ANC secretary Fikile Mbalula has sent a stern warning to senior party members, including former president Thabo Mbeki, urging them to refrain from publicly criticising the current leadership and to allow the administration space to govern “just as they were allowed to lead”. Mbeki has publicly criticised the ANC over how it handled President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala controversy. He also lambasted the party during former president Jacob Zuma’s leadership. “When they were leading the ANC, they were given space. Madiba was told that he should give comrade Thabo Mbeki a chance to lead; he never went to the press,” Mbalula told journalists during a briefing at the party’s headquarters on Tuesday. “Let’s not do this to the ANC. If Cyril, as president, is failing, call him, give him a chance. Don’t denigrate him in society. Ramaphosa is not infallible; he can be addressed like a child. This is his time and his last dance. “If tomorrow I retire from the ANC and say the ANC is corrupt, between me and [Mmusi] Maimane, who is in the opposition, who is going to be believed?” he said. Mbeki had previously written to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, saying the ANC should never have used its parliamentary majority to block Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala matter from proceeding to an impeachment committee.  ANC veterans, including former treasurer-general Matthew Phosa and Mavuso Msimang, have also publicly criticised the party. Mbalula noted that despite the reservations Nelson Mandela had about how the ANC was run under Mbeki and how he handled the HIV/Aids crisis during his tenure, Mandela never publicly criticised the party. Mbalula said the ANC had increasingly found itself defending the party not only against political opponents and enemies but also against “its immediate family”. “The immediate family is the most dangerous because it is the most reasonable voice society is likely to listen to.” He was also among those who cautioned party members who had described Zuma’s tenure as “nine wasted years”. “I said be careful because in those nine years there are good things that happened. It is not Zuma who carried the flag of the ANC for nine years; it was the ANC. When Zuma was committing mistakes, where were we? We came back and said we had veered away. Yes, we did commit mistakes.” Mbalula also lashed out at party members who continue to leak information to the media, saying he was the boss of Luthuli House. “I’m the boss here. I know others don’t like it but I was elected. When you talk about Luthuli House, the face of it is me. I come after Matamela [Ramaphosa] and [Paul] Mashatile,” Mbalula said. Mbalula’s remarks come after reports emerged on Sunday that the party had missed a deadline to submit names to parliament for the ad hoc committee that would determine whether Ramaphosa should face an impeachment inquiry. It is alleged that Mbalula and ANC parliamentary chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli disagreed over who the party should deploy to serve on the committee. “How can I be defied by a chief whip? That story doesn’t hold,” Mbalula said. “He is employed not by me but in many ways he accounts to me and he is a wonderful chief whip. He can’t defy me.” Mbalula denied the party had missed the deadline. “When we finalised the names, it was always late and remember in the ANC we consulted, did our work and finished the names by Friday. I asked him, and he said: ‘I’ll submit.’ We are not equal. I’m the boss; the other one is a chief whip.”

