Women supporting children and ageing parents face mounting financial pressure, caregiver burnout and health risks as rising living costs stretch household budgets.

The Western Cape High Court is at the centre of a pivotal legal battle over the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, with the EFF stepping in to defend crucial provisions for land reform. Carl Niehaus explains why EFF joined as a respondent in the Western Cape High Court to defend the Land Expropriation Act.

Season 3 of Married at First Sight Mzansi, which premiered in early July on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161), continues to spark heated debates among viewers as couples navigate early married life.Recent episodes have highlighted clashing personalities, intimacy questions and domestic tensions, with most of the pairings drawing widespread criticism. Nompumelelo draws fan ire The matchup between Nompumelelo Sobopha and Hlulani Ngobeni has become the season’s lightning rod. Initially showing some warmth at the altar (especially as fans watched Hlulani fetching Nompumelelo who stalled halfway down the aisle amid her pre-wedding nerves), things have soured quickly behind closed doors. Married at First Sight Mzansi viewers have slammed Mpumi as “cold”, “self-centred” and “mean” for her dismissive attitude toward Hlulani’s efforts and his attempt to open up about his concerns about his mother’s health. @connecttv_sa From surprise flowers to unexpected tears, Nompumelelo finds herself at a loss for words as Hlulani lets his guard down #MarriedAtFirstSightMzansi #MAFSSeason3 #RealityRomance ♬ original sound – ConnectTV_SA Complaints include her criticisms of his behaviour, music taste, ethnicity and general demeanour. This has also drawn accusations of tribalism in her remarks. Hlulani, on the other hand, has been praised for trying genuinely while expressing frustration that Mpumi offers little reciprocity – even responding awkwardly to his emotional moments. Since episode 5 of Married at First Sight Mzansi aired, social media has been filled with calls for better expert pairings, with fans arguing this couple (and Esethu’s chosen husband) exemplifies incompatible matches and producers prioritising drama over success. Other notable moments Lesiba faces continued scrutiny over his party lifestyle reputation and perceived immaturity after he was filmed disappearing overnight to party with his phone off only to return the following afternoon. Some viewers question his readiness for marriage and whether his friendship is conducive to a relationship. @connecttv_sa From heavy breathing and shoved blankets to accusations of aggression and slammed doors! Can Obren and Laurinda recover from this explosive misunderstanding? #MarriedAtFirstSightMzansi #MAFSSeason3 #RealityRomance ♬ original sound – ConnectTV_SA Tensions appear to be rising across the board as all Married at First Sight Mzansi couples settle into cohabitation. While some showed promise during the honeymoon stages, viewers overall describe the season as chaotic and “a disaster”, with many doubting any couple will last. New episodes of Married at First Sight Mzansi air Sundays at 6pm on Mzansi Magic.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has added about 291 000 new voters to the national voter roll, bringing the total number of first-time voters registered during its June and August registration weekends to 754 000. Voters roll now over 29 million Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said that since the last general elections in 2024, 2.1 million new voters have been added to the voters’ roll. This brings the national voters’ roll to more than 29 million. Mamabolo was providing an update after IEC’s August voter registration weekend on 1 and 2 August. Over the past weekend, 1.7 million citizens interacted with the IEC, and of that number, 291 806, or 16%, were people registering as first-time voters. Additionally, 1 502 245, or 84%, of the people already registered, inspected and updated their registration details. “This is in line with the message that a voter must register and vote in the voting district within the ward where they reside,” Mamabolo said. “In local government elections, there is no provision to vote outside of the voting station of registration.” Provincially, KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of registration transactions at 427 592, followed by Gauteng with 314 856 and Eastern Cape with 313 797. The IEC said registration stations continue to be the leading form of registration, with 1 555 318 of the total 1.7 million applications. Meanwhile, the online voter registration portal contributed to 238 733 transactions over the two days. Young people accounted for 26% of transactions Mamabolo said the highest usage of the online platform was recorded in Gauteng (86 492), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (41 334) and the Western Cape (33 783). He said these figures are unsurprising as these provinces have the highest concentrations of urban populations. Young people accounted for 485 757 transactions, or 26% of the total, with 46% of new registrants under 29. KwaZulu-Natal again leads with young people’s registration at 137 046, followed by Eastern Cape at 79 417 and Gauteng at 78 405. Female voters accounted for 1 005 790 transactions, representing 56% of the total activity, while males account for 788 261, or 44%. Mamabolo said the combined impact of the two registration weekends resulted in close to 4.7 million interactions with voters. Compared to the 2021 local government elections, the two registration weekends contributed 754 332 new voters to the voter roll in preparation for the 2026 local government election. 754 000 new registrants “The commission advises eligible voters who were unable to visit a registration station during the registration weekends to make use of the online voter registration portal before proclamation on Friday, 7 August,” Mamabolo said. The commission says it is expanding the online registration modality, including voter registration on WhatsApp. Mamabolo said the platform uses secure identity verification measures to protect the integrity of the voters’ roll. With the conclusion of the two voter registration weekends, the IEC will now focus on the formal election timetable, which will commence once the election date is proclaimed. “The commission reiterates that eligible voters should not wait until the last minute to register or update their details. Experience has shown that a surge in registration activity often occurs closer to key deadlines, creating avoidable pressure on registration channels,” the commissioner said.

