The DA has suffered a setback in its legal challenge against four political parties over their decision to submit proportional representation candidate lists containing only one name ahead of the November 4 elections.

A patient has undergone stem-cell therapy for Parkinson's disease, a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects the body's motor system, often causing shaking and other difficulties with movement.

The National Gambling Board’s (NGB) latest annual report highlights the substantial economic contribution of South Africa’s licensed gambling industry, raising questions about the potential impact of National Treasury’s proposed additional 20% online gambling tax on jobs, provincial revenue and the viability of licensed operators. According to gambling law expert Garron Whitesman of Whitesmans Attorneys, the new figures underscore the need for the government to show that the proposed tax will achieve its stated objectives without undermining the regulated industry or driving consumers to illegal gambling platforms. “The NGB’s own figures show that South Africa has a substantial, growing and regulated gambling industry that contributes billions in taxes and supports thousands of jobs. The government must demonstrate that any additional tax will achieve its objectives without putting those contributions at risk,” said Whitesman. Gambling figures According to Whitesman, the NGB’s 2025-26 annual report, tabled in October, shows that gross gambling revenue (GGR) increased from R74.5 billion to R84.46 billion over the past financial year, while provincial gambling taxes rose from R5.8 billion to R6.44 billion. Total gambling turnover reached approximately R1.76 trillion, up from R1.5 trillion the previous year. However, he cautioned that turnover represents the total value of wagers, including winnings repeatedly bet, and should not be confused with actual consumer spending. GGR, which represents wagers less winnings paid out, is the industry’s revenue before taxes and operating expenses. “Licensed online betting operators already pay provincial gambling taxes, typically around 6.5% of GGR, as well as VAT, which adds an effective burden of approximately 12-13%. “Together, these amount to an effective tax burden of around 18-19% of GGR. National Treasury’s proposed additional 20% national tax could therefore take the combined burden to approximately 38-39%, before corporate income tax and other business taxes are considered,” he said. Contribution by gambling Whitesman noted that there are 13 328 people employed in casinos and 12 230 in bookmaking, representing approximately 25 500 direct jobs across these two sectors. This excludes the wider network of technology, payments, marketing, compliance and other businesses supporting the industry. The figures also reveal a continuing shift towards betting and bookmaking, which have driven much of the industry’s recent growth, while revenue from casinos, bingo and limited payout machines has remained relatively flat. Tax contribution “The industry already makes a substantial tax contribution. Increasing the effective burden to almost 40% of gambling revenue could have serious consequences for investment, employment and the competitiveness of licensed operators, as we have seen in both the Netherlands and United Kingdom after the imposition of extraordinary tax levels,” said Whitesman. “Government needs to demonstrate that the additional tax will deliver its intended benefits without undermining the existing tax base.” The NGB report also provides important information about the industry’s contribution to responsible gambling and the demand for treatment services. It records approximately R57.4 million in contributions to the National Responsible Gambling Foundation (NRGF), which provides free assistance to people experiencing gambling-related problems. While the NRGF’s toll-free helpline received approximately 1.26 million calls during the year, a significant proportion related to operational queries. Of the 83 541 calls received by its counselling line, approximately 5 443 were classified as treatment-related. The Foundation treated 3 541 people during the year. Gambling consequences Whitesman stressed that problem gambling can have devastating financial and social consequences for those affected by it and requires effective prevention, treatment and consumer protection measures. However, he cautioned against treating gambling participation, helpline call volumes and the prevalence of gambling-related harm as interchangeable measures. “Licensed operators have long had responsible gambling measures in place, including player protection tools, public education and access to counselling and treatment, and continue to meaningfully strengthen these measures,” he said. Whitesman argued that while fair taxation is an important part of a properly regulated gambling industry, National Treasury’s proposed additional 20% national tax raises serious economic and legal questions that it has yet to adequately address. “The proposal is intended to generate additional revenue and reduce gambling-related harm, but he questions whether sufficient evidence has been presented to demonstrate that either objective will be achieved.” Risk of higher taxes Whitesman said of particular concern is the risk that higher taxes could make licensed operators less competitive, pushing consumers towards illegal offshore gambling platforms that pay no South African gambling taxes and operate beyond the country’s regulatory and consumer protection framework. “If higher taxes push consumers into the illegal market, government risks undermining the very regulatory system designed to protect them. It could also erode existing provincial tax revenues and threaten jobs and investment.” He added that the constitutional and statutory basis for an additional national tax requires careful scrutiny, particularly given South Africa’s existing provincial gambling taxation and licensing framework.