The South African National Editors’ Forum has paid tribute to journalist Baldwin Ndaba, whose death on Friday has left colleagues, friends and South Africa’s media fraternity mourning the loss of a reporter remembered as fearless, humane and deeply committed to public accountability journalism. For those who worked alongside him, Ndaba was more than a byline. He belonged to a generation of journalists who believed journalism was not simply a profession but a public trust, one that demanded courage, humility and an unwavering commitment to truth. Veteran journalist Jovial Rantao described Ndaba as a “brilliant-cut rough stone”, drawing a poignant connection between the reporter’s beginnings and the city where his craft was forged. There was, Rantao reflected, a certain poetry in the fact that Ndaba learnt journalism in Kimberley, a city built on the harsh beauty of diamonds, where something rough was pulled from the earth, painstakingly shaped and revealed as something extraordinary. Ndaba cut his teeth at the Diamond Fields Advertiser, a newsroom long regarded as a breeding ground for some of South Africa’s finest journalists.  Rantao said the newspaper recognised in Ndaba “a stone worth cutting through the unforgiving rigour of provincial reporting and through the grit and grunt of no-fear investigative work”. Out of those demanding early years emerged a reporter with both sharp instincts and a deeply human touch, “fearless yet grounded, incisive yet deeply humane”. His talent would soon attract the attention of Independent Media and eventually The Star, then regarded as the country’s paper of record. “He arrived at Sauer Street not as a man daunted by the bigger room but as one who had always known he belonged in it.  “He carved out a formidable beat covering the sprawling, shadowy corridors of Gauteng provincial government and the legislature, territory fertile with intrigue, self-dealing and the slow erosion of public trust. From those corridors, he extracted scoops. Front-page leads. Accountability journalism at its most consequential.” Rantao said Ndaba embodied journalism’s oldest and most honourable mission: “to hold those in power accountable, to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable.”  His work, he said, would endure as “incorruptible, indelible, like a diamond that has been cut”. Among those paying tribute was Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who described Ndaba as “one of the country’s most influential political reporters and a gifted wordsmith”. Lesufi noted that Ndaba’s byline became a fixture in The Star and other Independent Media titles, where he distinguished himself through insightful political reporting and diligent coverage of the Gauteng Legislature and executive council. “He covered the Gauteng Legislature and the executive council with diligence, professionalism and consistency, always asking the questions that mattered most to our people,” Lesufi said. The premier added that Ndaba’s reporting played an important role in keeping the public informed and strengthening democracy through accountability journalism. “Through his dedication to journalism and commitment to the truth, Baldwin earned the respect of colleagues, public representatives and readers alike. His contribution to the media fraternity and the country’s democratic discourse will be deeply missed. “On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government and the people of our province, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues at Independent Media and the broader media fraternity. May his soul rest in peace,” said Lesufi. For Moipone Malefane, Ndaba’s defining qualities included an abiding love of politics, history and ideas. “When everyone was ANC, he continued to defend the Pan Africanist Congress. He loved the PAC and what it stands for,” she said. Others remembered not only his reporting but the gentleness that sat beneath it. Journalist Simon Nare described Ndaba as “a gentle and peaceful soul”, someone who remained calm and respectful even in disagreement, “as calm as a still lake and as smooth as glass”. Colleagues spoke of a reporter admired not only for his sharp political instincts and formidable keyboard skills but also for his willingness to patiently mentor younger journalists entering the profession.  Many recalled how he maintained dignity and professionalism even while exposing powerful politicians and officials. Veteran journalist Themba Sepotokele remembered forming a close friendship with Ndaba when he moved from Kimberley to Johannesburg to jjoin The Star in early 2000. Alongside fellow journalists Siyabonga Mkhwanazi, Phomello Molwedi, Rapula Tabane, Fikile Ntsikelelo-Moya and Caiphus Kgosana, they became regulars at a watering hole opposite The Star building, near what would later become the ANC’s headquarters, Luthuli House. Sepotokele remembered Ndaba as a fearless reporter who broke stories, ruffled feathers and spoke impeccable Setswana, isiXhosa and Afrikaans. Among the stories that stood out was his reporting on former Gauteng MEC Humphrey Mmemezi’s misuse of a government credit card to purchase McDonald’s meals and a painting for his home. Journalist Steve Lawrence said he was heartbroken by the news of Ndaba’s death. The pair began their careers together at the Diamond Fields Advertiser, sharing what Lawrence called “many wild adventures” reporting on communities in the diamond fields. “Baldwin was an endearing and humble soul who excelled at reporting on crime and politics. On a weekend of breaking news, I often picked him up at his home in Galeshewe or at his favourite tavern where he picked up many stories.  “He was the politics go-to guy in the newsroom with all his contacts, covering the legislature alongside Patsy Beangstrom, Dianne Kypri, Bra Vusi Tukakhomo and Thami Mgwigwi under the leadership of Kevin Ritchie.” Lawrence also remembered Ndaba’s fondness for hearty township delicacies and the laughter that often accompanied newsroom life. “Lawrie, kry vir jou (Lawrie, get some for yourself),” Baldwin would laugh as he demolished skopo, runaways and walkie-talkies. “The feet I could get away with but the head — Nee wena!” Lawrence joked, recalling how Ndaba would sit smiling broadly, fingers greasy, while his friend searched desperately for serviettes. Their friendship endured long after both journalists moved to The Star. “We remained in contact just to say: ‘Hi bru. How is it going with you?’ as the turbulent times under ‘Captain Haddock’ were very stressful. “You were loved by all who got to know you and hated by some politicians for exposing them. Your love for the PAC was unwavering and always led to our debates, which I always learnt from. Rest well, my brother. May your soul rest in peace and rise in glory,” Lawrence wrote on Facebook. Sanef extended its condolences to Ndaba’s family, friends, former colleagues and the broader media fraternity, mourning the loss of a reporter whose work — and whose quiet humanity — left a lasting mark on South African journalism. Former Saturday Star editor Kashiefa Ajam remembered Ndaba as both a newsroom institution and the keeper of its gossip, someone whose arrival in the office often signalled laughter, storytelling and the promise of a good conversation. “Baldwin knew all the gossip. Whenever he walked into the office with that toothy smile and asked: ‘Have you heard?’, we knew a juicy story was coming,” she said. Ajam recalled the small rituals that came to define their friendship. She would make coffee for the newsroom and Ndaba would teasingly ask: “Why are you making coffee for everyone? You’re the editor.” “But I did it anyway,” she said. “He took his coffee with five sugars … so that’s exactly how I made it,” she told the Mail & Guardian. Even after she moved to the UK, their conversations continued. “Just a few weeks ago, we laughed and gossiped about our former colleagues. We did this often.” When she told him how homesick she felt and how much she missed South Africa and her old newsroom life, Ndaba reminded her of an earlier chapter in her career. “He said: ‘Kash, remember when you first came to Joburg from Cape Town in 2004, how homesick you were then, how much you hated Joburg? Give the UK some more time to get used too. You will adapt knowing you played your role to polish people in journalism.’” Ajam said his words moved her deeply. “That made me cry because he reminded me about my small contribution to South African journalism and all the young writers I tried to mentor over the years.” For Ajam, Ndaba was “an institution at The Star and Saturday Star”, remembered as “a big personality, a hard-working and brilliant journalist”. “We will miss you deeply. We are heartbroken,” she said. Noor-Jehan Yoro Badat, a former features writer at The Star, remembered Ndaba’s humility. “He was always one of the sweetest guys in the newsroom. The minute he entered a newsroom, he would be one of the first people to greet you.  “He had the sweetest smile. Baldwin was one of those people you could joke around with and be yourself and there was no judgment,” she told the M&G. “He had this big laugh and his belly would shake. Even when he was upset, he always had a thoughtful way of dealing with it. He would just shake his head, say ‘haai’ and wouldn’t say much. He wasn’t the kind person to lash out.  “I wasn’t so keen about court reporting and he would be like: ‘Noor, just go, court is the foundation where you start your reporting. You will find so many stories.’ As an intern, he was always so great with giving advice, tips and he would give me so much encouragement when I was starting out with court reporting.  “He was the kind of reporter you went to when you needed that kind of advice and help. He was your newspaper man’s reporter.” 🞼Part 1 of Ndaba’s funeral service will start at his home at 45 Adam Nomakola, Galeshewe, Kimberley at 7am on 30 May and part 2 will be held at Kimberley City Hall at 9am. The memorial service will be held at the Recreational Hall in Galeshewe on 28 May at 2pm.

Police in Libode are investigating the tragic shooting of two women, aged 44 and 65, as they appeal for public assistance in their manhunt for the suspects.

