The Department of Health has welcomed progress in the development of a new tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, saying South Africa is preparing for possible access if ongoing phase three trials prove successful.

After facing backlash for her controversial comments, Banyana Banyana defender Bambanani Mbane has issued a heartfelt apology to South Africans and her teammates, urging continued support for the national women's team.

A politically connected security group allegedly led by ANC veteran Paul Langa has extracted more than R1 billion from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) through a procurement arrangement now under scrutiny by the National Treasury. Documents reveal that Prasa tapped into the Airports Company of South Africa’s (Acsa) panel of security contractors in July 2021, allowing Reshebile Aviation & Protection Services (RAPS) to secure lucrative work. Treasury RAPS, later liquidated, and its sister company Reshebile Aviation Solutions (Ras) benefited from what Treasury has described as an unlawful “piggybacking” arrangement, according to the Sunday Times. The paper reported that a senior Treasury official confirmed that the regulation permitting one state entity to piggyback on another’s contracts does not apply to Acsa or Prasa. The official pointed to a KwaZulu‑Natal (KZN) High Court ruling six years ago that set aside a similar deal involving Acsa and RAPS, declaring it unlawful. “This arrangement could face fresh scrutiny, including by the auditor‑general, thanks to the reporting,” the official said. Prasa Invoices obtained show RAPS was billing Prasa between R16 million and R18 million monthly. By the time it was liquidated in March 2024, Prasa had paid the company more than R550 million. After RAPS collapsed, Prasa shifted the work to Ras without a procurement process or service‑level agreement. Ras, incorporated in 2020, was not on Acsa’s panel. Prasa spokesperson Andiswa Makanda defended the agency’s conduct, insisting Treasury had advised that piggybacking principles could be imported into Prasa’s supply chain framework. “Prasa accordingly updated and approved its supply chain management policy and procedures to provide for participation in contracts competitively awarded by other organs of state,” she said. Evaluation reports Makanda argued that Prasa had not appointed RAPS directly but invited all seven companies on Acsa’s panel to participate in a Prasa‑specific process, with six responding. However, the rail agency declined to release evaluation reports or scorecards underpinning the process. Critics say Prasa effectively relied on a procurement system designed for airport security, despite requiring protection for rail operations. Makanda dismissed this, claiming the functions were comparable. “The underlying security functions were sufficiently similar,” she said. Langa Company records confirm RAPS and Ras are separate entities with different registration numbers, raising questions about how Ras inherited RAPS’s work. Sources said Prasa only requested Ras’s VAT number and compliance documents in September 2024 – more than two years after it began receiving payments. Langa is a former Robben Island prisoner and ANC stalwart. The Citizen has reached out to the ANC for comment. The revelations cast fresh light on how Prasa’s procurement practices allowed a politically connected group to pocket more than R1bn, despite clear warnings from Treasury and the courts that such piggybacking arrangements were unlawful, according to the paper.

Paarl Gimnasium scored four tries to come out on top 25-11 in their Paarl derby against Paarl Boys High on Saturday. A huge crowd of more than 25,000 watched one of the world’s biggest schoolboy derbies. Under the guidance of former Springbok wing Pieter Rossouw, the victory was Gimnasium’s 15th consecutive win this season. Their only defeat came in their opening fixture of the year, against 2026 surprise package, Stellenberg (20-19). Gimnasium’s tries were scored by Derek Cloete, who got two and was a handful for Boys High’s defence, Thomas Saunders and Mickyle Booise. Boys High managed to score just the one try, by Aleit Stander. There was plenty other high schools’ rugby action at the weekend. Staying in the Western Cape there were wins for Wynberg, Paul Roos and Stellenberg, while in KZN Durban edged Northwood. Glenwood and Maritzburg picked up away wins in Gauteng. In the Free State, Grey College were too good for their rivals from Gqeberha, Grey High, while up north, Monument, Helpmekaar, Garsfontein, Menlopark, Affies and Jeppe picked up wins. The match between Menlopark and EG Jansen was sadly marred by a fight between some boys and spectators. Here is a selection of results from Saturday: Western Cape Wynberg 64 Bishops 12, Paul Roos 45 Boland Landbou 14, Paarl Boys High 11 Paarl Gimnasium 25, Sacs 30 Rondebosch 36, Stellenberg 42 Durbanville 12 Free State Grey College 59 Grey High 26, Sentraal 38 Voortrekker 17 KZN Durban High School 26 Northwood 19 Vaal Rustenburg 31 Monument 38, Waterkloof 34 Helpmekaar 38, Middelburg 7 Garsfontein 45, Menlopark 36 EG Jansen 5, Affies 66 Noordheuwel 26, Pretoria Boys High 13 Maritzburg College 36, KES 31 Jeppe 46, Parktown 36 Glenwood 43