With less than a week to go before South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it is aware of concerns about an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video featuring the late former president Nelson Mandela being used for political messaging ahead of the polls. Madiba The AI-generated deepfake video shows Mandela apparently urging voters to turn their backs on the ANC, accusing the party of corruption and claiming it had stolen pension funds. IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela said the commission is aware of public concerns surrounding the video but stressed that satire, parody, political commentary and criticism remain protected forms of democratic expression under the electoral framework. “We recognise that satire, parody, political commentary and criticism are important elements of democratic discourse and are protected under the Disinformation Code, provided they fall within the scope of protected speech.” Disinformation However, Bapela said the Disinformation Code also places responsibilities on political parties and candidates when using artificial intelligence-generated content during election campaigns. “The Code addresses election-related disinformation and requires political parties and candidates to ensure that AI-generated content is clearly labelled.” Political views Bapela emphasised that the commission’s role is not to police political views or influence voter choices, but rather to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure South Africans are able to make informed decisions based on reliable information. “The commission does not seek to regulate legitimate political opinion or determine voters’ political preferences. Its responsibility is to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that voters can make informed choices based on credible information.” The matter has since been reported to Real411, the platform designated to receive and assess complaints relating to suspected election-related disinformation. Warning The IEC said it would consider the issue through the relevant processes and legal framework. Bapela also urged South Africans to exercise caution when engaging with AI-generated political content online. “We encourage members of the public to exercise caution when engaging with AI-generated political content, verify information before sharing it, and consult official Commission channels for accurate election-related information.” The Commission said it remains committed to protecting the integrity and credibility of the elections as campaigning enters its final days. Tech partnership Earlier this month, the IEC teamed up with Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok and Moxii Africa to combat disinformation after receiving more than 700 election-related complaints, most linked to posts on X. The IEC said it has already received more than 700 complaints of election-related misinformation, most of them linked to posts on X, as it ramps up efforts to protect the integrity of the 2026 local government elections.

Three Western Cape teachers have received final written warnings and fines following disciplinary action over their social media activity outside working hours. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that the educators had been formally charged over activity involving TikTok, Facebook and WhatsApp statuses. The cases have reignited debate about how far schools and education authorities can regulate teachers’ private lives, particularly when it comes to social media posts and lawful activities outside the workplace. READ | Matric exams 2026 hit pause for Local Government Elections Confirmed WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed that all three teachers received final written warnings and financial penalties. “They received final written warnings and fines, as sanctions,” Hammond said. The department did not disclose the content of the posts or when the incidents took place. What are the rules for teachers’ social media activity? Hammond said the WCED had not been formally briefed by the South African Council for Educators (SACE) on its position regarding off-duty misconduct. However, she explained that Western Cape Government employees, including teachers, were subject to social media conduct rules even when using their personal accounts. She stressed that this did not mean every aspect of an educator’s private life was open to disciplinary action. “Importantly, this does not mean that every aspect of an educator’s private life is subject to disciplinary action,” Hammond said. Whether conduct outside working hours amounts to misconduct depends on the circumstances and its connection to an employee’s professional obligations or employment. Hammond added that employees retained their constitutional right to freedom of expression but were expected to exercise good judgement and avoid bringing their employer into disrepute. SACE clarifies what teachers can do outside school The South African Council for Educators has sought to clarify the distinction between lawful private behaviour and conduct that could warrant disciplinary action. SACE communications and stakeholder manager Risuna Nkuna said teachers were free to attend parties, visit taverns and nightclubs, consume alcohol and share personal photographs online. “Attending social gatherings, visiting taverns or nightclubs, and consuming alcohol during personal time are not, in themselves, prohibited by the Code of Professional Ethics,” Nkuna said. However, she said certain behaviour could still attract investigation, including violence, harassment, criminal activity and cyberbullying. Nkuna emphasised that cases had to be assessed individually. “Each and every case is dealt on its own merits; there is no one size fits all type of an approach in these cases.” Teachers raise concerns about growing pressure The disciplinary cases have prompted concerns among educators about the expectations placed on them outside the classroom. The educator said teachers often spent afternoons conducting online lessons, while weekends were taken up with planning and marking. Teachers’ union challenges regulation of private lives Educators’ Union of South Africa (EUSA) spokesperson Andre de Bruin criticised attempts to regulate teachers’ lawful behaviour outside working hours. “Neither SACE nor any individual or organisation has the right to dictate how teachers conduct themselves in their private time, provided their actions remain within the confines of the law,” De Bruin said. He also argued that parents should not be absolved of their responsibilities as children’s primary role models. “Parents are the primary educators and role models of their children, and parental responsibility does not end when the school day begins.” SACE, meanwhile, maintains that educators retain their constitutional rights and that lawful private activities do not automatically constitute grounds for disciplinary action. The WCED says disciplinary matters must be considered individually, in accordance with applicable labour laws and procedures.

