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.

The unfortunate Deon Fourie is likely to be out of rugby for three months with a knee injury, his Stormers coach John Dobson has said.

Public Service Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi's candid admission before Parliament reveals a troubling reality: South Africa's public service crisis stems not from policy failures but from a lack of accountability, as R800m continues to be paid to suspended officials. What does this mean for the future of governance?

Cardiff qualified for the URC playoffs with a passionate home win over the Stormers at the Arms Park on Friday night. Corniel van Zyl’s side ran in four tries for a 22-16 bonus-point win to climb up to fourth on the log, above the Vodacom Bulls, who host Benetton on Saturday. The Stormers remain second but will end third if Leinster beat the Ospreys in Dublin on Saturday. In Friday night’s other results, Connacht thumped Edinburgh 26-5 to book their place in the quarter-finals and the Glasgow Warriors edged Ulster 26-22 in Belfast to secure top spot on the log. Ulster’s loss means that the Lions are now assured of a place in the top eight regardless of Saturday’s result against Munster in Limerick. A rocky opening The Stormers made an ominous start at the Arms Park, with their scrum dominating on the 4G surface. After a series of penalties, Cardiff captain Liam Belcher was shown a yellow card for repeated infringements. The Stormers capitalised immediately. Lock Adré Smith crashed over in the seventh minute and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added the conversion to give the visitors a deserved 7-0 lead. But despite being reduced to 14 men, Cardiff responded superbly. In the 17th minute, flyhalf Ioan Lloyd produced a pinpoint cross-kick for Jacob Beetham, who gathered and stepped his way over for the hosts’ first try. Lloyd converted to level the scores. Cardiff struck again soon afterwards. Tom Bowen finished off a slick backline move to put the Welsh side in front as the Stormers were made to pay for a lapse in concentration. The Cape side regained some momentum through their pack, and Feinberg-Mngomezulu slotted a long-range penalty in the 30th minute to cut the deficit to 12-10. The Stormers then suffered another setback just before the break when Smith was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. Taking advantage of numerical superiority Cardiff took full advantage of their numerical superiority, with Lloyd twisting over in the corner to score and extend the home side’s lead. Lloyd’s conversion drifted wide, but Cardiff still went into the sheds with a deserved seven-point advantage. The Stormers drew first blood just six minutes into the second half through another Feinberg-Mngomezulu penalty, but Cardiff landed a heavy blow as Beetham crossed for his second to take the hosts’ lead beyond a converted try. The second half ebbed and flowed, but the Stormers’ lack of finishing power and some basic skill failures would be of concern for coach John Dobson heading into the quarter-finals. CARDIFF – Tries: Jacob Beetham (2), Tom Bowen, Ioan Lloyd. Conversion: Lloyd.STORMERS – Try: Adré Smith. Conversion: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Penalties: Feinberg-Mngomezulu (3). This story was first published on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission.

Aston Villa secured Champions League football with a 4-2 win over Liverpool on Friday that leaves the Reds still at risk of missing out on Europe’s elite competition next season. Ollie Watkins struck twice as Villa boss Unai Emery was rewarded for naming a strong side just days before the Europa League final. Villa’s Emery – ‘I am so proud’ “Champions League, this is something amazing,” said Emery. “To compete in both competitions and being consistent is not easy. We had a fantastic season in the Premier League and I am so proud.” Liverpool slip to fifth and remain just four points ahead of Bournemouth, who have two games remaining. Even if the Reds do limp over the line to Champions League qualification, the manner of another dismal defeat raised fresh questions over Arne Slot’s future. The Liverpool boss has remained confident he will be in charge next season despite a desperately disappointing title defence. “It’s not about me, it’s about us being disappointed with the result. I spoke yesterday on it and that’s enough,” said Slot when asked again about the rising calls for him to be dismissed. “Our focus is on the Brentford game and making sure we earn the support of the fans by starting the game aggressive and well. “The culmination of the fan support and a good performance will lead us to what we want to achieve and that is qualifying for the Champions League.” Collapse Slot was again hampered by a lengthy injury list with Alisson Becker, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike absent, while Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah were only fit enough to come off the bench. But Liverpool collapsed alarmingly in the second half just when they had got back into the game thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s equaliser. Emery learned his lesson after a second string side were booed off and beaten by struggling Tottenham ahead of Villa’s Europa League semi-final, second leg against Nottingham Forest. The Spaniard named what many expect to be his starting line-up for Wednesday’s final against Freiburg in Istanbul as Villa aim to win a major trophy for the first time in 30 years. A brilliantly worked short corner routine teed up Morgan Rogers to curl in the opening goal four minutes before half-time. Liverpool responded after the break as Van Dijk headed in from Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick. Moments later the visitors were inches away from taking the lead when Rio Ngumoha rattled the inside of the post. But momentum swung back decisively in Villa’s favour when Szoboszlai slipped deep inside his own half to allow Rogers to cross for Watkins to tap in. Wave upon wave of Villa attack then raged towards the Liverpool goal. Emi Buendia’s curling effort then came back off the crossbar Liverpool failed to clear the resulting corner and Watkins pounced for his second goal despite a fine double save from Giorgi Mamardashvili to deny Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres. McGinn magic A sensational strike from captain John McGinn that found the top corner rounded off a night to remember for Villa as they are set for just a second season in Europe’s top competition since 1982/83. Van Dijk nodded in another consolation in stoppage time for Liverpool. But should Bournemouth shock Manchester City on Tuesday, Liverpool face the prospect of a nervy final day at home to Brentford to ensure they do not miss out on the Champions League.

