Ebola has struck again, claiming lives in remote areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Given the proximity of the epicentre to Uganda and the wider Great Lakes region, the outbreak has raised serious concern about regional spread. That is why the World Health Organisation (WHO) moved quickly to issue an international alert. According to WHO, there are six known species within the ebolavirus group. The virus takes its name from the Ebola River, near the site of one of the first recorded outbreaks in what is now the DRC, in 1976. Four of these six species are known to cause disease in humans and the major African outbreaks have been linked mainly to Zaire, Sudan and Bundibugyo ebolaviruses. Such outbreaks become especially dangerous when the index case is missed or when diagnosis is delayed. The current outbreak has been identified as Bundibugyo ebolavirus. Unlike Zaire ebolavirus, for which approved vaccines exist, Bundibugyo still has no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment. Reports also suggest that early field tests did not immediately identify the strain, contributing to delays in confirmation. The evidence is clear: disease spreads more easily in conditions of conflict and insecurity. Amid violence, surveillance systems weaken, health workers operate in fear, access to communities becomes harder and dangerous gaps open up in the chain of protection needed to contain an outbreak. The outbreak emerged in Ituri Province, in northeastern DRC — a region that is no ordinary setting. It has been the theatre of protracted conflict for many years. In many areas, state authority is weak and communities endure repeated cycles of violence, including attacks attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group linked by several observers to the Islamic State’s Central Africa network. Eastern DRC is also afflicted by multiple armed groups, among the best known of them being M23. The role of neighbouring states has been repeatedly debated and documented in UN reporting, giving the conflict not only a local dimension but a regional one as well. The result is a lethal combination of violence, insecurity and weak public health coverage that allows Ebola to emerge, spread and kill, while placing the wider region — and indeed the world — on alert. The cycles of violence in the DRC have killed far more people than Ebola. Broadly cited estimates suggest that conflict and its indirect consequences caused roughly 5.4 million deaths between 1998 and 2007 alone. The true toll today is almost certainly higher. It is therefore understandable that many people are more preoccupied with dodging bullets or machetes than with taking precautions against Ebola or participating fully in the flow of information on which disease surveillance depends. It follows, then, that better Ebola surveillance also depends on progress in addressing conflict, insecurity and the armed encirclement imposed by rebel groups. Epidemiological surveillance cannot be fully separated from efforts to resolve the violence that has devastated these populations for decades. Meeting this challenge will require a collaborative strategy from all the countries in the region. It will require them to move beyond selective support for different armed groups and to act together against a menace that ultimately threatens them all. We speak about Ebola because it is transmissible and because it lays bare our shared vulnerability. Death from a bullet, by contrast, often remains invisible to those far away; it is borne disproportionately by poor and isolated communities in eastern Congo. Yet it is precisely that violence and the institutional breakdown it produces, that makes Ebola more dangerous. If the region acts in concert to pacify these areas, it will not only save those communities from war but also reduce the wider risk of recurrent outbreaks. If we are serious about strengthening disease surveillance, we must be equally serious about confronting rebel violence as a public health threat in its own right — one that has already claimed far more lives than Ebola. Containing epidemics in eastern Congo cannot be separated from containing the violence that devastates communities, weakens institutions and obstructs health responses. Only by tackling both threats together can we hope to prevent future Ebola outbreaks and reduce the danger of transmission beyond the epicentre. Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah is an expert in African development and socioeconomic transformation.

