Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has warned that employee compensation is projected to push the department R3.3 billion over budget, with the funding crisis threatening the SANDF’s ability to function effectively.

Although head coach Miguel Cardoso faces defensive work ahead of their MTN8 semi-final, Mamelodi Sundowns proved too strong for AmaZulu in a high-scoring league clash.

What a busy week it has been for South Africa’s judiciary. With the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry revelations, we have witnessed arrests and court appearances linked to murders and crimes that have shocked the nation. From the tragic events in Reiger Park to the murder of boxer Zolani Tete and the ongoing Tiffany Meek trial, our courts are certainly busy. Behind every appearance, however, lies a family seeking justice, a community demanding answers and a public desperate to believe that the law can still protect them. We have seen failures before and at times those failures have exposed the weaknesses of our justice system. South Africans have watched cases collapse, suspects walk out on bail and accused persons benefit from procedural shortcomings. Extortionists, murderers and rapists have, in some instances, returned to communities where fear is already deeply entrenched. None of this should diminish the principle of due process, but neither should due process become a shield behind which institutional failures hide. The question is no longer simply whether arrests will be made, but whether our judiciary will withstand scrutiny and deliver justice that restores public confidence. Judiciaries fail across the world and South Africa is not unique in confronting imperfections within its justice system. What makes this moment different is the extraordinary exposure of weaknesses within our policing and criminal justice architecture. KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi‘s revelations, regardless of where investigations ultimately lead, have handed the country something it may not have realised it desperately needed – an opportunity to reset. These revelations can either become another chapter in institutional failure, or the beginning of genuine reform. We have an opportunity to confront what has been allowed to deteriorate, strengthen the systems that protect justice and restore confidence in those entrusted with enforcing the law. What we do with this moment may determine whether South Africa avoids the familiar post-colonial trajectory experienced by too many African nations, where weakened institutions eventually become architects of national decline. This moment demands more than arrests and convictions; it demands a cleansing of the judiciary and a restoration of its authority. South Africa needs a functional justice system – independent, credible and beyond reproach.

South Africa has reaffirmed its strategic partnership with Brazil, with International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola declaring the alliance “a dependable anchor in a turbulent world.” Lamola delivered the opening remarks at the Eighth Session of the South Africa-Brazil Joint Commission in Pretoria on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, which he co-chaired with Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira. Democratic journeys Welcoming Vieira, Lamola said the meeting underscored both nations’ shared democratic journeys and their determination to expand trade, investment and cooperation across key sectors. “Our histories remind us that democracy is always a work in progress,” Lamola stressed. “Democratic victories are never permanent. They survive through vigilance, strong institutions and the active participation of citizens.” Freedom Marking 30 years of South Africa’s democratic Constitution and 70 years since the Women’s March of 1956, Lamola invoked Paulo Freire’s words: “Freedom is acquired through struggle, not by gift.” “Brazil’s solidarity was integral to our liberation. We will never forget that Brazilians stood with us until South Africa was truly free.” Economic ties Economic ties remain central to the partnership. Brazil is South Africa’s largest trading partner in Latin America, with bilateral trade reaching $2 billion in 2025. “South Africa offers Brazilian companies a gateway into Africa’s 1.4 billion‑strong market, while Brazil provides us with an entry point into Latin America and the Caribbean. This partnership must fulfil its true promise,” Lamola noted. Tourism He highlighted progress in tourism, agriculture, education, mining, and technology, as well as plans to conclude an investment promotion agreement. Nearly 65 000 Brazilians visited South Africa in 2025, with Lamola attributing the recovery towards pre-pandemic levels partly to the bilateral 90-day visa agreement and the expansion of direct flights between South Africa and São Paulo. The Joint Commission follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Brazil in March, during which the two countries reaffirmed their Strategic Partnership. Lamola said the relationship was rooted not only in contemporary political and economic interests but also in a shared history of struggle against colonialism, slavery and racial exclusion. Global issues On global issues, Lamola said both countries were “bridge builders between the North and South,” pushing for reforms to global governance and financial systems. He warned against debt burdens that force nations to spend more on repayments than on health and education. “We cannot accept a world where classrooms and hospitals are sacrificed to service debt. Together, Brazil and South Africa are advancing concrete reforms that put inequality at the centre of the global agenda.” Cooperation Lamola emphasised cooperation on critical minerals for a green future, urging a model that powers industrialisation and prosperity in the Global South. “We must break old patterns of extraction,” he said. “The minerals that power a green future must also power skills, technology and prosperity in our own societies.” Elections As Brazil approaches elections, Lamola expressed confidence in its democratic resilience. “We wish the people of Brazil well. South Africa is proud to have in Brazil a dependable ally and co‑creator of a just, democratic and equitable world.” The Eighth Session of the South Africa-Brazil Joint Commission will assess progress in existing areas of cooperation and identify new opportunities to deepen the Strategic Partnership.

