ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has warned internal critics that he will not be “blackmailed” before the 2027 ANC elective conference, as tension over succession politics intensify in the party. Mbalula addressed ANC members during his closing remarks at the West Rand regional conference, which elected new leadership yesterday. “A lot of people say Mbalula is supporting these people and they will never support him. I support the ANC. I don’t care about your support,” Mbalula told delegates. “I’m a secretary-general. I was elected. I’m leading even those who didn’t elect me and I must show them the way. I won’t be blackmailed because 2027 is coming. We will know when we get there.” William Matsheke was elected chairperson, Lucky Sele deputy chairperson, Mkhuseli Jokazi regional secretary, Mcebisi Moyeni deputy regional secretary and Nozuko Best regional treasurer. The ANC West Rand regional conference was delayed by court interdicts filed by party members who felt that Mbalula was interfering in the conference to ensure that the current leadership emerged victorious. While the ANC has not officially opened a succession debate, several figures have been mentioned as possible contenders, among them Mbalula, current deputy president Paul Mashatile and businessperson Patrice Motsepe. Mbalula has previously warned that he would suppress any succession debate, saying the party’s focus should be on winning the 2026 local government elections after its weaker performance in the 2024 general elections, which saw it dip below the 50% mark needed to govern outright. Mbalula told delegates on Tuesday that those who saw leadership in the ANC as a pathway to personal enrichment had no place in the party. The ANC had not survived 114 years by pursuing tenders and accumulating wealth, he said. Instead, it survived because generations of cadres had been willing to sacrifice everything for the cause of liberation. He emphasised that the former liberation movement must return to that principle. Mbalula said the party was under no illusion that the ANC must transform itself or risk becoming a footnote in history. “Our movement has been battered by scandals that erode public trust,” he said. “Corruption has eaten away at our moral authority. Factionalism has diverted our energies from the people’s business to internal power struggles. “In too many of our branches, meetings have become battlegrounds for tender disputes rather than platforms for community service. This must end if we are to decisively tackle the existential crisis we face.” The ANC, Mbalula said, must be uncompromising against corruption. “Anyone who used their position in the ANC to enrich themselves at the expense of the people has betrayed the memory of every comrade who sacrificed for this movement.” The party should deal with corruption without fear or favour. Renewal of the ANC meant revitalising its branches. “When branches are strong, the ANC is strong. When branches are weak, infiltrated by opportunists and careerists, the entire movement suffers. “Every branch must become a centre of community activism, not a vehicle for accessing government resources. We must recruit members who join because they believe in our vision, not because they see an opportunity for self-advancement.”

Tata made its comeback to South Africa in the second half of last year, launching four models that ranged from budget friendly to a tech-heavy crossover.  I had the mid-range Curvv and the flagship Harrier. Both are meant to be more elegant products from the brand but it felt too out of Tata’s comfort zone to give me a comfortable experience.  The Harrier was easy on the eye and had its perks but being priced from R550 000 to R700 000 did not sit well with me. The Curvv lacked identity and felt like it was all over the place.  After these experiences, I was not excited about jumping into the Tiago, Tata’s entry-level model, when I received it for testing.  But when it got here, I found myself driving it more than I imagined I would. In a world full of stylish, tech-heavy crossovers, it is refreshing to take a break and drive a basic budget car once in a while.  The Tata Tiago certainly does not lack style.  The exterior features a fresh, modern design that includes a bold exterior, stylish LED headlamps, smart LED daytime running lights and chrome-accented fog lamps. A trendy dual-tone roof and cool shark-fin antenna continue to keep the style throughout the vehicle. The hatchback rear end is finished off with boomerang-shaped tail lights. I like that Tata has not ignored style on an entry model and has paid attention to small details like remaining consistent with the lettering of the model across the back, as it has done on the higher models.  But at the end of the day, the car is not a head-turner. While the styling is cool, it’s not the be-all-and-end-all of the vehicle.  The practicality is what makes this vehicle.  I was in the manual variant of the Tiago that has a 1.2 litre engine, which produces 63kW of power and 113Nm of torque. I found that sufficient for urban and highway driving.  I’m guessing that like many of its rivals, the auto might be a more convenient option but then again, it will feel underpowered.  In the manual, the gear shifts were smooth, the car handled nicely for a small hatch and features like Apple Car Play and Android Auto in a budget vehicle like this also make it feel comfortable and user-friendly.  The fuel consumption was also satisfying — 5.5 litres/100km over the week I had the vehicle. When it comes to safety, the Tiago doesn’t compromise. Equipped with dual airbags, hill-hold control, ABS with EBD and Electronic Stability Programme, it is built to keep you secure. The body feels solid, as does the interior.  One of my criticisms of the higher spec Tata Curvv was its brittleness but the Tiago feels unexpectedly sturdy.  The Tata Tiago has a four-star Global NCAP rating. Pricing and verdict The Tiago is available in three variants:  1.2 XM MT priced at R184 900 1.2 XT MT priced at R209 900  1.2 XM AT priced at R224 900  I recommend the mid-range, so that you have the manual with all the features. For R209 900, the Tata Tiago is certainly a strong contender in the budget segment because it knows its role and it does it well. It is solid, comfortable, easy to get around in and fuel efficient.  Tata definitely needs to capitalise on the Tiago and maybe stick to the entry point instead of trying to compete in a crowded SUV segment with no pedigree. 