Makgotso M takes on the challenging role of Nothile in the new drama 'Amanzi Endlini' on Mzansi Magic, exploring the complexities of surrogacy and its emotional impact on relationships.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has lodged a complaint against Chief Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni after her handling of the case involving prominent businessman and taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni led to it being struck off the roll. The DPP filed a formal complaint with the Magistrates Commission against Tonjeni on Tuesday. DPP reports Chief Magistrate Tonjeni to Magistrates Commission The DPP based its complaint on serious concerns the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) raised about how Tonjeni conducted the court proceedings on 15 and 18 May. The extortion and money laundering case against Sibanyoni and his three co-accused, Mvimbi Masilela, Philemon Msiza, and Bafana Sindane, was struck off the roll on 18 May. This is after State Prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba failed to show up in court to oppose the accused’s bail application. Following this, Tonjeni granted two orders related to Ntaba’s conviction for contempt of court and the authorisation of a warrant of arrest against him. On Friday, the NPA in Mpumalanga filed an application for leave to appeal the two orders. Notice for leave to appeal two orders National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Adv Andy Mothibi said on the same day that he had appointed a legal team, led by senior counsel, to advise on the way forward regarding the decision to strike the matter off the roll. “Inasmuch as we have filed a notice for leave to appeal against the contempt of court order and the authorisation of a warrant of arrest, we deem it prudent that we consider the filing of a formal complaint with the Magistrates Commission,” NPA national spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said on Tuesday. Kganyago added that the NPA is adamant that the conduct shown in the proceedings raises serious institutional issues to judicial decorum, procedural fairness, and the proper administration of justice. He said that, therefore, investigating the complaint to the Magistrates Commission will help to ensure accountability, safeguard the integrity of the Magistracy and stop similar irregularities from happening again in future proceedings. “This process will go a long way in protecting the image of the criminal justice system and in setting the records clear,” Mothibi said. Charges Prosecutors charged Sibanyoni, Sindane, Msiza, and Masilela with extortion and money laundering for allegedly forcing a Nkangala businessman to pay R2.2 million in protection fees between 2022 and 2025. The suspects reportedly threatened to shut down the victim’s business, and moved payments through multiple accounts to hide the source. Police arrested three suspects on 12 May, while Sindane later surrendered.

Captain Marcell Coetzee says three United Rugby Championship (URC) finals in four years have given the Bulls ample play-off experience, while recently signed World Cup-winning Springboks could help them clinch their first URC title. The Bulls take on Munster at Loftus in the URC quarter-finals on Saturday (kick-off 1pm). Should they win, they will face the winner of the Glasgow and Connacht match, either at Scotstoun if Glasgow wins, or at Loftus if Connacht wins, in the semi-finals next Saturday. Bulls learn to deal with pressure The Bulls, now under head coach Johan Ackermann, have learned a great deal over the years about handling knockout matches, said Coetzee. “The biggest thing when you get to the play-offs is the pressure,” he said. “The expectation pressure, sometimes media pressure. I think the boys have settled into that well by sticking to the goal at hand. “We are not looking past a tough Munster side, to be honest. We are focusing on Munster 110%. So we want to be accurate on the day, and we want to impose our game plan. That picks you up in training, motivating the guys.” He said a tough early season, where the Bulls suffered a seven-game losing streak, had a silver lining. “We were under pressure through the season and it kind of forced us to be in a knockout rugby mindset every week. So we got used to that pressure. “We find our mojo through those challenges and we want to take that to the play-off stage.” Pollard and Le Roux bring BMT He said double World-Cup-winning players Handré Pollard and Willie le Roux, who joined the Bulls this season and three seasons ago, respectively, could make a difference with their calmness and experience. “In saying that, you can’t rely on the past. But it’s the learnings you take through the play-offs. “[Pollard’s] got BMT moments in him and those are the sort of X-factor players you rely on coming into play-offs. “And not just him… Nine out of 10 performances are needed from the senior group, and everyone who is involved. It’s one chance, and everyone has to be on par. If we can set him up for those moments that would be great.” Coetzee said the Bulls needed their set-piece to function, as that was what would give them momentum. “And then we rely on moments like his (Pollard’s) to seal it.”