Not for the first time, singer KB Motsilanyane has delivered a stellar rendition of South Africa’s national anthem. Her performance came as the Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, announced the recipients of a fan delegation that would watch the FIFA World Cup’s opening match between South Africa and Mexico. The tournament kicks off in less than a month and will be hosted by Mexico, Canada and the US. KB MOTSILANYANE DELIVERS ANOTHER MEMORABLE NATIONAL ANTHEM On Friday, 15 May, KB Motsilanyane appeared alongside Minister Gayton McKenzie and a fan delegation on SABC’s Morning Live show. Sporting her Bafana Bafana jersey, KB was invited to sing the national anthem – which she did flawlessly. “The nostalgia, pride and emotion filled the room all over again”, the official X account captioned a clip of the performance. Watch it below… This morning, South Africa relived a moment that once united the nation 🇿🇦As KB Motsilanyane once again delivered the National Anthem — this time alongside our lucky fans live on television — the nostalgia, pride and emotion filled the room all over again.❤️🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/w7cEguFWeI— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) May 15, 2026 THROWBACK TO THAT LOFTUS MOMENT KB Motsilanyane is widely credited with singing one of the best renditions of the South African national anthem at a sporting match. Her performance came in July 2024, at the Springboks’ first match on home soil at Loftus. The national team went on to beat their visitors – Ireland – 27-20 in front of a sold-out crowd. KB’s moving execution involved allowing the crowd to finish singing Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika. The star was even praised by Springbok players and celebrities, with fans calling on SA Rugby to permit KB to sing every national anthem at a rugby match.  She responded: “I’m humbled, thank you.” “I feel so blessed to have been a part of a wonderful moment,” KB responded to another who thanked her for uniting the nation.

A South African refugee couple is accused of having an “anchor baby”, born in the US after their arrival earlier this year. The news comes after the first anniversary of the initial group of Afrikaners who resettled in their adoptive country last May. The group, as well as others who have followed, claimed to have been “racially persecuted” back home. This came after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order geared at assisting white South Africans he believes are facing a “genocide”. SOUTH AFRICAN COUPLE WELCOME FIRST REFUGEE BABY Speaking to YouTuber Chris Wyatt, a South African refugee named Wade revealed that he had recently welcomed a baby boy, Jackson, with his partner. Wade, who works at a truck dealership in Nebraska, bragged that his son was the first refugee baby born in the US. He arrived in February and now lives in Yankton, South Dakota. Wyatt joked, “Is that an anchor baby? Now we can’t get rid of you?” BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP According to the US Constitution, the South African refugee baby would be automatically granted birthright citizenship – despite his parents’ immigration status –  as he was born in the country. Last year, President Trump signed an executive order limiting birthright citizenship. The order states that automatic citizenship would not be extended to those born in the US under the following circumstances: When the mother was unlawfully present in the US, and the father was not a citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of the birth When the mother’s presence in the US at the time of the birth was lawful but temporary (such as, but not limited to, visiting the United States under the auspices of the Visa Waiver Program or visiting on a student, work, or tourist visa), and the father was not a US citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of the birth.

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.