As South Africa marks Women's Month, Fidelity Services Group is urging women to prioritise their personal safety by adopting simple, proactive habits that can help reduce their risk of becoming victims of crime.

The case was postponed to August 20 to allow the state to hand the remaining investigation docket to the defence before the matter proceeds.

Vets have warned pet owners of a nationwide shortage of the anti-seizure drug phenobarbitone, as the manufacturer Sun Pharma works to restart production at an upgraded facility. Sun Pharma confirmed on Sunday that its anti-seizure medication Sedabarb remained out of stock across South Africa, more than two weeks after vets first warned that dogs with epilepsy faced a life-threatening shortage of phenobarbitone-based treatments. Facility upgrade blamed for delay On Sunday, Sun Pharma CEO Malcolm Brown said the shortage followed a large-scale upgrade of the company’s Oral Solid Dosage manufacturing facility, which was carried out to meet quality and regulatory standards. “Following completion of these upgrades, the facility is required to undergo the prescribed regulatory inspection and approval process by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) before manufacturing activities can recommence,” Brown said. He added that Sun Pharma had stayed in close contact with the regulator throughout the process, and said the company remained “cautiously optimistic that product release can commence towards the end of July 2026, subject to regulatory approval”. Vets forced to find alternatives The Noordhoek Veterinary Clinic told clients in a Facebook post on 18 June that it had almost run out of phenobarbitone, despite securing a permit to import the drug directly through SAHPRA. “We did get a Section 29 permit to import directly through SAHPRA, but they also no longer have stock,” the clinic said. It advised that dogs currently on phenobarbitone, Sedabarb or Lethyl would need a consultation so vets could find a suitable alternative, warning that some substitute medications carried worse side effects and higher costs. “The situation is really beyond our control, but we will try our best to assist you and your pets,” the clinic added. Sun Pharma said it regretted the inconvenience caused to healthcare professionals, veterinarians and patients’ families, and maintained that restoring supply remained its highest priority.

Reality TV fans in Mzansi are abuzz with speculation that The Ultimatum: South Africa stars Nkateko Mahange and Sizakele “Siza” Dhlamini are now dating, following the emergence of a cosy video that has ignited social media. The pair, who shared a notable connection during the Netflix reality series, have once again captured public attention. In the show, Nkateko was originally in a relationship with Khanya Nqolase, who issued the ultimatum, while Sizakele was paired with Lindile Nibe. During the trial marriage phase, Nkateko and Siza’s bond stood out, marked by affection and chemistry that contrasted sharply with their original partnerships and led to tension, including public confrontations. Recent social media activity has intensified rumours. Fans noted Siza referring to Nkateko as her “Care Bear”, with a video showing the pair lounging in gowns from her business, which she has been steadily promoting in recent months with similar posts. Siza and Nkateko from ultimatum South Africa are dating… I wanna see khanya’s reaction to this pic.twitter.com/ViGQjWPnzb— Storm (@Stormzw11) August 2, 2026 The Ultimatum SA The first season of The Ultimatum: South Africa followed six couples as they tested their relationships through trial marriages. Nkateko and Khanya’s dynamic was often volatile, filled with emotional confrontations. Meanwhile, Siza’s flirtatious and loving approach with Nkateko provided a stark contrast, drawing jealousy from Khanya, who faced criticism for body-shaming comments directed at Siza. Nkateko Kay Mahange in The Ultimatum SA season 1 talks to Lindile Nibe. Picture: Netflix © 2024 Post-show, both went back to their original partners before later moving on. Khanya and Nkateko’s relationship ended, with Nkateko later opening up about challenges including a custody battle. Siza and Lindile progressed to a lobola ceremony but later confirmed their split, with Siza speaking publicly about her healing process earlier in 2026. Fan reactions and complications Many expressed excitement at the possibility of the pair reconnecting long after the show, recalling their on-screen chemistry and hoping for a positive outcome. Others highlighted potential complications, including Nkateko’s past engagement, his co-parenting situation with Khanya (mother of his child), and the complexities of entering a relationship with someone connected to such public drama. Neither Nkateko nor Sizakele has issued an official statement confirming a romantic relationship at the time of writing, leaving the rumours to swirl as fans await further updates. Where are they now? Key cast updates Courtney and Aiden: They stayed together after the show. Aiden proposed, and they appeared committed after the reunion. Aiden’s last public post was in January 2025, and he wished his wife, Courtney, a happy birthday. Ruth Khathide and Isaac Kaninda: Their relationship ended after the show, largely due to mistrust stemming from Ruth’s trial marriage experience. Ruth has since moved on significantly – she is reported to be married and living a “soft life” with a new partner (NBA Africa exec, Pawel Weszka). Isaac has kept a lower profile but appears single. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Real Monk (@ask_nolla) Khanya Nqolase and Nkateko Mahange: They broke up after the show. Their relationship was marked by volatility, and post-show they had public challenges, including a custody battle over the child they had after the show. Khanya has kept herself out of the public eye after intense backlash over her treatment of others on the show, while Nkateko is currently linked to Sizakele “Siza” Dhlamini. Lebo and Nolla: They had a tumultuous time on the show but reconciled afterwards. They have welcomed a child together and appear to be married and raising a family in a renewed relationship as of early 2026 updates. Genesis B (GB) and Mmathabo “Thabi”: They were together for years before the show. Genesis proposed, and they initially stayed together after the show. However, at the time of writing, it appeared the pair had broken up. Sizakele “Siza” Dhlamini and Lindile Nibe: They progressed far post-show (including a lobola ceremony) but later broke up. Siza has spoken openly about her healing process. She is now rumoured to be dating her trial partner, Nkateko.