Struggling to decide what to wear? Here’s what today’s weather has in store for South Africa’s nine provinces. Your daily weather, UVB forecast and temperature updates around South Africa. Weather conditions and UVB forecast Gauteng Temperature: Fine. The expected UVB Sunburn Index: High DID YOU KNOW Where does Gauteng rank in size among South Africa’s provinces? Gauteng is the smallest of South Africa’s nine provinces, with an area of 18 178 square kilometres. Where does Gauteng rank in population among South Africa’s provinces? Gauteng is the biggest in terms of population, with an estimated 16 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of Gauteng? The administrative capital of the province is Johannesburg, which is situated at 25°44′46″S 28°11′17″E. Mpumalanga Temperature: Fine and cool to warm, but partly cloudy over the Lowveld. DID YOU KNOW Where does Mpumalanga rank in size among South Africa’s provinces? Mpumalanga is the second smallest of South Africa’s nine provinces, with an area of 76 495 square kilometres. Where does Mpumalanga rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces? Mpumalanga is the sixth most populous, with an estimated 4.7 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of Mpumalanga? The capital and largest city in the province is Mbombela (formerly known as Nelspruit), which is situated at 25°27′57″S 30°59′07″E. The daily weather forecast and temperature updates around South Africa. Limpopo Temperature: Partly cloudy and warm, but fine in the central parts. DID YOU KNOW Where does Limpopo rank in size among South Africa’s provinces? Limpopo is the fifth largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, with an area of 125 754 square kilometres. Where does Limpopo rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces? Limpopo is the fifth most populous, with an estimated 5.9 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of Limpopo? The capital and largest city in the province is Polokwane, which is situated at 23°54′00″S 29°27′00″E. North West Temperature: Fine and cool to warm. DID YOU KNOW Where does the North West rank in size among South Africa’s provinces? The North West is the sixth largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, with an area of 104 882 square kilometres. Where does the North West rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces? The North West is the seventh most populous, with an estimated 4.2 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of the North West? Its capital is Mahikeng (formerly known as Mafikeng), which is situated at 25°51′56″S 25°38′37″E. Free State Temperature: Fine and cool to warm. DID YOU KNOW Where does the Free State rank in size among South Africa’s provinces? The Free State is the third largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, with an area of 129 825 square kilometres. Where does the Free State rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces? The Free State is the second smallest in terms of population, with an estimated 2.9 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of the Free State? Formerly known as the Orange Free State, its capital and biggest city is Bloemfontein, South Africa’s judicial capital. It is situated at 29°07′S 26°13′E. Northern Cape Temperature: Morning fog patches over the extreme western parts, where it will be partly cloudy, otherwise fine and cool to warm. Wind: Temperature: The wind along the coast will be light to moderate southerly, becoming fresh in the afternoon. DID YOU KNOW Where does the Northern Cape rank in size among South Africa’s provinces? The Northern Cape is the largest of South Africa’s nine provinces at 372 889 square kilometres. Where does the Northern Cape rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces? The Northern Cape is the smallest in terms of population, with an estimated 1.3 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of the Northern Cape? Its capital is Kimberley, which is situated at 28°44′18″S 24°45′50″E. Western Cape Temperature: Morning fog along the west coast and adjacent interior, otherwise fine and cool. It will become partly cloudy in the south-west and south coast from the afternoon. Wind: The wind along the coast will be light and variable at first becoming moderate north-westerly in the south-west from the afternoon. The expected UVB Sunburn Index: Moderate DID YOU KNOW Where does the Western Cape rank in size among South Africa’s provinces? The Western Cape is the fourth largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, with an area of 129 449 square kilometres. Where does the Western Cape rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces? The Western Cape is the third most populous, with an estimated 7.2 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of the Western Cape? The capital city is Cape Town, which is situated at 33°55′31″S 18°25′26″E. Eastern Cape The Western half: Morning fog in places south of the escarpment, otherwise fine and cool, but warm in the north. The