At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, French President Emmanuel Macron aimed to strengthen ties with English-speaking nations but faced backlash due to logistical failures and the absence of South Africa, raising questions about France's influence in Africa.

Arsenal ended their 22-year wait to be crowned Premier League champions on Tuesday after Manchester City were held 1-1 by Bournemouth.

South Africa has condemned the illegal seizure of the Gaza‑bound Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), warning that the reported abduction of South African citizens in international waters represents a “grave breach of international law and human rights.” The Department of International Relations and Cooperations (Dirco) warning comes after Israeli forces intercepted and detained a South African humanitarian ambassador while aboard the GSF while attempting to deliver much-needed aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Abduction Faizel Moosa was aboard the GSF, a civilian-led humanitarian mission carrying aid, when Israeli authorities reportedly intercepted the vessel in international waters on Monday, 18 May. The GSF is the latest in a string of attempts by activists to breach Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian territory, with the last convoy intercepted by Israeli forces only last month. Diplomatic concerns Dirco said it notes with “grave concern” reports that following the illegal seizure of GSF bound for Gaza, South African nationals have been abducted in international waters and may now be facing detention/imprisonment in Israel. “It must be underscored that the Flotilla, a civilian-led initiative, embarked upon a peaceful and humanitarian mission. Its participants aim to draw attention to the severe and urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people in Gaza and to deliver vital aid to alleviate the widespread suffering of a people living under occupation and genocide. “Such developments raise serious humanitarian, legal and diplomatic concerns that cannot be treated lightly. South Africa has a longstanding commitment to international law, the protection of human rights and the safety and well-being of its citizens wherever they may be,” Dirco said. Immediate protection Pretoria has called for restraint, respect for international law and the immediate protection of the rights, dignity and safety of all concerned. “The safety, security and physical integrity of all unarmed participants aboard the Flotilla, including South African citizens, are of paramount importance. Any forceful detention of these vessels in international waters constitutes a grave breach of international legal norms and fundamental human rights. “We will be engaging all relevant stakeholders and organisations liaising with the GSF as part of efforts to secure the safe and immediate release of those affected, while ensuring that their families are kept fully abreast of developments as the situation unfolds,” Dirco added. Dirco also called on the international community and all relevant parties to “uphold their obligations under international law” and to ensure the safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian missions.

Eskom has sounded the alarm, warning that the City of Johannesburg’s R5.2 billion arrears and repeated defaults could see the lights go out at key bulk supply points. The utility has issued a notice of its intention to reduce, interrupt or terminate electricity supply to certain bulk points serving the City of Johannesburg and City Power over its massive arrears. ‘Complete failure’ Eskom described the arrears as the city and City Power’s “complete failure” to honour its electricity supply agreement with Eskom, including repeated defaults.” The utility announced on Tuesday that the City of Johannesburg and City Power currently owe Eskom an arrears debt of R5 255 421 994.16, excluding the current account of a further R1 582 093 993.32 due on 5 June 2026. ‘Repeated faults’ Eskom said it has been working with the city and City Power for over two years to support the metro in meeting its payment obligations. “As a result of CoJ/CP’s continued failure to honour its Electricity Supply Agreement with Eskom, including repeated defaults, Eskom has been forced to issue a notice of its intention to reduce, interrupt and/or terminate the supply of electricity to certain bulk supply points against the City of Johannesburg and City Power.” ‘Failing to pay Eskom’ Eskom maintains it “simply cannot be acceptable” to the City’s residents and all South Africans that the city and City Power is collecting electricity revenue but failing to pay over Eskom’s share. The utility said while it continues to focus on being cost-efficient, escalating municipal and metro arrear debt undermines these efforts. “Eskom’s financial sustainability and ability to supply electricity at affordable prices is dependent upon its ability to improve its balance sheet by increasing revenue and reducing expenses. Revenue can only be increased by collecting electricity debts and/or increasing electricity tariffs.” Municipal debt The City of Johannesburg and City Power’s arrears debt crisis is part of a larger problem affecting Eskom’s financial recovery. Last year, Eskom warned that ballooning municipal debt and ongoing load reduction measures could undo the progress made under the national debt relief programme, undermining both electricity stability and economic recovery. According to Eskom Acting Group Executive for Distribution Agnes Mlambo’s presentation to the parliament’s portfolio committee on electricity and energy, municipal debt has skyrocketed from R20 billion in 2019 to a staggering R105 billion in September 2025. This accounted for the bulk of Eskom’s R108 billion in outstanding arrears. Debt solutions However, Eskom said many municipalities and metros across the country are working with it to develop sustainable debt solutions, as it continues to accelerate its support for this approach. Eskom announced on 5 May that nine municipalities have received council resolutions to sign the Distribution Agency Agreements following consultation processes. Agreement The utility said it developed a Distribution Agency Agreement (DAA), which is a long-term, non-permanent contract between a municipality or metro and Eskom, as part of the Active Partnering initiative. “This agreement offers a suite of services and solutions aimed at restoring the sustainability of electricity provision in a municipality or metro by enhancing its technical and financial sustainability. The services include skill development and training, replacement or installation of smart meters, as well as Eskom collecting revenue on behalf of the municipality. Eskom is working nationwide to assist in the rollout of this initiative,” the utility said. Comments from the City of Johannesburg and City Power will be included in the story once received.