Springbok stalwart Frans Malherbe last played a high-profile rugby game in March 2025 for the Stormers in a United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against the Scarlets. He has since been sidelined while recovering from chronic back, neck, and hip injuries. As time on the sidelines has gone on and on, retirement fears have understandably grown, especially considering the nature of the injuries, his position in the front row and his age (35). The Stormers have not rushed the powerful prop back into action as his health and safety come first, and it still remains to be seen if it will be financially viable for the Cape franchise to extend his contract into next season. In the latest report on the matter, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said there was enduring hope that he would avoid a dreaded injury-enforced retirement. “What I know is it was a back injury and as far as I understand, when I talk to him, he’s trying his best to return,” the Bok head coach said. “For me it sounds like January is a good date for him to try and come back. I might get proven wrong, or a doctor might phone me later and say you’re totally wrong. “But as far as I understand, Frans is going to try and play in January, and I hope that works out.” When could we see the Springbok legend make his comeback? Understandably, the Stormers are keeping in regular contact with the Springbok coaches, who are believed to still be interested in having Malherbe available for the 2027 World Cup. “Frans’ rehab is not complete yet,” Stormers boss John Dobson said earlier this year as he considered the team’s tighthead prop stocks/ “Then at tighthead it is just crazy with Frans Malherbe injured, Wilco Louw is obviously coming, and Sazi Sandi is not playing; then we still rate Herman Lubbe very highly, and there is still Hencus van Wyk,” Dobson added. Boks also well stocked In the absence of Malherbe, Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw have begun to establish themselves as more than capable options at tighthead. Young Zachary Porthen is a highly rated youngster who also continues to make impressive strides at Test level.

A real case from the UK shows exactly what these scams look like – and how South Africans can protect themselves. This lottery scam letter story started with a UK man who recently received a letter claiming he’d won a share of a major postcode lottery – despite never having played it in his life. Suspicious from the start, he called the number listed on the letter using a fake name, and within minutes was told he’d “won” the equivalent of R8.6 million. It’s a textbook example of how these scams work, and the same pattern shows up regularly here in South Africa too. Warning sign 1: This lottery scam letter arrives out of nowhere If a message says you’ve won a lottery you never played, that’s the biggest red flag any lottery scam letter gives away. You cannot win a lottery you didn’t enter, whether it arrives by post, WhatsApp, SMS or email. Warning sign 2: You’re asked to pay something first Genuine winnings never require an upfront payment. National Lottery operators in South Africa, Sizekhaya, will never ask a winner to pay a fee, tax or shipping cost to release a prize. Treat any message demanding money before you can ‘claim’ anything as fraudulent. Warning sign 3: This lottery scam letter uses fake contact details Real digital prize notifications for amounts above R249 000 trigger a follow-up within 24 hours. That message directs winners to a regional office, not a random phone number to call back. If you’re ever unsure, contact the National Lottery Call Centre directly on 086 102 6000. Don’t reply to the number in the message itself. What to do if it happens to you Never send money, banking details or personal documents to claim a prize you didn’t know you’d entered for. It’s a similar pattern to the Facebook Live lottery scams we’ve covered before, different platform, same trick. I always say, if you don’t remember entering, you didn’t win, and recognising a lottery scam letter early could save someone a lot of heartache. Have you or someone you know ever received one of these fake win notifications? Let us know in the comments below Mzansi … The South African is the first to publish Daily Lotto, Lotto and PowerBall results each evening. Check back at 21:00 for tonight’s results.

Draft Reserve Bank and treasury rules would ban companies from moving crypto across the border, in either direction.

Sam Altman says the singularity has arrived. Two South African experts agree on the test, not the verdict.