On August 1, Marine Protected Areas Day reminds us why safeguarding marine biodiversity is vital to life itself.

Julius Malema's recent critique of MacG's Podcast has ignited a debate on the role of digital media in shaping South Africa's youth.

National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader and member of parliament (MP) Fadiel Adams is set to appear before the Madlanga commission next month to respond to allegations linked to criminal complaints he previously lodged. This follows Adams receiving a Rule 3 notice in October last year asking him to respond to testimony. His testimony will form part of the commission’s inquiry into investigations conducted by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac), which were triggered by his Section 27 referral in November 2024. Fadiel Adams subpoenaed by Madlanga commission The commission’s spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed Adams’ upcoming appearance during a media briefing on Friday, 31 July. He highlighted that discussions between Adams and the commission’s legal team had been ongoing. “I can now confirm that he will indeed appear before the commission on the 11th of August,” Michaels told reporters. “I should clarify that we’ve had quite a number of queries in this regard, particularly because he had taken to social media and spoken at some length about the proceedings at the commission,” he added. Michaels also addressed questions about how the commission handles individuals implicated during testimony, particularly former Idac head Andrea Johnson, who is expected to return after already spending six days on the witness stand. “The legal framework for the commission ensures that whilst the commission is going about its inquiry, it is fair. “It conducts its business in a way that is fair procedurally and gives all those implicated persons an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them. “So with that in mind, the Rule 3 is designed to ensure that when persons are implicated before the commission, they have an opportunity to respond, either in writing or [oral] testimony before the commission under oath,” he explained. According to Michaels, any decision on whether Johnson will testify again ultimately rests with the commission’s chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga. “She may or may not be called to come and testify.” Idac Section 27 referral Adams’ referral, which has been described as containing discrepancies and insufficient supporting evidence, has been at the centre of the commission’s work in recent weeks. It triggered a series of probes into the police’s Crime Intelligence division, as well as scrutiny involving suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and the political killings task team (PKTT). The investigations – reportedly dubbed as “Project Diversion” – have looked into the conduct of Crime Intelligence senior officials, including divisional commissioner Dumisani Khumalo, particularly in relation to the appointment of former BMW employee Dineo Mokwele to a brigadier position. Idac has also investigated Crime Intelligence’s chief financial officer (CFO), Philani Lushaba, who is facing charges in connection with the alleged cover-up of the theft of his state-issued laptop by a sex worker. Evidence before the commission has further indicated that Adams’ complaint extended to the use of money from Crime Intelligence’s secret service account, commonly referred to as the slush fund, for accommodation and luxury vehicles linked to the PKTT, as well as the acquisition of multiple properties and alleged irregularities in the procurement of a forklift. Earlier in the week, Johnson could not provide an explanation why Idac investigated the PKTT despite Adams’ referral not mentioning the task team. Adams’ arrest Adams was arrested by the PKTT on 5 May 2026 and has since been charged with fraud as well as defeating or obstructing the course of justice. Authorities allege that his actions were linked to interference in the investigation into the 2017 murder of former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa, who was killed in Umzimkhulu, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). According to reports, Adams independently sought out convicted hitman Sibusiso Ncengwa – who is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for Magaqa’s murder – in an effort to obtain a statement. He was granted R10 000 bail and released from custody on 15 May.

South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan announced on Friday that the next Bafana Bafana head coach will be decided at a South African Football Association (SAFA) National Executive Committee meeting on August 8. Phakaaathi takes a look at four coaches who could be considered to follow in the footsteps of Hugo Broos. Pitso Mosimane Pitso Mosimane has to be the favourite right now to return to the Bafana hot seat for a second spell in charge. ‘Jingles’ has already said he feels that he has unfinished business after his first stint at the helm. Mosimane was assistant coach to Carlos Alberto Parreira at the 2010 Fifa World Cup finals, and took over as head coach once the Brazilian left immediately after that tournament. Under Mosimane, Bafana famously celebrated in Nelspruit even though they had not qualified for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals. After an uninspiring start to qualification for the 2014 Fifa World Cup finals, Mosimane was shown the exit door. He bounced back in style in club football, winning the Caf Champions League in 2016 with Mamelodi Sundowns and going on to win two more Champions League titles with Egyptian giants Al Ahly. He went on to coach at several sides in the Middle East, but Mosimane is now a free agent, and has admitted to speaking to SAFA about taking over from Broos. His salary demands could yet be a stumbling block, but surely ‘Jingles’ is at the front of the queue for now. Helman Mkhalele Hugo Broos refused to comment on a successor on Friday, but he has previously advocated for continuity in appointing his assistant coach Helman Mkhalele. Broos spoke again on Friday about his huge respect for Mkhalele and how much the ‘Midnight Express’ helped him to understand South African football during his five years at the helm. Mkhalele appeared to indicate his interest in a step up when he enrolled towards the end of last year to do a CAF A License course in Lesotho. But it could be that SAFA feel his lack of experience as a head coach is a hindrance. Herve Renard If you want a coach with plenty of pedigree on the African continent as well as a penchant for finely pressed white shirts, then look no further than Frenchman Herve Renard. Renard won the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia out of absolutely nowhere in 2012, and then repeated the trick with Ivory Coast in 2015, becoming the first coach to win the AFCON with two different countries. He has also coached Morocco, Saudi Arabia and most recently took charge of Tunisia at the 2026 Fifa World Cup finals. Renard jumped in after Tunisia had lost their opening match 5-1 to Sweden. Given a difficult task, he didn’t do much better, losing 4-0 to Japan and 3-1 to the Netherlands. Ultimately Tunisia and Renard opted to go their separate ways, meaning the 57-year-old is a free agent. Will SAFA turn to Renard to continue Broos’ work? Rulani Mokwena Rulani Mokwena is one of the brightest young South African coaches in football, but has just signed a deal with Egyptian giants Pyramids, making it highly unlikely he would suddenly jump ship and coach Bafana. It would also surely cost SAFA plenty of cash, in terms of salary for Mokwena, but also to appease Pyramids, to get their man. So cast this final call as highly unlikely, though it is probably worth a wager that Mokwena will coach Bafana at some point in his career. At only 39, he may want to continue his globetrotting for a while yet, before returning home.

