South African entrepreneur Karlind Govender has won the business diplomacy category at the fifth International Leader of Public Diplomacy Contest in Moscow. The Bankineer founder says the proposed digital banking venture aims to improve financial inclusion, but it still requires regulatory approval before launch.

March and March member Wandile Nsibande has denied resisting arrest and told the Durban Magistrate’s Court he would not interfere with police investigations if granted bail.

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has described Deon Hotto as an “African legend” as the 35-year-old Namibian prepares to take on his former side African Stars in the Caf Champions League. Pirates take on Namibia’s best The Namibian champions, who Hotto represented between 2012 and 2014, will face Pirates at the Botswana National Stadium on Saturday in the first leg of their final Champions League qualifier. “When you watch the longevity of Hotto and the way he is playing and the commitment and passion and professionalism, it says a lot about the personality of Namibian players,” Ouaddou told reporters ahead of Saturday’s game. “For a coach like me, an ex-player, I am watching behaviour in training a lot, how players are training, how they are managing their careers and their bodies. We have a captain (Nkosinathi) Sibisi also with experience, we have (Makhehleni) Makhaula, and Thapelo (Xoki). If you are able to play for such a long time it means you are smart and clever about how you manage your body. ‘This kind of player is a model on the continent’ “If I have to go a little deep about Hotto, he is an African legend, not only a legend for Southern Africa and of course for Pirates. For me this kind of player is a model on the continent, with the number of trophies he has won for this club, the number of games he has played, his metrics. “For us it is important he is with us, it can give a very good example for the young players and other Namibian players, to show that when you are professional and committed anything is possible.” Pirates will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last season, when they were knocked out of the competition at this stage by the DRC’s FC St-Eloi Lupopo. Ouadodu’s side went on to win the Betway Premiership for the first time in 14 years, but now they need to show their prowess on the continental stage.

North West businessman Suliman Carrim has defended his overseas trip, telling the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court that he intended to travel for spiritual purposes and had planned to return to South Africa. Carrim, a former ANC provincial treasurer, appeared in court on Friday, 16 October 2026, following his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni a day earlier. The 49-year-old was arrested by the Madlanga Commission’s Recommendations Task Team (CRTT) while preparing to board a flight to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He faces a charge of failing to appear before the commission after a criminal complaint was lodged against him over alleged contempt of court. Suliman Carrim in court The state opposed Carrim’s release on bail, arguing that his travel arrangements and the circumstances surrounding his arrest raised concerns about whether he would return to face the charge. Prosecutor Donald Shiko told the court that Carrim was travelling with his wife and had a one-way ticket to Dubai. “There was no return ticket which the accused person was in possession of,” he said. Shiko also highlighted the businessman’s luggage, describing it as “voluminous”, and argued that the circumstances pointed to a possible flight risk. The prosecutor said the state still needed to verify Carrim’s four residential addresses, which included properties in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Mahikeng. He further told the court that Carrim had previous criminal cases that were withdrawn and that the state needed to establish why they had been withdrawn. However, Carrim’s lawyer, Advocate Hendrik Potgieter, rejected the suggestion that his client intended to evade justice. Potgieter argued that Carrim had planned to undertake a “religious pilgrimage” in Saudi Arabia before travelling to Pakistan and returning to South Africa. The defence also submitted a South African Police Service (Saps) clearance certificate to support its position that Carrim had no criminal history. Potgieter disputed the state’s claims about his client’s property portfolio, saying Carrim did not own a house in Cape Town and that the Johannesburg address belonged to his business. Carrim defends travel arrangements Taking the witness stand after the magistrate ruled that the bail proceedings should continue, Carrim explained that his overseas travel was part of a longstanding personal practice. He told the court that he had travelled to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan annually for more than 15 years and produced his itinerary in support of his explanation. Carrim testified that the contents of his luggage were largely sweets and snacks, such as biscuits, intended for charitable activities in Pakistan. “From [Medina], I travel to Pakistan to my spiritual guide, where we do humanitarian work,” Carrim told the court. He also rejected the suggestion that he would commit further offences if released on bail. “No, I am not a criminal,” Carrim remarked. The businessman disputed the state’s account of his alleged fraud and negligent driving cases. “That’s news to me. I was never charged [and] never went to any court. “I was never informed that I committed fraud. I don’t even know about the driving one you are talking about; this is the first time.” Police investigation and bail concerns The state’s opposition to bail was supported by testimony from investigating officer Captain Kubayi, who told the court that Carrim had informed police he intended to return to South Africa on 27 October. “However, he didn’t produce a valid document in the form of tickets,” he testified. Kubayi argued that Carrim might evade trial if released, saying the businessman knew the Madlanga commission had opened a case against him, but had nevertheless attempted to leave the country without notifying any law enforcement agency. The investigating officer also confirmed that Carrim had at least five bags with him when he was arrested at the airport. Shiko subsequently asked the court to postpone the proceedings to allow the state to verify the documents submitted by the defence, including the flight tickets. Potgieter opposed the postponement, but the magistrate granted the state’s request. Carrim’s health Earlier, the defence draw attention to Carrim’s medical condition and the circumstances surrounding his repeated absences from the commission. Potgieter told the court that his client had a heart condition and that his health had previously been considered by the inquiry when arrangements for his testimony were postponed. The lawyer argued that the stress of the proceedings was affecting his client, who previously received a “psychiatric diagnosis”. “I am informed by the accused that the stress and anxiety is taking a toll him. “He didn’t use any medication this morning and he further states that he feels that it might lead to a panic attack, which will be detrimental to his medical condition,” Potgieter said. He further maintained that Carrim’s address in Leopard Park, Mahikeng, was established and known to the commission, which had previously served summons at the residence. “That’s an address of the accused person for 17 years. The commission found him there, they served notices there.” Potgieter argued that Carrim’s constitutional right to freedom should be considered and that the court should consider the weight of the charge he was facing. “With the crime that the state charged him on, it is because he didn’t appear and provide documents at the commission. “That’s the offence, not fraud or anything else.” The bail application was postponed to Monday, 19 October. Carrim will remain behind bars over the weekend. Madlanga commission absences Carrim’s arrest follows months of controversy over his failure to return to the Madlanga commission after testifying earlier in the year. He last appeared before the inquiry on 9 and 10 March, when he was questioned about his dealings with political fixer Brown Mogotsi and alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, among others. He was due to return on 15 April but allegedly suffered a heart attack while at the gym on 13 April and was admitted to Milpark Hospital. His repeated absences between April and July raised concerns from the commission. This followed reports that Carrim had allegedly been seen at a Woolworths store in a Western Cape shopping centre. Further claims suggested that the businessman spent at least eight hours outside the medical facility he was admitted to, despite his reported ill health. The commission subsequently directed Carrim to appear in person on 14 August, subject to an independent medical examination. However, Carrim, who previously claimed he has faced death threats, failed to comply with the condition and did not appear before the inquiry. Separate fraud and corruption investigation Meanwhile, Carrim could face further charges linked to alleged fraud and corruption involving the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in North West. The matter remains under investigation by its cold case unit, which has been handling it since 2025, according to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. Mathe previously indicated that the investigation was at an advanced stage.