The Embassy of the Russian Federation has taken note of the opinion piece published in the Mail & Guardian on 19 May 2026, authored by Mr. Wellington Muzengeza, titled “Africa’s new information war: The leaked files that expose a manufactured solidarity.” We consider this publication a poorly disguised attempt to cast a shadow over the rapidly developing, mutually beneficial partnership between the Russian Federation and the African continent. It is regrettable that Mr. Muzengeza decided to make unsubstantiated claims, based on anonymous “leaked documents” from clearly biased sources, which have become somewhat of a tool in the geopolitical smear campaign against the emerging multipolar world order. The article tries to construct a fake reality, presenting Russia’s diverse and deep ties with Africa as a monolithic and malign “influence architecture”. The allegations are built on a pre-existing and openly racist UK/EU template, which suggests African nations are passive, easily swayed by “elite capture” and “engineered narratives”. This narrative denies the African nations of the right to be sovereign actors making independent choices according to their own national interests. This colonialistic view reveals the true mindset of those who stand behind this opinion piece. These people simply cannot conceive international relations outside the paradigm of take-up-the-whiteman’s burden and neo-colonial exploitation, a framework that Russia categorically rejects and has been vehemently opposed to for ages. The key thesis of a “manufactured solidarity” is a direct insult to the decades-long, principled ties between our peoples. Our solidarity is not and cannot be manufactured; it was forged in the crucible of history, through the USSR’s unequivocal support for African decolonization and liberation movements, and it continues today in our joint fight against modern forms of neo-colonialism and for the true democratization of international relations. The foundation of this partnership is not disinformation, but the tangible outcomes of our cooperation, which proudly stands in stark contrast to the hollow platitudes often emanating from Western capitals.   The narrative of the article blatantly ignores the consistent, positive agenda that Russia promotes. It deliberately overlooks the historic foundation laid by the USSR, which helped build over 300 industrial and infrastructure facilities in Africa and provided education to more than 80,000 African students, establishing educational, scientific, and medical institutions continent-wide. This profound  legacy laid the foundation for national industries and skilled professionals in many countries. The author is desperately trying to avoid concrete facts of our modern day cooperation: as of 2025 Russia’s trade turnover with African countries exceeded $27 billion, a 13% increase fuelled not by political interference but by mutually beneficial economic interest. More than 35,000 African students are currently enrolled in Russian universities, receiving a world-class education, with the scholarship quota doubling since 2019.  And last but not least Russia has provided over 200,000 tonnes of humanitarian wheat aid and more than 100,000 tonnes of fertilizers to the continent’s most vulnerable countries. These are hard facts of a true partnership. It appears that Mr. Muzengeza also remains silent on the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum and its outcomes. The first Russia-Africa Summit was held in Sochi in 2019, with delegations from all 54 African nations, including over 40 heads of state and government. The second summit followed in Saint Petersburg in 2023, attended by 48 African countries and five major regional associations. Participants adopted the 2023-2026 Action Plan, setting key cooperation priorities, and formalized a three-year summit cycle. The dialogue continues through regular ministerial conferences, such as those in Sochi (2024) and, most recently, Cairo (2025). The Cairo meeting, the first hosted on African soil, gathered representatives from 52 states and eight regional bodies, focusing on discussing international affairs, promoting bilateral ties, and advancing trade, economic, and investment goals under the existing Action Plan.  Russia wholeheartedly backs the strengthening of African regional institutions, notably the African Union as the continent’s unifying voice. We welcomed the African Union’s accession to the G20 in 2023 as a move reflecting modern global dynamics and Africa’s ascent in global affairs. Russia also strongly advocates for enhanced African representation in UN institutions, including through a reformed Security Council. Why ignore these open, multilateral engagements and instead give credence to a conspiracy theory? The answer is evident I presume. While we consistently promote a respectful, mutually beneficial dialogue, we are aware that other powers remain captive to a zero-sum mentality, viewing Africa’s growing cooperation with Russia and the BRICS nations as a loss of their own illegitimate influence. These are the same forces that imposed unilateral sanctions, preserved exploitative economic models, and continue to lecture African states on governance from a position of moral superiority they do not possess. Once again, I would like to reiterate – Russia firmly adheres to the principle of “African solutions to African problems” and seeks to strengthen its partnership with the continent in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.  It would be wonderful to see Mr.Muzengeza place a bit more emphasis on verifying facts to ensure a well-rounded and balanced view. It’s a pity that the narrative in the article is designed to foment distrust and fracture the growing partnership between Russia and Africa. We believe that this is a deep disservice to the readers of the Mail and Guardian, who deserve an unbiased perspective, not recycled geopolitical propaganda. Kirill Kalinin Senior Counsellor, Spokesperson of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in South Africa

A South African family is left devastated after discovering that their reserved grave site has been unlawfully allocated to another individual, raising critical questions about cultural respect and burial rights.