The 2026-27 PSL season kicks off on Saturday, 1 August with Orlando Pirates beginning their title defence at home against Milford FC. Kaizer Chiefs will be away to Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on the same day with the match set to kick-off at 20:00. Mamelodi Sundowns will not be in action after their request to have their game against Marumo Gallants was granted. Now, The South African takes a look at who, from last season’s top three teams, has had a better transfer window… WHO HAS HAD BETTER TRANSFER WINDOW: PIRATES, SUNDOWNS OR CHIEFS? ORLANDO PIRATES As the defending champions, Orlando Pirates were expected to reinforce their squad to ensure that they retain the three titles they won last season. And they have done just that while letting go of players the technical team feel won’t play any part going forward. So far, 15 players have already left (either released or sold) while the Buccaneers have signed nine new players. Pirates have clearly been the busiest of the three teams, and how Abdeslam Ouaddou aims to get the team gel as quickly as possible. MAMELODI SUNDOWNS The Brazilians have not gone too hard in this transfer window despite their failure to win any of the domestic trophies on offer. Sundowns may have won the CAF Champions League but defending the title will be very difficult and it requires proper reinforcements. As things stand, Miguel Cardoso has brought in just three players in Antonio van Wyk, Siyanda Ndlovu and returned Cassius Mailula. Sundowns have let got of just two players, and they are Peter Shalulile and Terrence Mashego (on loan) although the latter spent last season on loan at Durban City. KAIZER CHIEFS Kaizer Chiefs are looking to build on their third-place finish achieved last season, and the rebuilding phase will be led by newly-appointed coach Fernando da Cruz. Da Cruz is clear that Amakhosi still need more players, and it is for this reason the management is trying to sign Langelihle Phili among others. As things stand, confirmed departures are those involving Gaston Sirino, Happy Mashiane, George Matlou and Aden McCarthy. But more players are expected to leave the club, including Thabo Cele, Ashley du Preez and Given Msimango in the coming days. Chiefs have, so far, acquired the services of three players – Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko, Thabo Moloisane and Renaldo Leaner. THE VERDICT… There is no doubt that Pirates have been the busiest in the transfer window and some of their transfers are eye-catching. But perhaps the departure of Relebohile Mofokeng coupled with their failure to sign Siyanda Ndlovu from Golden Arrows stole the shine. As for Sundowns, it has been a very quiet one, and that’s unlike them given their huge ambitions but there’s still time for them to catch up. Lastly, Chiefs have, so far, tried their best with the three signings although they still need more in order to be competitive. In the end, one can conclude that Pirates are far ahead of both Sundowns and Chiefs in this transfer window which slams shut on 21 September.

The dream of getting a major windfall after selecting six or seven winning numbers in an international lottery feels far removed from reality. Perhaps it is. But like the saying goes: you can never win if you never play. A few South Africans can count themselves among the rare few after winning hundreds of thousands, or millions, from betting on international lotteries. South Africans can’t buy physical tickets to enter, but local platforms, such as Lottoland, allow players to bet on the outcome of international draws. Here are five of Lottoland’s lotteries with massive jackpots: US PowerBall: current jackpot R11,7 billion One of the most celebrated lotteries in the US is the Powerball, which has produced a few billionaires in the US, most notably Edwin Castro (then 31 years old), who claimed a record $2.04 billion (approximate current value R33.81 billion) Powerball jackpot prize in November 2022. Tickets go for R70 per line, with the option to play for 10% of the prize for R10 per line. Draws take place on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday in Florida, US. US MegaMillions: current jackpot R828 million Not as popular as the Powerball, but just as lucrative, the MegaMillions lottery has made its own waves with high jackpots. The largest jackpot was $1.602 billion (approximately R26.57 billion), which was won in Florida on 8 August 2023. For R150.00 per line, you can stand a chance to win a bet on one or both draws a week ( Tuesday and Friday nights in the US). EuroMillions: current jackpot R1,7 billion The EuroMillions takes place twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays) in Paris. For R60, you can enter the draw, or buy a 10% stake in the prize for R6. German Lotto: current jackpot R952 million On Wednesday and Saturday, for R25 per line, you can be in line to win a multi-million rand jackpot in the German Lotto, which has had a few South African winners. SuperLotto: current jackpot R3.8 billion SuperLotto is based on the Italian SuperEnalotto. Tickets retail for R40 each line for the Friday draw.

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

The transmission operator will own the assets outright, reversing a plan approved by the energy minister in December.