South Africans are calling for a major increase to the Older Persons Grant, with some saying the current amount falls far short of what pensioners need to live with dignity. The comments came in response to a post on The South African’s Facebook page, where grant recipients and their supporters shared what they believe a fair monthly payment should look like. The Older Persons Grant currently pays R2 400 per month to recipients aged 60 and older. The R6 000 call by pensioners John Berry put forward one of the boldest suggestions in the thread, calling for the grant to more than double and for the payment cycle to change. “Make it R6 000 rand per month on a 28-day cycle for old age pensioners this would provide them with a living income and a form of dignity,” Berry wrote. His comment drew reactions from other users, with several showing support for the idea that pensioners deserve more than basic survival. A 28-day cycle would mean 13 payments a year instead of 12, giving pensioners an extra payout annually on top of the higher amount Berry proposed. ‘Even if we could start off with 3000’ Not everyone aimed as high. Willie Doyer took a more modest approach, suggesting that even a smaller increase would make a difference for older persons. “Even if we could start with R3 000,” Doyer wrote. For many older South Africans who rely on the grant as their main source of income, that amount could cover essentials such as electricity, transport or medication. Doyer’s comment reflects a sentiment shared by many grant recipients: a gradual increase would be welcome, even if a living income remains out of reach for now. Pressure on the cost of living The calls for a higher grant come as older persons continue to face rising costs for food, electricity and transport. Many pensioners support not only themselves but also grandchildren and unemployed family members, which stretches the monthly grant even further. SASSA grant amounts are set by National Treasury and usually adjust each year during the national Budget, with increases taking effect in April. Until then, pensioners will continue to make do with the current amount while voicing their hopes for a bigger payout. Win R2 000 in the South African SASSA grant survey If you receive a SASSA grant and want to share your story, we want to hear from you. Take part in our survey and stand a chance to win R2 000. Your responses help us tell the stories that matter.

St Anne’s Diocesan College matric learner Reneiloe Monkhi’s final repost about ending her life has shed light on her state of mind. Not long after, the KwaZulu-Natal teen ended her life via suicide ST ANNE’S MATRIC LEARNER REPOSTED ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH In a statement on their Facebook account, St Anne’s Diocesan College announced the sad passing of one of their Grade 12 learners, Reneilwe Monkhi. The KwaZulu-Natal private school for girls revealed that the teen had ended her life via suicide. Her death came days after the school advocated for students to prioritise their mental health amid impending matric exams. In the comments section, a few of her peers pointed to her final social media posts, particularly her telling TikTok repost. Three days ago, Reneilwe reposted a clip of a scene from the 2012 film Disconnect, in which a suicide attempt scene plays out. Over the video was the text: “The state ‘ll be found in soon enough” Reneiloe’s social media accounts have since been made private. BEST FRIEND SPEAKS OUT Hours after her death was announced, Reneiloe Monkhi’s best friend Lihle Mnyaka shared a touching tribute to her. The Instagram post featured photos and video clips of their friendship. Lihle also posted pictures of St Anne’s Matric Dance, where she joined Reineiloe and other friends. She shared: “I genuinely don’t even know how to put into words what I’m feeling. My heart is so heavy, and I still can’t believe that I’m having to write this. The world feels a little less beautiful without you in it, and I wish more than anything that things could have been different. “I hope you know how loved you are, Riri. I hope you knew how much you mattered and how many lives you touched just by being you. You deserved so much more time, so many more memories, and so many more beautiful moments. MATRICS 2026: HELP IS AVAILABLE Meanwhile, SADAG are sharing their top tips to help maric students navigate their final exams and their mental health. The organisation posts a TikTok live every Thursday, tackling topics relevant to end-of-year student stress. They also host interactive support groups via their social media platforms.

Apple's first foldable iPhone carries a steeper local premium than its new HomeView, HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K.

The Reserve Bank wants all of South Africa's ATMs white-labelled, with free transactions below a threshold, starting with a pilot in January.