The IEC says 23,696 voting stations have been secured for South Africa’s 4 November 2026 local government elections, although the number could change as outstanding leases are finalised.

Former Springbok prop Vincent Koch is fully focused on leading the Sharks to silverware after completing his first full pre-season with the Durban franchise.

The chair of the English Football Association has called on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to release all the documentation relating to the abandoned plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. Infantino’s proposal was short-lived after a fierce backlash from across the sport, with European governing body UEFA threatening to boycott all FIFA competitions until it was shelved. FA chair Debbie Hewitt, who is also a FIFA vice-president and a member of the FIFA Council, has written to Infantino asking for full disclosure of all information relating to the scheme before the FIFA Council next meets on October 15. Hewitt has also called for the release of documents relating to the decision to suspend a ban handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, which followed a phone call from US President Donald Trump to Infantino. Infantino apologised over the process in regard to the private investor plan in August and a statement from FIFA’s management board pledged there would be a review but has not at any stage confirmed who is undertaking that investigation. UEFA said it has “lost confidence” in Infantino and has made legal applications in the US court system seeking disclosure of documents related to the private investor plan. UEFA has also committed to identifying a credible candidate to run against Infantino at the FIFA Congress in March, with November 18 the deadline for candidates to be submitted. Infantino confirmed earlier this month his intention to seek re-election.

Sassa is expanding its digital services to include online applications, WhatsApp support, electronic verification and self-service kiosks, as the agency seeks to reduce queues and make it easier for beneficiaries to access social grant services. The agency also introduced free Wi-Fi at its offices to help beneficiaries with smartphones but limited internet access use its digital platforms. Sassa chief executive Themba Matlou outlined the agency’s modernisation programme during a media engagement in the Eastern Cape on Thursday, saying the changes aimed to make services more accessible to people who live far from Sassa offices. More services online The agency’s modernisation programme includes improvements to online application processes and electronic verification systems, as well as integrating information systems with other government institutions. Sassa said the changes would reduce the need for beneficiaries to repeatedly visit local offices while helping the agency detect fraud, process applications more efficiently and improve accuracy. Its online platform allows beneficiaries to submit new applications, change payment details and complete e-Life Certification. Sassa has also introduced WhatsApp channels for Social Relief of Distress (SRD) and social grant enquiries, as well as a separate channel for beneficiaries to check their review statuses. “These interventions enable beneficiaries to submit enquiries and receive assistance both before and after submitting applications, without the need to visit a Sassa office in person,” the agency said. The agency is also rolling out self-service kiosks at its offices, with more advanced kiosks planned for strategic locations across the country by the 2027/28 financial year. Free Wi-Fi at Sassa offices Sassa said it had introduced Wi-Fi connectivity at its offices to assist beneficiaries who have smartphones but limited access to internet services. “Through this initiative, beneficiaries can access online applications, the Sassa WhatsApp platform, and other digital support services while visiting our offices,” it said. The agency is also developing a Sassa mobile application, which it expects to launch during the third quarter of the current financial year. The push towards digital services comes as Sassa administers social grants to approximately 19 million permanent beneficiaries every month. Matlou said the agency wanted to build a modern Sassa that provides services that are “accessible, secure and citizen-centred”. Digital services will not replace human support Sassa acknowledged that digital transformation could create challenges for beneficiaries who struggle with internet access, connectivity or digital literacy. “Digital transformation will not replace human support. Rather, it will complement and strengthen existing service channels while ensuring that no vulnerable citizen is left behind,” the agency said. It said face-to-face support would remain available for beneficiaries who require in-person assistance. The agency is also encouraging beneficiaries in the Eastern Cape to use alternative methods of accessing services instead of travelling to Sassa offices. “We particularly want to appeal to beneficiaries in the Eastern Cape to explore the use of alternative methods to access the Sassa services without going to the office,” it said. Sassa said beneficiaries should also ensure the agency has their correct cellphone numbers so they can receive important notifications. The agency said its broader goal was to reduce the amount of time beneficiaries spend in queues while improving service delivery and protecting the social grant system through stronger verification and fraud-prevention measures.