Camille “Millie” Terblanche has gone viral on social media once again over her comments about her family’s wealth. The Cape Town influencer – who once dubbed herself the “prettiest girl in Guyana” – previously appeared on the South African version of Love Island in 2021 CAMILLE TERBLANCHE GOES VIRAL AFTER BRAGGING ABOUT WEALTH In a viral TikTok video, a Cape Town influencer and reality TV star was quizzed about her profession. The video was posted by the account Talking to Society, which chats to ordinary people on the street. When asked what she does for a living, Camille responded: “I don’t do anything. Why would I do something for a living? I don’t make money; I just have rich parents. Camille said of her dad: “He just existed, his father was also a billionaire…[my grandfather] was also a billionaire. It’s a long line of family money”. The model and content creator added insult to injury when she claimed that she was “from Africa”, calling South Africa a “third-world country” in comparison to her other home in London. @talkingtosociety What do you do for a living?#whatdoyoudoforliving #richkids #richkid ♬ original sound – Talking to Society It’s not the first time Camille “Millie” Terblanche has bragged about her family’s wealth. Last year, she appeared on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, where she was interviewed about how she landed an invite to the exclusive event. She nonchalantly responded, “I don’t do anything. Luckily, I’m from a rich family, so I get to be a stay-at-home daughter and just spend daddy’s money!” She continued: “I’m just here for the vibe, to walk the red carpet and get some pics”. When asked what her advice is for being successful and wealthy, Millie brazenly said: “Basically, just have rich parents”. View this post on Instagram A post shared by VALENTYNA KOZMA | Content Creator•Actress•Media Personality•UGC (@kozmiquegirl) WHO ARE HER PARENTS, AND ARE THEY BILLIONAIRES? Camille “Millie” Terblanche has bragged about being so rich that she never has to work. But who is her family that she claims has multi-generational wealth? There are no public records of who Camille’s father or grandfather is, or if they are even billionaires, as she has claimed. On her LinkedIn profile, Camille describes herself as being “self-employed” and her profession as a “user-generated content creator”.

Mark Saltzman, the son of Dis-Chem founders Lynette and Ivan Saltzman, has deleted his X account once again after a series of anti-Palestine and misogynistic tweets. The outspoken millionaire, a shareholder in the pharmaceutical company, is a qualified attorney specialising in commercial law. DIS-CHEM SHAREHOLDER DELETES X ACCOUNT AGAIN Mark Saltzman has deleted his X account – again – amid the public backlash of his anti-Palestine and misogynistic tweets directed at journalist Redi Tlhabi. This comes after Dis-Chem distanced itself from Saltzman, the son of founders Lynette and Ivan Saltzman.  Mark Saltzman, the son of Dis-Chem founders Ivan and Lynette Saltzman, has come under fire over his anti-Palestine tweets.Images via LinkedIn/Dis-Chem The pharmaceutical company clarified that it was apolitical and non-partisan, focused on providing affordable healthcare to all South Africans. It also emphasised that Saltzman did not represent the company, and was not on its board of directors. It also condemned his “misogynistic and derogatory language”. We do not condone misogynistic or derogatory language directed at any person. The language used in the exchange by Mark Saltzman does not reflect the values of Dis-Chem, our board or management team.While Mark Saltzman is a Dis-Chem shareholder, it is important to note that he…— Dis-Chem (@Dischem) May 19, 2026 In 2025, Mark and his brother Dan inherited almost R7 billion worth of shares from their parents. They have since sold shares worth around R600 million. WHO IS MARK SALTZMAN? According to Redi Tlhabi, Mark Saltzman often attacked her views of Palestine and Israel, calling her a “deranged b*tch” on several occasions. On his X and Facebook accounts, he has often posted images of Jewish symbols, with the words: “I stand with Israel” Here’s what else we know about the outspoken multi-millionaire… Saltzman is a commercial lawyer who established his own firm called Saltzman Attorneys. He obtained an LLB from the University of Witwatersrand. He has publicly revealed that he had voted for the DA. Mark Saltzman has voiced his conspiracy theories about COVID-19 being a  “man-made” He is also a proud Zionist and supporter of US President Donald Trump.  Saltzman, a father of two daughters, currently resides in New South Wales, Australia.

There are big concerns about the attacks that have been mounted against South African hosting companies in recent days.

Eskom has threatened to cut power to parts of Johannesburg as City Power's debt passes R5.2-billion.