Tensions escalate at the Daikona Refugee Centre in Durban as protests against undocumented migrants intensify, leading to confrontations and police intervention.

Get the Daily Lotto and Daily Lotto Plus results as soon as they are drawn on The Citizen, so you can rest easy and check your tickets with confidence. Estimated Daily Lotto and Daily Lotto Plus jackpots for Thursday, 21 May 2026: Daily Lotto: R350 000 DailyLotto Plus: R150 000 Daily Lotto and Daily Lotto Plus results for 21 May 2026: The winning Daily Lotto numbers will appear below after the draw. Usually, within 10 minutes of the draw. You might need to refresh the page to see the updated results. Daily Lotto: 10, 14, 15, 27, 28. Daily Lotto Plus: 07, 15, 16, 17, 34. For more details and to verify the Daily Lotto results, visit the National Lottery website. How to play Daily Lotto in SA? If you are buying a ticket in-store: Pick up a betslip in any lottery store. Choose five numbers between 1 and 36 or ask for a Quick Pick. Entries cost R3 each. You can play a max of R150, but you are allowed to play multiple boards. Select how many consecutive draws you wish to enter, up to a maximum of 10. Leave blank for a single draw. Take your betslip to the teller to pay for your ticket. Write your details on the back of your ticket in case you need to claim a prize. If you do not sign your ticket and you lose it, anyone can use it to claim the prize. If you are playing online: Set up a lottery account here and make a deposit to pay for tickets. Choose five numbers from 1 to 36 or select ‘Quick Pick’ to generate a random set. Repeat this on as many boards as you want to play. Decide whether to enter a single draw or multiple draws. Confirm and pay for your entry. What time is the Daily Lotto draw? The Daily Lotto draws take place shortly after 8:30pm every evening, and tickets can be bought until 8:30pm.