Bafana Bafana centre-back Olwethu Makhanya is already a fan favourite at Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers. He’s about to experience the Old Firm Derby. Olwethu Makhanya to line up in the Old Firm Derby Widely regarded as one of the most fearsome and iconic derby matches in world football, the Old Firm Derby pits Glasgow teams Rangers and Celtic against one another. Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya will line up for the away side this Sunday, 20 September. Kickoff is at 13:00 SA time. The sides met just a week ago in the Scottish League Cup, with Makhanya starting and Rangers winning 3-0. He’s about to get a taste of the derby for the very first time in a league match. Makhanya has featured in five out of six league games so far this term after his July move from Philadelphia Union. Big things are expected of the talented 22-year-old. Also read: Orlando Pirates vs Durban City: Starting XI and score predictions Also read: Golden Arrows vs Kaizer Chiefs: Date, kickoff time, starting XI, score prediction Bafana Bafana in action next against Guinea Meanwhile, South Africa will be intrigued to see Bafana in action under new coach Pitso Mosimane. They face Guinea in an AFCON qualifier on Saturday, 26 September at 18:00. Predicted XI vs Guinea: Williams; Sebelebele, Makhanya, Okon, Modiba; Sithole, Mokoena; Appollis, Mofokeng, Maseko; Rayners. So, what are your thoughts on Makhanya’s performances so far with Glasgow Rangers? Get involved in the conversation by clicking the red comments banner below and have your say 🙂

Rulani Mokwena continues to make a strong argument about being one of South Africa’s finest coaches. So far, he has guided Pyramids FC to an unbeaten run domestically and in the CAF Champions League. Mokwena is now chasing the major trophy his former team took away from his new club two years ago. Pyramids FC and Sundowns chasing same goal In June 2025, Pyramids FC beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 on aggregate to claim the CAF Champions League trophy. This was the Egyptian club’s first continental trophy, making it the country’s fourth team to conquer African football. However, holding on to the title was much harder, with Pyramids knocked out in the quarter-finals the next year. Sundowns went on to defeat Morocco’s AS FAR in the final to claim their second Champions League trophy. With Mokwena based in Cairo, this means he may have to go through his old club to reach the top again with Pyramids. Rulani Mokwena: A flawless start in Cairo Taking over from Krunoslav Jurcic in July, Mokwena has guided his team to an inspired domestic and continental start. With the win over Eastern Enppi SC on 17 September, Pyramids are leading the Egyptian Premier League with 5 from 5, as confirmed by FlashScore. The South African tactician has focused on continuity over rebuilding, and his approach seems to have worked this far. Pyramids also opened their CAF CL campaign with a win over Kenya’s Gor Mahia to reach the second preliminary round. This win has set up a meeting with South Sudan’s El Merreikh Bentiu and drawn even more eyes to the coach’s efforts. The Egyptian Association of Professional Football Players even recognised Mokwena as August’s Coach of the Month. Why this matters For South Africans who continue to follow the coach’s journey, the real story will be how far he can take Pyramids towards being the best team in Africa. Mokwena has reportedly turned down talk about the length of his contract, stating that his focus remains on preparing the squad to claim silverware. Should he lead the Egyptian club to the CAF CL title, it could raise some interesting questions about Sundowns and the recipe for their success. Upcoming fixture details for Pyramids FC CAF Champions League (Second Preliminary Round) First leg vs El Merriekh Bentiu (16-18 October) – details to be confirmed Second leg vs El Merriekh Bentiu (23-25 October) – details to be confirmed Details sourced from the CAF Champions League website. HOW FAR CAN RULANI MOKWENA TAKE PYRAMIDS FC THIS SEASON? Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below.

Claude's share of Anthropic's research jumped from 1% to 26% since March, with humans still involved.

Government maps 95GW of offshore wind, but no law lets anyone lease the seabed yet.