Western half – wind: The wind along the coast will be light and variable. The Eastern half: Morning fog in places south of the escarpment, otherwise fine and cool, but warm in places along the coast. The Eastern half-wind: The wind along the coast will be light to moderate northeasterly. DID YOU KNOW Where does the Eastern Cape rank in size among South Africa’s provinces? The Eastern Cape is the second largest of South Africa’s nine provinces at 168 966 square kilometres. Where does the Eastern Cape rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces? The Eastern Cape is the fourth biggest in terms of population, with an estimated 6.7 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of the Eastern Cape? Its capital is Bhisho, which is situated at 32°50′58″S 27°26′17″E. KwaZulu-Natal Temperature: Morning fog in places, otherwise fine and warm but cool in the west. Wind: The wind along the coast will be moderate to fresh northerly to north-easterly north of Mtunzini, otherwise light to moderate south-westerly to southerly. It will become light to moderate northerly to northeasterly south of Richards Bay in the afternoon. The expected UVB Sunburn Index: Very High. DID YOU KNOW Where does KwaZulu-Natal rank in size among South Africa’s provinces? KwaZulu-Natal is the seventh largest of South Africa’s nine provinces, with an area of 94 361 square kilometres. Where does KwaZulu-Natal rank in population size among South Africa’s provinces? KwaZulu-Natal is the second most populous, with an estimated 11.5 million inhabitants as per the most recent census in 2020. What is the capital of KwaZulu-Natal? The capital city is Pietermaritzburg, which is situated at 29°37′S 30°23′E. WEATHER ALERTS IMPACT-BASED WARNINGS NIL FIRE DANGER WARNINGS NIL ADVISORIES NIL Weather forecast data provided by the South African Weather Service

Zimbabwean footballers have continued to leave their mark on African football, with a select group of players who have won the CAF Champions League. Over the years, several Warriors stars have played key roles for some of Africa’s top clubs, proving that Zimbabwe continues to produce talent capable of competing at the highest level. Here is a look at some Zimbabwean players who lifted the prestigious CAF Champions League trophy. Making CAF Champions League history with TP Mazembe Former Zimbabwean striker Christopher Semakweri became one of the country’s early CAF Champions League winners when he helped TP Mazembe win the title in 2010. Mazembe enjoyed a dominant period in African football during that era and famously went on to represent the continent at the FIFA Club World Cup. Semakweri’s achievement remains one of the proud moments for Zimbabwean footballers playing abroad. Billiat inspired Sundowns to CAF Champions League glory Khama Billiat played a major role in Mamelodi Sundowns’ historic CAF Champions League triumph in 2016. The former Warriors winger produced several outstanding performances throughout the campaign and became one of the tournament’s standout players. Billiat formed part of a dangerous Sundowns attacking side that helped the club secure its first-ever continental title after defeating Zamalek in the final. His performances during that period elevated his reputation as one of Southern Africa’s finest footballers. Cuthbert Malajila added his name to the list Striker Cuthbert Malajila also tasted CAF Champions League success with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016. Although injuries affected parts of his time at Sundowns, Malajila remained an important member of the squad during one of the club’s most successful periods. Winning the Champions League added another major milestone to his career. Divine Lunga joins Zimbabwe’s CAF Champions League winners Defender Divine Lunga recently joined the growing list of Zimbabwean players to win Africa’s premier club competition with Mamelodi Sundowns. Mamelodi Sundowns won the 2025/26 CAF Champions League after securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against AS FAR Rabat in the second leg of the final at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah. Lunga’s success highlights the continued presence of Zimbabwean talent at top African clubs competing for continental honours. Zimbabwean talent continues to shine The achievements of these players continue to inspire young footballers in Zimbabwe dreaming of playing on the biggest stages in Africa. From TP Mazembe’s dominance to Mamelodi Sundowns’ continental success, Zimbabwean stars have proven that they can compete with the best on the continent. As more local players secure opportunities abroad, Zimbabwean football fans will hope the next generation can continue adding names to the country’s growing list of CAF Champions League winners.

Retail group Pepkor has announced a launch date for its new bank and set a target customer base for its first five years.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman now says he was wrong to fear AI would wipe out entry-level white-collar jobs.