Pretoria recorded the highest tree pollen levels among the nine South African monitoring sites this week, while Kimberley also reported moderate grass pollen concentrations. The latest pollen report shows that Pretoria was the only city to record high tree pollen levels. Grass pollen reached moderate levels in Pretoria and Kimberley, while the remaining monitoring sites recorded generally low concentrations. Despite the lower counts, a wide variety of trees continue to flower in Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. Pretoria records high tree pollen levels Pretoria recorded high tree pollen and moderate grass pollen concentrations during the latest sampling week. The monitoring station identified several tree species, including jacaranda, cypress, oak, olive, mulberry, gum, poplar and yellowwood. The station also detected pollen from weeds such as ragweed, pigweed, sedges, plantain and members of the daisy family. Kimberley records moderate grass pollen Kimberley recorded moderate grass pollen concentrations, while tree pollen remained low. The station detected pollen from several trees, including birch, hackberry, pine, olive, plane, poplar and elm. Mould concentrations also remained low. Johannesburg and Bloemfontein record low pollen levels Johannesburg recorded low concentrations across all pollen categories, although several tree species continue to flower. The monitoring station identified birch, cypress, mulberry, gum, pine, oak, willow and other trees. It also detected pollen from weeds such as mugwort, pigweed, plantain, sedges and nettles. Bloemfontein recorded similarly low pollen levels, despite the presence of several flowering trees, including acacia, birch, olive, pine, poplar and karee. Both cities recorded low mould concentrations. Rain and cooler weather reduce pollen in Cape Town Lower temperatures, wind and rain helped reduce pollen concentrations in Cape Town during the sampling week. The station detected pollen from trees such as Cape holly, mulberry, gum, olive, pine, plane, yellowwood and oak. It also identified several weeds, including goosefoot, sedges, sorrel, bulrush and nettles. Mould levels remained low. Durban records a mould peak Durban recorded low pollen concentrations across all categories. The station detected pollen from trees such as jacaranda, cypress, gum, mulberry, olive and poplar. Weeds included ragweed, goosefoot, sedges, plantain and bulrush. Although overall mould concentrations remained low, the station recorded a peak in Cladosporium, a mould that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Gqeberha and George record low concentrations Gqeberha recorded low tree, grass and weed pollen concentrations. The monitoring station identified olive, pine, yellowwood and buckthorn, along with weeds from the daisy family and sedges. George also recorded low concentrations across all pollen categories. Mould levels remained low, although ascospores increased sharply following rainfall. Rain may have reduced pollen in Potchefstroom Potchefstroom recorded low pollen concentrations across all categories, possibly because of rainfall during the sampling week. Mould concentrations remained low.

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