In the news today, Deputy President Paul Mashatile says he will not stop associating with his rich friends simply because there could be some conflict of interest. Meanwhile, a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bus claimed 10 lives in Mpumalanga. Furthermore, SportyTV has announced that fans will be able to watch all 104 matches of the Fifa World Cup 2026 for a once-off payment of just R10. Weather tomorrow: 22 May 2026 Cloudy and partly cloudy skies are expected across the country on Friday, along with scattered showers and thundershowers in most provinces. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Mashatile denies fixing government tenders for his wealthy friends, slams DA for judging rich black people Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Picture: X / @ParliamentofRSA Deputy President Paul Mashatile says he will not stop associating with his rich friends simply because there could be some conflict of interest. Mashatile was responding to oral questions in parliament on Thursday. “There are many people I know in this country, some of them have been my friends for more than 20, 30 years. When I went into politics, they went into business, so you are saying to me, please do not see them anymore, do not associate with them because they are in business,” he said. Mashatile said he would never use his powers as deputy president to score government tenders for his friends. This is despite reports that some of his friends have benefited from lucrative government contracts. CONTINUE READING: Mashatile denies fixing government tenders for his wealthy friends, slams DA for judging rich black people 10 killed in head-on collision between bus and taxi in Mpumalanga Ten people have been killed in a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bus in Mpumalanga. Picture: ArriveAlive/Facebook Ten people have been killed in a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bus in Mpumalanga. It is understood that the accident occurred on the R39 highway between Standerton and Morgenzon on Thursday morning All 10 deceased were occupants of the minibus taxi, including the driver. Eight people died at the scene, one died while being transported to the hospital and another passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital in Standerton. CONTINUE READING: 10 killed in head-on collision between bus and taxi in Mpumalanga R10 to watch all 104 Fifa World Cup matches? Mzansi fans stunned by new streaming deal Picture istock South African football supporters are set for a major game-changing viewing experience after SportyTV announced that fans will be able to watch all 104 matches of the Fifa World Cup 2026 for a once-off payment of just R10. In a new move, the platform confirmed that every match from the global football spectacle will be available in one place without the frustration of switching between broadcasters, subscriptions or expensive viewing packages. The tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada, is expected to be the biggest Fifa World Cup in history, and SportyTV says it wants South Africans to enjoy every moment seamlessly across all devices. CONTINUE READING: R10 to watch all 104 Fifa World Cup matches? Mzansi fans stunned by new streaming deal My wife and girlfriend working doesn’t excuse me from my duties, says Sotheni in bail application Matipandile Sotheni appears at Brakpan Magistrates’ Court on 18 May 2026. Picture: Gallo Images/OJ Koloti Matipandile Sotheni has told the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court that his wife and girlfriend being employed does not mean he should not provide for his children. Sotheni, a former elite police officer, returned to the court on Thursday to continue his bail application in connection with the murder of Marius van der Merwe, also known as “Witness D”. Van der Merwe was shot dead at his home in Brakpan on 5 December 2025. His wife and two children survived the shooting. The former member of the Special Task Force (STF) within the South African Police Service (Saps) is facing 16 charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, three counts of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, ammunition-related offences and theft. CONTINUE READING: My wife and girlfriend working doesn’t excuse me from my duties, says Sotheni in bail application Sassa fires 43 officials over fraud and corruption cases Picture: Gallo Images The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has dismissed 43 officials implicated in fraud, theft, corruption and serious maladministration during the 2025/2026 financial year as the agency intensifies efforts to clean up its systems and improve governance. The dismissals were revealed on Wednesday when the Department of Social Development, Sassa and the National Development Agency appeared before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Appropriations to outline budget allocations and measures aimed at safeguarding public funds. Sassa CEO Themba Matlou told the committee the dismissals followed “stringent measures” introduced to combat fraud and corruption within the agency. CONTINUE READING: Sassa fires 43 officials over fraud and corruption cases Yesterday’s News recap READ HERE: In case you missed it: Morero denies Joburg’s broke | Activist Molosankwe shot dead | Rosemary Ndlovu found guilty

Reality TV star Jojo Robinson has shared an emotional health update after revealing that she no longer needs kidney stone surgery. The The Real Housewives of Durban star took to social media to celebrate the good news after doctors discovered that three of her four kidney stones had passed naturally. As a result, she no longer needs to undergo surgery this month. The latest update comes only a month after Jojo underwent surgery to remove skin cancer growths, making the news an even bigger relief for the reality TV star. “How you dance when you find out you no longer need to do the Kidney stone surgery, again,!!!!!!! Turns out my body decided to handle business all on its own. No surgery needed,” she wrote. She added that the remaining stone is now very small and doctors will monitor it until next year. “3 of the 4 stones passed on their own and the other one is so little we’re giving it till next year to see if it passes too.. THE RELIEF. if you suffer with kidney stones you get it.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by JoJo Robinson (@mrs.jojo.robinson) JOJO ROBINSON OPENS UP ABOUT PAINFUL HEALTH STRUGGLE Furthermore, Jojo explained that she had struggled with recurring urinary tract infections and lower back pain for years before discovering that kidney stones were the cause. “On another level. if you were like me and you suffered from regular UTI infections and lower back pain, it could actually be a sign of underlying kidney stones,” she shared. The content creator also revealed that her condition became severe two years ago when she nearly lost one of her kidneys during a medical emergency. “I nearly lost my one kidney (trust me, you dont want it to get there. its one of the most painfull things you could go through),” she wrote. However, this time doctors detected the stones early after she went for tests following another UTI infection. Jojo then focused on trying to flush the stones out naturally before her scheduled surgery. “I did everything in my power to flush them out before we had scheduled another surgery to remove them and it actually worked,” she said. JOJO ROBINSON SHARES WHAT HELPED HER Meanwhile, Jojo also shared some of the methods that helped her during the process. According to the reality TV star, she drank two to three litres of water daily, squeezed lemon into water, took supplements, drank apple cider vinegar mixed with juice and stayed active by walking. She also praised Dr Padaychee from Alberlito Hospital in Ballito for assisting her throughout the process. “If I had to reccomend anything I would say if your even slighty worried go see Dr padaychee, he is in Alberlito hospital in ballito. Hes THE BEST,” she wrote. Additionally, Jojo urged followers not to self-diagnose and encouraged them to consult a doctor first before trying any remedies. “This is not to say this is what you do. This is just advise on what helped me.. but like I say ALWAYS see a doctor first,” she added. ‘ITS HAPPY DANCE’ Ending off her post on a positive note, Jojo expressed relief after weeks of stress and uncertainty surrounding her health. “but for me.. ITS HAPPY DANCE. THE WEIGHT that is gone right now..” she wrote.

