The National Freedom Party has approached the KwaZulu-Natal High Court over its decision to recall MPL Cynthia Mbali Shinga, arguing the Speaker exceeded her constitutional powers by refusing to implement it.

An alarming increase in measles cases has been reported in the Northern Tygerberg districts of Cape Town, as health authorities urge parents to vaccinate their children amidst a worrying decline in vaccination rates across South Africa.

Seeds from South Africa’s world-famous rooibos tea are headed to the International Space Station to see how they respond to space conditions, in the first such experiment for Africa, organisers announced Thursday.Uniquely South African, the rooibos plant is used to make a sweetish, caffeine-free infusion that is high in antioxidants and sold across the world.The mission facilitated by MaxIQ Space is set for October and the seeds are expected back on Earth by December or January, the South African Rooibos Council (SARC) said.“The seeds will be the first indigenous South African species, and the first seeds on the African continent, to go to space,” director Dawie de Villiers told AFP. Picture: iStock They will be kept in a nanolab for at least six weeks with more than a dozen student experiments as part of a MaxIQ Space programme to encourage STEM subject learning.“The purpose is to expose the seeds to microgravity and space radiation to find out how these seeds adapt to space conditions and if there is a future for sustainable food production beyond Earth,” de Villiers said.The seeds back from space will be planted alongside controlled seeds and studied by school students for differences in factors such as germination and growth, contributing to global research into how plants respond to space conditions. A protected product Rooibos – which means “red bush” in the Afrikaans language – was in 2021 added to a European Union list of protected products, meaning only leaves cultivated in South Africa’s southeastern Cederberg region can be sold as “rooibos” in EU countries.The SARC says on average 22 000 tons of rooibos are produced in South Africa a year, depending on rainfall and temperature.About half is consumed domestically with the remainder exported to more than 50 countries, mainly Japan, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Britain.

African Bank, rescued by the South African Reserve Bank more than a decade ago after collapsing under the weight of reckless lending and financial distress, is once again facing a major overhaul. The bank on Thursday confirmed it has entered a restructuring process that could result in 1 200 employees losing their jobs and up to 90 branches closing, as it looks to cut costs. “African Bank has reached the contemplation stage of Section 189A of the Labour Relations Act,” said the lender. “As such, we have engaged with our relevant union, Sasbo, this morning.” African Bank’s strategy In a statement, African Bank said it does not take the action to retrench employees lightly, but it is a “direct result of our current business realities”. The bank’s interim results, published on 25 June 2026, highlighted a strategy based on operational consolidation, including the optimisation of all costs. African Bank notified shareholders in the results that its costs exceed the risk-adjusted revenue. The retrenchment talks follow. “As a consequence, we have been focusing on reducing costs and increasing efficiencies across our full value chain, including IT, Procurement, our Lease Agreement Costs, and other operational costs.” African Bank looks at other cost-saving measures The lender assured its employees that it will continue to explore all cost-saving avenues to minimise the impact on people; however, it has reached a point where they “have no other option but to review staff costs”. “This will impact employees across the various functions of the business, potentially resulting in 1 200 job losses, which could also include the closure of 90 branches.” Interim Group CEO Zweli Manyathi said this decision is necessary for the lender. We understand that this is a difficult period for the business and our people. However, it is necessary for the future sustainability of the business”. There is still money to meet obligations The lender also reassured customers and investors that it remains capitalised above minimum regulatory requirements, with adequate liquidity to meet its obligations “The potential impact on all African Bank staff will be managed through a structured process and supported by our wellness partner. “We will ensure that we are transparent and treat each employee with dignity and respect, in line with the values of our organisation.”

Orlando Pirates supporters can breathe a sigh of relief after head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou emphatically dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from the club. The Moroccan tactician, who guided the Buccaneers to a memorable domestic treble last season, has pledged his loyalty to the Soweto giants and says he has returned from the off-season feeling “2,000%” refreshed. ‘I’m back’ Ouaddou raised eyebrows at the end of the 2025/26 campaign when he admitted he was mentally exhausted after leading one of Africa’s biggest clubs through a gruelling season. Those comments sparked rumours that he could leave Orlando Pirates, with reports linking him to clubs in North Africa and Europe. However, speaking from the club’s pre-season camp in Spain after Wednesday’s draw with Córdoba, the 47-year-old made it clear he has no intention of walking away. “I really had a good time. I was honest with people, I felt tiredness because leading such a big club with fantastic fans is demanding. “Everybody knows that it’s demanding, so I don’t understand why some people don’t understand why the coach can be tired.” He then delivered the message every Orlando Pirates supporter wanted to hear. “But I’m back, I recharged all my batteries, not 100%, I’m 2 000%.” ‘I must be loyal’ Ouaddou also rubbished reports suggesting he could be tempted by offers from overseas. “I’ve read a lot of things with people saying, ‘Coach has offers in North Africa and Europe’.” Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to chairman Dr Irvin Khoza and the club’s leadership. “People have to understand that I’m very loyal… I have a lot of respect for these people. “They have given me the opportunity to lead such a big club. Not everyone is given this opportunity, so I must be loyal.” Huge news for the Buccaneers Abdeslam Ouaddou’s comments will come as welcome news for the Ghost Nation. After delivering the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup and Betway Premiership titles in his first season in charge, continuity on the touchline was one of the club’s biggest priorities heading into the new campaign. With the coach fully committed and declaring himself re-energised, Pirates can now focus on building towards another title challenge while also targeting a deep run in the CAF Champions League. For Buccaneers supporters, Ouaddou’s strongest message was also his simplest: he isn’t going anywhere. 📰𝐅𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒🗞For verified club news and official updates, follow @orlandopirates' official platforms.⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/i9YO5PCmEo— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 16, 2026

South African National Parks (SANParks) has increased patrols and visibility around Deer Park in Table Mountain National Park following two separate incidents reported in the area this month. The park authority said it is working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) while providing assistance to those affected. Investigation into attack Following a preliminary investigation conducted alongside SAPS, SANParks said new information has emerged regarding an incident that occurred on 8 July. According to the findings, the victim sustained cut wounds to his arm and twisted his ankle during a struggle with his attacker. SANParks said it is continuing to monitor developments in the case while offering any support required by SAPS as the criminal investigation proceeds. Second incident linked to displaced individuals The second incident occurred on 13 July near the Deer Park Wash Houses. According to SANParks’ preliminary findings, the incident involved a displaced individual, with the victim and two suspects believed to know each other and regularly frequent the area. Following the incident, SANParks officials located the victim at his shelter and immediately provided humanitarian assistance, including food, before helping him return to a place of safety. The park authority is also assisting the victim in formally reporting the matter to SAPS, which is responsible for the criminal investigation. Increased visibility SANParks said it has increased its presence in the Deer Park area following the two incidents and will continue working alongside law enforcement authorities. “The organisation will continue to provide feasible assistance while supporting the ongoing SAPS investigations,” SANParks said. The authority has urged visitors to remain vigilant while enjoying Table Mountain National Park and to report any suspicious activity to park officials or SAPS.

Chip-and-Pin, contactless and digital wallet payments are rolling out to 610 Post Office branches by September.

Acting CEO Fathima Gany tells TechCentral the Post Office can survive - but only if government honours its funding promise.