Kaizer Chiefs have been among the busiest clubs in the transfer market, adding five new faces as coach Fernando Da Cruz begins rebuilding Amakhosi for the 2026/27 season. With Kaizer Chiefs already off to a winning start after beating Kruger United 3-1 in their Betway Premiership opener on Saturday, attention is turning to how the club’s new recruits could shape the season. Here’s how we rated the five signings: Khanyisa Mayo – 9/10 Mayo tops the list after turning his loan spell into a permanent move from CR Belouizdad. The striker has already proved he can score consistently in the PSL and addresses one of Chiefs’ biggest weaknesses in recent seasons – converting chances. At his best, Mayo has the potential to become Amakhosi’s leading goalscorer and one of the club’s most influential players. Langelihle Phili – 8.5/10 With their most recent signing, Kaizer Chiefs finally landed one of the league’s most exciting young wingers after completing a deal for Stellenbosch FC’s Langelihle Phili. Blessed with pace, direct running and excellent dribbling ability, the 21-year-old adds creativity and unpredictability in the final third. If he settles quickly, he could become one of the signings of the season. Thabo Moloisane – 8/10 Moloisane arrives with plenty of PSL experience and should immediately improve Kaizer Chiefs’ defensive stability. The former Stellenbosch FC defender brings composure, leadership and consistency to a backline that has lacked reliability in recent campaigns. Renaldo Leaner – 7.5/10 Leaner strengthens the goalkeeping department and gives Kaizer Chiefs healthy competition between the posts. While he may not walk straight into the starting XI, the talented shot-stopper offers excellent long-term value and increases the squad’s overall depth. Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko – 7/10 The defensive-midfielder is perhaps the biggest unknown among the new arrivals. There is little doubt about his potential, but adapting to the demands of the PSL could take time. If he develops as expected under Da Cruz, Kaizer Chiefs could have another quality midfielder on their hands. Transfer window earns high marks Kaizer Chiefs have recruited with balance rather than simply chasing big names. The club strengthened every area of the squad by adding a defender, goalkeeper, midfielder, winger and striker, giving Da Cruz more options as he implements his preferred style of play. After an encouraging opening-day victory over Kruger United, Amakhosi supporters will be hoping these new faces can help the club challenge for silverware and end their long wait for another Betway Premiership title. Top of the standings The three points saw Kaizer Chiefs move to the top of the standings, ahead of Orlando Pirates, Polokwane City, AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United of goal difference. Kaizer Chiefs will next be in action in a MTN8 quarter-final against Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium on Sunday, 9 August at 18:00. The Glamour Boys’ next league assignment will be against Sekhukhune United, also at FNB Stadium, on Wednesday, 12 August at 19:30. Kaizer Chiefs fans, which signing are you MOST excited about? Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …

SASSA has reminded beneficiaries flagged for a grant review or required to complete eLife Certification that their payment will not follow the standard three-day cycle. According to the agency’s official statement, grants are ordinarily paid over three days, starting with Older Persons Grants, followed by Disability Grants and Children’s Grants on successive dates. However, a fourth payment day has been introduced specifically for beneficiaries needing a review, meaning their money lands separately from everyone else. The reminder is aimed at easing confusion among beneficiaries who may worry when their payment doesn’t arrive during the usual three-day window. How the fourth day works SASSA National Spokesperson Dr Paseka Letsatsi has explained that the agency sends bulk SMS notifications to all beneficiaries targeted for grant reviews and eLife Certification for the relevant month, after which their grants are scheduled for payment on this fourth day of the normal cycle. He used the July payment cycle as an example, noting that Older Persons Grants were paid on 2 July, Disability Grants on 3 July, and Children’s Grants on 6 July, while beneficiaries needing reviews or eLife Certification were paid separately on 7 July, which he described as the fourth payment day. The confirmed August date for review cases For the August cycle, SASSA confirms that Older Persons Grants will be paid on 4 August, Disability Grants on 5 August, and Children’s Grants on 6 August. Beneficiaries flagged for review, however, are scheduled to receive their payment on 7 August, the designated fourth payment day. Dr Letsatsi has appealed to beneficiaries to act immediately upon receiving communication from SASSA requesting a review or eLife Certification, warning that delays in responding could affect their grant status. He also stressed the importance of keeping contact details and residential addresses updated with SASSA, noting that the agency will continue sending communication to whatever number or address is on file, believing it will reach the intended beneficiary. SASSA maintains that this structure exists to protect the integrity of the social grant system while ensuring reviews don’t disrupt payments for beneficiaries not affected. 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.

The SABC's streaming platform has passed three million registered users, though hasn't said how many are active viewers.

The Post Office has received an unqualified audit opinion for the first time in six years but it's survival remains in doubt.