It’s time for today’s Daily Lotto and Daily Lotto Plus draws! Could tonight be your lucky night? Good Luck! 🎉 Dreaming of a big win? The Daily Lotto jackpot is up for grabs, and it’s guaranteed at R350 000, while the new Daily Lotto Plus jackpot stands at R150 000. The jackpot prize money is guaranteed to be given away even if no one matches all five numbers. All it takes is a ticket to turn your dreams into reality because as the saying goes, you’ve got to be in it to win it! 📢 Stay tuned! The winning numbers will be updated below as soon as they’re drawn at or after 21:00. THURSDAY’S DAILY LOTTO NUMBERS 10, 14, 15, 27, 28 THURSDAY’S DAILY LOTTO PLUS NUMBERS 07, 15, 16, 17, 34 Draw date: 21 May 2026 Did you miss a draw and wonder if you won? Click here to view past Daily Lotto results and payouts. More recent Lotto draws: The Daily Lotto and Daily Lotto Plus results for Thursday, 21 May 2026 R25-million up for GRABS: Lotto and Lotto Plus 1 and 2 on Saturday 23 May 2026 The Daily Lotto and Daily Lotto Plus results for Wednesday, 20 May 2026 WHEN DOES THE DRAW TAKE PLACE? The Daily Lotto draws occur every day of the week, Monday to Sunday, around 21:00 (SA time). HOW TO BUY TICKETS Buy your tickets now at your nearest participating retailer, on our website by visiting national lottery.co.za using your computer or mobile site, via the National Lottery Mobile App, or participating banks, namely FNB, ABSA, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Capitec, TymeBank and African Bank otherwise dial 1207529# for USSD. DID YOU KNOW Winners who win R50 000 and above receive free trauma counselling from professional psychologists and financial advice from accredited financial advisors absolutely free. At the same time, winnings are paid tax-free directly into the winner’s accounts. WHEN DO LOTTERY TICKET SALES CLOSE? If you are buying tickets from a lottery outlet, they close at 20:30 on the day of a draw. ELIGIBILITY Players must be 18 years old. SUMMARY OF ALL LOTTERY GAMES Monday: Daily Lotto Tuesday: Daily Lotto + PowerBall and PowerBall Plus Wednesday: Daily Lotto + Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 Thursday: Daily Lotto Friday: Daily Lotto + PowerBall and PowerBall Plus Saturday: Daily Lotto + Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 Sunday: Daily Lotto For more details and to verify the winning numbers, visit the National Lottery website.You must always confirm the official winning numbers on the National Lottery website. We do our best to post the results as accurately as possible, but the National Lottery is the only source you can use to 100% verify the results.

Developer PayInc has acknowledged that fees and inconsistent bank UX have slowed PayShap adoption.

MTN and Vodacom together move over $1-trillion through mobile money - but their fintech playbooks are diverging.