IOL
Planning an overseas trip? What South Africans need to know after the US travel warning
South Africans planning international trips should stay informed about the US's worldwide travel caution, which warns of potential security threats and disruptions.
IOL
MK Party Awaits Zuma's Decision on Zandile Gumede as eThekwini Mayoral Candidate Speculation Intensifies
Zandile Gumede's future as a potential mayoral candidate for eThekwini Municipality rests with Jacob Zuma and Sibonelo Nomvalo.
The Citizen
‘Avengers: Doomsday’ trailer: 5 biggest moments and what they mean for 2026’s MCU mega-crossover
The wait is (almost) over. Marvel Studios released the first proper trailer for Avengers: Doomsday on Monday, ahead of the film’s Comic-Con New York panel this coming weekend, with the studio timing the drop to coincide with tickets going on sale. The film, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, was pushed from its original May 2026 date to 18 December 2026 – and judging by fan sentiment, this trailer is the clearest sign yet that the wait will be worth it. The Avengers: Doomsday footage introduces Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, teased as one of the most formidable villains the MCU has produced. Here’s what’s sending fans into a frenzy. Mystique (Rebecca Romijn) in Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday. Picture: Marvel Studios via Disney South Africa Doctor Doom holds court – and Professor X sounds the alarm The trailer opens as Patrick Stewart’s Professor Xavier warns, “Something’s coming, something we may not be able to deter… before this day is done, we will be faced with an unthinkable decision.” This, intercut with profile shots of the film’s big villain, Doom, still masked up. What follows is a series of cameo shots showing just how many stars have been pulled in to make this Avengers: Doomsday crossover a reality. Thor vs Doom: the Stormbreaker moment everyone’s talking about In the centrepiece action beat, Doom casually catches Thor’s Stormbreaker with one hand – a deliberate, chilling callback to the Infinity War scene where Thor failed to stop Thanos the same way. Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) in Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday. Picture: Marvel Studios via Disney South Africa Elsewhere, Doom is shown fully armoured, blasting Thor with enough force to leave him immobilised – three steps ahead of whatever plan the Avengers can muster. It’s enough to make Thor fear Doom more than he ever feared Thanos and to realise his side needs nothing short of a miracle. Steve Rogers answers the call (L-R): Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth). Picture: Marvel Studios via Disney South Africa And here’s that miracle. Thor, carrying Mjolnir, encounters Steve Rogers, who greets him with a soft “Hey, pal.” Thor responds, “It’s not possible,” and holds out the hammer to test whether this really is Captain America. Evans returns with long hair and a full beard – the same rugged look he wore in Infinity War – immediately sparking fan debate over whether this is really “our” Steve or a variant. Either way, he’s still worthy: he grips Mjolnir without issue, a comeback the very first teaser had already given away. Steve is also shown meeting Yelena Belova, telling her that Natasha was family to him – which makes her family too. X-Men, incursions and a crowded multiverse (L-R) The Dora Milaje, Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Joaquin Torres/Falcon (Danny Ramirez), and Ava/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) in Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday. Picture: Marvel Studios via Disney South Africa Pedro Pascal’s, Vanessa Kirby’s, Joseph Quinn’s and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Fantastic Four cross paths with people who plainly don’t belong in their reality, while the classic X-Men line-up – Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, Alan Cumming, Kelsey Grammer and Channing Tatum – turn up alongside Anthony Mackie’s Captain America, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova and Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man. Shuri’s Black Panther and fellow Wakandan M’Baku are also on hand to help take on Doom. (L-R): John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), Alexei/Red Guardian (David Harbour), Yelena (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Ava/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), Sam Wilson/Captain America (Anthony Mackie), and Thor (Chris Hemsworth). Picture: Marvel Studios via Disney South Africa Also spotted: Loki, back in his TVA suit, inside Steve’s house from the first teaser, and Reed Richards yelling “Answer me” at Doom. Tickets, format and the countdown to December Tickets for the exclusive Infinity Vision screenings went on sale the same morning the trailer dropped. Expect this trailer to run ahead of Spider-Man: Brand New Day when it opens worldwide next week – and Marvel’s Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con is only days away.