A clip of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus enjoying a drink and life on the dance floor has gone viral on TikTok. And judging by the stress he now faces during the team’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks, he is likely hoping to do it all over again RASSIE ERASMUS PARTIES UP A STORM On his TikTok account, athlete and philanthropist Gregg Mitchely posted a video of himself partying with Rassie Erasmus. In the clip, the Springbok coach was seen enjoying drinks with pals and burning a hole on the dance floor at Sandton hotspot Katy’s Palace last month. Gregg said of the rugby hero: “Absolute gentleman and very down to earth. The fame hasn’t gone to his head at all” He revealed that the Bok boss had “bought a few rounds” for the crowd. When one commented on Rassie’s party lifestyle, Gregg responded: “He has slowed down a lot. He has lost plenty of weight and doesn’t do the things he used to” @greggmitchley7 Almost had to get this dude escorted last night, he just couldn't leave me alone & he was taking up the dance floor 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Rassie yo Biscuit…. ♬ It's My Life – Bon Jovi HEALTHY LIFESTYLE In recent years, Rassie Erasmus has prioritised a healthy lifestyle, including taking ice baths, long walks on the promenades, and losing weight in the process Since his divorce in 2024, he often posts videos and pics of himself spending quality time with his children; three daughters, Nikki, Carli and Jani and his dog, Kwedini He also enjoys good banter and a boys’ weekend with Springbok staff. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Johan Erasmus (@rasrugby)

Miley Cyrus has paid tribute to her godmother, Dolly Parton, sharing a rare detail about one of their final conversations. She remembered the country music legend in an emotional Instagram post, referring to her as “Aunt Dolly”. MILEY CYRUS REMEMBERS ‘AUNT DOLLY’ Parton died on Tuesday, 25 August, at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer.“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share,” she wrote. She said their most sacred moments happened in private and would remain that way, but shared one detail about their final conversations. “One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis,” she said. Miley said she believed Parton would want her to feel the loss, write a song about it and find the strength to carry on. “I have an angel by my side. I always have,” she wrote. The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then… pic.twitter.com/VFV6MohLto— Miley Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) August 26, 2026 ‘I WILL ALWAYS LOVE HER’ Miley closed her tribute with a poignant nod to Parton and one of the songs that defined her career. “I will always love her and want to make her proud,” she said. She added that her heart broke for Parton’s family, friends and fans mourning around the world. “We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things,” she wrote. A BOND THAT SPANNED GENERATIONS Parton’s relationship with the Cyrus family began long before Miley became a star. Billy Ray Cyrus developed a close friendship with Parton after launching his own country music career. That friendship eventually saw Parton become Miley’s honorary godmother. Following Parton’s death, Billy Ray also reflected on their decades-long bond. He said he had “so many moments and memories with Dolly” that he struggled to know where to begin, recalling how he had grown up watching her before eventually calling her a friend. Billy Ray also revealed that Parton had recently sent him a message telling him she loved him “with her whole heart”. “I will always love her in the same way,” he wrote. Miley’s relationship with Parton later developed both privately and professionally. Parton appeared as Aunt Dolly in Hannah Montana, while the pair performed together several times over the years. They also recorded a version of Miley’s Wrecking Ball for Parton’s 2023 album Rockstar. While Miley chose to keep their closest memories private, her tribute offered a glimpse of the relationship behind their public appearances – and the influence Parton continued to have on her until the end.

South African astronomers have asked Icasa to close a LEO constellation-sized gap in the skies.

Co-CEO Brett Levy named the single point of exposure when asked about MTN’s push for direct relationships with the banks.