligent movement, often dragging defenders out of position and creating opportunities for teammates. International experience With 10 goals in 30 appearances for Bafana Bafana, Foster remains one of the most experienced forwards currently available to the national team. His understanding of international football and familiarity with Broos’ system could prove crucial as South Africa continue their push towards World Cup qualification. Ability to perform on the big stage Foster showed his quality at the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring twice, including the winning goal against Angola. Some players thrive under pressure in major tournaments, and Foster has already shown signs that he can deliver when it matters most. If he can rediscover his confidence in front of goal, he could still become one of Bafana’s most important players. Foster is expected to be among the first names included when Broos announces his final Bafana Bafana squad on 27 May. Which players do you want selected?

Not for the first time, superfan Botha Msila will have his travel and tickets to a major sporting event sponsored by the Department of Sport. The announcement was made by Minister Gayton McKenzie, who revealed the group of supporters who would fly to the FIFA World Cup next month. The tournament takes place between 11 June and 19 July at Meixo, Canada and the US. BOTHA MSILA SCORES TICKET TO FIFA WORLD CUP Last week, Gayton McKenzie announced the winners of the Lucky Fan competition, which will send a delegation of sporting fans to the FIFA World Cup next month. The fans will watch the tournament’s opening match on 11 June, between South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and Mexico. On Friday, the Minister of Sport added the names of “wild card” sport supporters and content creators.  They are:  Just Paprika Diski TV Botha Msila Sahil Ebrahim 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽🎉 Just Paprika (just_norika) 🎉 Diski TV 🎉 Botha Msili🎉 Sahil Ebrahim Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) May 15, 2026 Additionally, former Orlando Pirates Michael Morton would also score a ticket for his contribution to soccer development in the country. Congratulations @MMORTON6, you are doing a lot for our football in SA through your work & energy. Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) May 15, 2026 ‘NO LONGER PAYING FOR THESE TRIPS’ Botha Msila – a familiar face at many PSL matches and sporting tournaments abroad – made headlines over a R700 000-sponsored trip to watch the Springboks at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Msila is a staunch supporter of the now-defunct Bloemfontein Celtic, which later became Royal AM, a club owned by businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize, which was expelled from the PSL last year. Siwelele FC – previously Supersport United – was bought by Gayton McKenzie’s son, Calvin Le John, that now operates in the city. Gayton previously claimed he had halted superfan trips, such as those of Mama Joy and Botha Msila. The then newly-elected Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture said in 2024: “How do we justify paying for fans? We shall no longer be paying for these trips and will use that money where it is needed the most.” FIFA WORLD CUP IS ‘NOT A HOLIDAY’ Speaking in a media conference earlier this month, Gayton McKenzie revealed the purpose of the South African delegation to the FIFA World Cup’s opening match w The group would include South African music artists and chefs and would live and interact in an “activation” space in the country. He added, “To those South African journalists, podcasters, and influencers who will go with us: you are not going to Mexico to cover a holiday. “You are going to render a service to your country. You are going to tell South Africans, in their own voices and on their own platforms. What their players are doing on the world stage. That role is not always adequately recognised in this country, and it should be”. 

The recovery is holding, but Eskom's own modelling warns of a possible return to blackouts by decade’s end.

Group CITO Johnson Idesoh says the bank will deploy "super agents" to scan its systems and shorten patch cycles.