The Citizen
WATCH: Nozipho Ntshangase reveals cosmetic surgery, MAFS Mzansi trends and Jay-Z’s star-studded celebration
From celebrity transformations and reality TV to international music moments, our weekly lifestyle wrap and entertainment headlines kept fans talking. Reality TV star Nozipho Ntshangase, best known for The Mommy Club, has unveiled the results of her latest cosmetic procedure. About a year after documenting her tummy tuck journey, Ntshangase revealed that she recently underwent a mini facelift with the same surgeon. She has openly shared her cosmetic surgery experiences with followers, offering a level of transparency that has sparked widespread discussion on social media. ALSO SEE: PODCAST: Is this the end of Real Housewives in South Africa? Meanwhile, Married at First Sight Mzansi Season 3 continues to gain momentum after its second episode trended online. Viewers welcomed new couples, with Lorinda and Robyn quickly emerging as fan favourites thanks to their instant chemistry. However, another pairing featuring reality TV personality Princess has left audiences divided, with many questioning whether the relationship will succeed. Rihanna and Beyoncé perform at Jay-Z celebration Internationally, music fans were captivated by Jay-Z’s three-night celebration marking 30 years of his landmark debut album. (File photo) Jay-Z looks on prior to the start of Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium on 8 February 2026 in Santa Clara, California. Picture: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America /AFP The performances featured surprise appearances from Rihanna and Beyoncé, with Rihanna making a rare return to the stage after several years away from live performances. The event has been widely praised as a celebration of Jay-Z’s career and influence. In another story, the daughter of late actress Connie Chiume, Nothando Mabuza, has appealed for public support after being accepted into a performing arts conservatory programme in Los Angeles. She is hoping to raise approximately R150 000 to cover the costs of attending the prestigious programme. Finally, the inquest into the death of Anele Tembe has once again been postponed. New court dates have been set for September, as several witnesses are still expected to testify, extending the family’s wait for answers more than five years after her death. The late AKA and his late fiancée Anele Tembe. Picture: Instagram @akaworldwide Those are some of the biggest lifestyle and entertainment stories making headlines this week.
The South African
WEATHER: Fine with cold conditions expected in KZN
Here is what the weather has in store for KZN, Free State and North West on Tuesday 21 July 2026. KWAZULU-NATAL Fine weather will prevail, with cool conditions across most areas and colder temperatures in the south-west. Along the coast, light to moderate northerly to north-easterly winds will blow throughout the day. The UVB sunburn index is very high. DURBAN Durban is going to be fine. Light to moderate north-easterly to northerly winds will blow throughout the day. Temperatures will range from 13°C to 22°C. The UVB sunburn index is very high. FREE STATE Free State is going to be fine and cool. BLOEMFONTEIN Bloemfontein is going to be fine. Temperatures will range from a minimum of 04°C to a maximum of 21°C. NORTH WEST The North West province is going to be fine and cool. MAHIKENG Weather in Mahikeng is going to be fine. Temperatures will range from a minimum of 9°C. to a maximum of 25C. Weather forecast data provided by the South African Weather Service.
The South African
Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Phili, R71 million, Du Preez, Percy Tau
Kaizer Chiefs could still make several signings before the start of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season. Amakhosi have returned from their pre-season tour of Spain, where new head coach Fernando Da Cruz had an opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the new campaign. Although Chiefs failed to register a victory in their friendly matches, the tour gave the coaching staff valuable insight into the team’s strengths and areas requiring reinforcement. The club’s injury concerns are relatively limited. Khanyisa Mayo is continuing his rehabilitation after suffering an injury last season, while left-back Paseka Mako fractured his forearm during the tour and is expected to miss the opening league fixture. Which players are Kaizer Chiefs targeting? Langelihle Phili Stellenbosch FC winger Langelihle Phili remains one of Chiefs’ top reported targets. The 21-year-old has impressed with his pace and creativity, and reports suggest Amakhosi have proposed a player-plus-cash deal that could see Ashley Du Preez move in the opposite direction. However, Chiefs face competition, with clubs from North Africa also monitoring the talented winger. Tshegofatso Mabasa Former Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has also emerged as a potential target. The 29-year-old is currently a free agent and would offer Kaizer Chiefs an experienced goalscoring option. With the club looking to improve its attacking output, Mabasa could provide healthy competition for places up front. Percy Tau Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau is another high-profile name linked with Naturena. The former Mamelodi Sundowns forward is available on a free transfer and has publicly stated he is open to joining Chiefs, Sundowns or Orlando Pirates. While his quality and experience are unquestionable, Amakhosi must weigh up whether signing the 32-year-old aligns with their long-term vision, particularly with exciting young wingers such as Asanele Velebayi and Wandile Duba already pushing for regular opportunities. With Kaizer Chiefs set to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup alongside their domestic commitments, adding quality and depth could prove crucial. Success in Africa would not only enhance the club’s reputation but could also earn Amakhosi prize money of up to R71 million, making further investment in the squad a worthwhile pursuit. Which players should Chiefs bring in?
TechCentral
Openserve hits back in fibre ISP row
Following industry criticism, Openserve has mounted a defence of its decision to launch its own ISP.
TechCentral
Best network, worst vibes: the puzzle of SA telecoms
The best mobile network in South Africa has unhappy customers; the worst-measured has the happiest. Why?