The Sunday, 02 August episode of Carte Blanche Carte investigates the far-reaching impact of the devastating floods that damaged Meiringspoort, the iconic mountain pass that serves as the only direct route between communities on either side of the Swartberg Mountains. The programme explores how the destruction of sections of the road has cut off a vital transport link, disrupting daily life, costing jobs and threatening livelihoods in the region. As residents grapple with the aftermath, Carte Blanche highlights the heavy dependence on the mountain pass while examining how affected communities are rebuilding and searching for new opportunities in the wake of the disaster. Credibility among South African viewers Carte Blanche is a South African investigative journalism television series that airs on M-Net every Sunday at 19:00. Its first episode aired on 21 August 1988 and over the last 34-plus years has earned credibility among South African viewers for its investigation into corruption, consumer issues, and current events. Are you a regular Carte Blanche viewer? If so, let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …

Kaizer Chiefs are desperate to challenge Orlando Pirates for their Betway Premiership crown. Can they do it after this window? Kaizer Chiefs aim to usurp Orlando Pirates at the summit Chiefs additions Khanyisa Mayo has signed permanently from CR Belouizdad for a reported fee close to R9.8 million following a prior loan spell. Adolf Mtasingwa is a 27-year-old defensive midfielder signed from Azam FC for an undisclosed fee, and the first Tanzanian player to join Amakhosi. Mtasingwa brings valuable experience, having spent six seasons in Scandinavia, playing in the Icelandic, Norwegian and Finnish leagues. He returned home in 2024 to help Azam FC finish third in the Tanzanian league last season. He is the vice-captain of his nation. Central defender Thabo Moloisane brings PSL know-how after becoming a mainstay for an impressive Stellenbosch side. Moloisane can also operate at right back when needed. 28-year-old goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner joins from Sekhukhune to bolster Chiefs’ options between the sticks. The 1.87m-tall stopper has been capped by Bafana. There’s also a growing expectation that 21-year-old Stellies winger Langelihle Phili will join the Glamour Boys. Pirates additions Most of the club’s acquisitions this window have been with the view of future-proofing their squad with young options. Pirates have welcomed Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu, Bohlale Ngwato, Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo, Aphiwe Baliti and Matome Mmolai. After the sale of Rele Mofokeng, the club needed a statement signing, and it remains to be seen whether Christian Pedersen will fit the bill. For now, the jury is out, and the Norwegian might need to sit on the bench to prove his worth. How did Chiefs and Pirates fare on matchday 1? Both Soweto giants got 2026-27 off to a winning start. Chiefs beat Kruger United 3-1 thanks to a goal from Flavio Silva and a brace from substitute Wandile Duba. Pirates, meanwhile, beat Milford 2-0 with strikes from wide men Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi. What’s next? Pirates are in MTN8 action on Saturday 8 August against Durban City. Chiefs, meanwhile, face Golden Arrows on Sunday 9 August in the same competition.

Nedbank has appointed Nikos Angelopoulos, formerly MTN Group's CIO, to the same role at the bank.

Eskom recorded a daily energy availability factor of 80.24% on 20 July, its best single day since 20 September 2017.