One of seven accused individuals has been released on bail after allegedly swindling an elderly woman out of R14 million. The case is set to continue in August 2026.

The future of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption is under the spotlight after the NPA announced a six-month reset programme.

The Association for the Protection of Road Accident Victims (Aprav) has proposed the creation of a national Settlement Hub as a simple way to address the crisis at the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and clear its backlog of about 100 000 claims. It would involve funding from National Treasury to clear claims that are ready to be settled without waiting for the RAF’s bigger problems to be fixed first. The ‘bigger problems’ were summarised by Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) chair Songezo Zibi, who said on Friday the RAF is chronically underfunded – and even when its governance and operational problems are resolved, there will not be enough money to meet all the claim obligations. While the future of the RAF and its funding challenges are being considered, Aprav vice chair Pieter de Bruyn, speaking at the National Press Club in Pretoria on Thursday, said a new RAF funding model cannot be implemented without addressing the backlog of claims. He pointed out that less than 5% of the about 80 000 RAF claims are in dispute and less than 1% go to trial and need independent adjudication. Against this backdrop, he questioned why 90% of RAF claims go to court. “No wonder there is a legal bill of R6 billion [accumulated]. That bill is not because of attorneys, not because of the experts, not because of claimants. It was caused by not executing the [RAF] act and the RAF not doing its work.” De Bruyn said the crisis that exists at the RAF has to be relieved. Aprav believes the harm that has already been done must be repaired. There must be relief for claimants, and the RAF must be rebuilt for the future, he added. Money that is owing The move would cost National Treasury R16 billion, but this is about paying claimants who have been waiting for 10 years, said De Bruyn. “This is really not a bailout.” The funds would be used to pay claimants what they should have been paid years ago in one lump sum. There are “vast differences” to bailouts granted to the likes of the SABC, South African Airways (SAA) and Eskom, he said, “because those organisations could not operate anymore and had been managed into the ground”. “The RAF is funded by the fuel levy to the tune of R4.2 billion a month,” he said. “It operates, it functions – but through corruption and the dereliction of duty in almost all possible layers, members of the public [have been] disadvantaged.” How would it work? De Bruyn said Settlement Hub would: Find the claims that are ready by sorting out claims already in the system into those ready to settle, those needing a little more information, and those that are genuinely disputed. Put the paperwork in one place and bring the legal, medical and financial evidence for each claim into a single, complete file. Put decision-makers in the room, with each claim going to a dedicated team of experienced claims professionals and RAF representatives with the real authority to settle, who will be joined by legal, medical or actuarial experts where the matter needs them. Settle what everyone agrees on, pay out the parts that are not in dispute and send only genuine disagreements to court. Track every case until the claimant is actually paid because a signed settlement is not the finish line. The Settlement Hub would not replace the RAF or the courts, would not force victims to accept less than they are owed, and would not let an unproven or inflated claim slip through, said De Bruyn. He stressed that the RAF would retain the right to challenge every claim it genuinely disputes, and any real dispute would still go to court. The hub would simply put “people who can actually make a decision in a room, to do what the RAF should have been doing all along”. It would not be another layer of bureaucracy, nor a mechanism to force the government to accept unlawful claims. He believes it would in fact identify unlawful claims by ensuring that claims are scrutinised properly. Unlawful move ‘excluded up to 100 000 claimants’ Aprav chair Ngoako Mohlaloga said the RAF claims process that should have enabled access to compensation became a barrier to it through the RAF’s unlawful introduction of the RAF1 form, which has been declared unlawful by the Supreme Court of Appeal. De Bruyn said the form and its absurd long list of illegalities and illegal requirements as opposed to the three simple requirements in the RAF Act ended up excluding up to 100 000 claimants that had valid claims that are now lost in the system because those people were unlawfully denied the opportunity to submit a claim. He said the unlawful application of the form was allowed to happen by the minister of transport, the deputy minister, the portfolio committee on transport and the RAF executive. “The fact is the act is a law of parliament and needs to be followed,” he said. “You cannot have the discretion to follow a law [or not].” Future of the RAF, and its future funding model? Mohlaloga believes there is reason for hope for the RAF because the truth is no longer scattered across court judgments, audit disputes, unanswered letters and the experience of isolated victims but is now being assembled into one parliamentary record by Scopa. De Bruyn said the RAF levy in the fuel price would not provide sufficient funding for the fund for the future but this is not because of consumers moving to electric vehicles (EVs). “It’s a misnomer that EVs will totally dilute the fuel levy and the funding for the RAF. “This is Africa, not Europe. The uptake of EVs in South Africa will remain miniscule and in no way a significant risk to the fuel levy. But the funding model must change, likely to a hybrid model,” he said. De Bruyn said compulsory insurance is not a “silver bullet” for funding compensation for road accident victims, noting that a government commission rejected the idea in the late 1980s when the insurance system and third-party vehicle discs were terminated. He said, at that time, there were 2.5 million cars on South Africa’s roads and now there are more than 10 million, and the sums Aprav has done with the assistance of actuaries and experts reveal the average cost of insurance to motorists would be R2 400 a month and R4 000 a month for taxi owners. De Bruyn said the future RAF funding model will likely be a hybrid model, comprising the RAF levy in the fuel price, an insurance top-up for people who want additional benefits, and the involvement of the private sector, funders who will be prepared to buy some of the debtors books and liabilities. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi has hailed the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) 90th anniversary as a landmark moment in the nation’s democratic journey from the days of apartheid. The public broadcaster officially marks its 90th anniversary on Friday, 31 July 2026, marking a historic milestone reflecting nearly a century of national media representation. SABC establishment Established under the Broadcasting Act in August 1936, the public broadcaster has grown from a localised radio presence into a major multi-platform entity. Today, it commands 19 radio stations, six television channels, and the SABC Plus streaming service, reaching millions daily. Transition The SABC’s legacy is complex and deeply intertwined with the country’s political history. During the apartheid era, the corporation functioned largely as a state propaganda tool, restricting independent reporting. However, the transition to democracy in 1994 transformed its mandate. The broadcaster re-emerged as a vital pillar of the new South Africa, giving voice to marginalised languages and uniting citizens during monumental events, from democratic elections to major international sports tournaments. ‘Central pillar’ Malatsi said that through nine decades of political and technological change, the SABC has grown into a “central pillar of our democracy” by informing, educating, and entertaining South Africans, giving a voice to communities across our country. “While the SABC has much to celebrate, I am equally mindful of its ongoing transformation journey as it modernises its funding model, strengthens governance and adapts to a rapidly changing media landscape. “The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies remains committed to working with the SABC board and management to support the corporation’s long-term sustainability as a trusted, independent public broadcaster,” Malatsi said. Digital migration Meanwhile, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) in April said it was edging closer to its target to digitise South Africa. South Africa has missed more than 10 analogue switch-off dates, with the latest one halted by the courts in March last year due to the lack of consultation with broadcasting stakeholders. The court rulings have hampered the 15-year attempt to finalise the digital migration, while socio-economic and infrastructure challenges hamper the expansion of access to digital services. Digital migration deadline The digital migration project is beyond the original December 2010 deadline set by former communications minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri during former president Thabo Mbeki’s administration. It can potentially disrupt the operations and viewership of the SABC and other free-to-air channels like e.tv.

SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan announced that Hugo Broos leaves the role following the expiry of his contract, bringing an end to a successful five-year spell with Bafana Bafana. SAFA CONFIRMS HUGO BROOS EXIT SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan confirmed the news during a media briefing at SAFA House. “SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan confirms that Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos is leaving the team today. I want to say Hugo Broos, thank you very much,” the SAFA President said. Broos took charge of Bafana Bafana in May 2021. He transformed the national team into one of the strongest sides on the continent. The 74-year-old guided South Africa to a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He also led Bafana Bafana back to the FIFA World Cup, where they reached the knockout stages for the first time. The Belgian coach also earned praise for trusting young players. Several rising stars made their international breakthroughs under his leadership. BAFANA BAFANA ENTER NEW ERA SAFA had hoped to keep Broos in charge beyond the expiry of his contract. However, the experienced coach decided not to continue with the national team. Broos has previously indicated that he is ready to retire from full-time coaching after almost four decades in management. The Belgian has said he wants to spend more time with his family. However, he has also suggested he would consider remaining involved in South African football in an advisory or scouting role. SAFA will now begin the search for a new Bafana Bafana head coach ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Meanwhile, Pitso Mosimane is reportedly leading the race as the successor.

Hollywood stars singer John Legend and Cynthia Erivo will star alongside South African actor, writer, director and producer Thabo Rametsi in the biopic based on the life of the late jazz musician Hugh Masekela. The Road Home stars Grammy Award-winning Legend as Harry Belafonte, Academy Award nominee Erivo as Miriam ‘Mama Africa’ Makeba, Academy Award nominee Guy Pearce as Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, and Johnny Flynn as Paul Simon. Rametsi will star as Masekela. “When you tell the story of Giants you must shout it from the highest mountain. These are our giants and this film is the highest mountain we could find. We hope our humble tribute honours them accordingly,” Rametsi is quoted as saying by Studio Canal. The film follows Masekela’s journey as he finds himself torn between the global anti-apartheid movement, championed by his mentor Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, and the controversy sparked by Paul Simon’s Graceland project, says Deadline. “I was honored to know Mr. Belafonte as my friend, mentor, and collaborator in the struggle for justice. He was an incredible human being who lived a monumental, revolutionary life. He was the epitome of an artist and activist who set a standard for me and so many others who stand on his shoulders. I count it a privilege to be entrusted with the role of Harry Belafonte in this special film,” Legend said, according to Rolling Stone. A release date for The Road Home has not been announced yet. The film, directed by Bill Condon, began production in Cape Town in late June 2026. Hugh Masekela (16-year old) in Sophiatown, Johannesburg, South Africa, 1956. Photo taken by Alf Kumalo after Hugh Masekela received a trumpet from Louis Armstrong through anti-apartheid activist Father Trevor Huddleston. pic.twitter.com/G4uHFCKTw3— Kasi Economy (@KasiEconomy) April 10, 2024 Did you know? Masekela and Makeba were in exile during apartheid, where they developed a relationship and married in 1964. Makeba was 32 years old, and Masekela was 25 years old at the time. They parted ways two years later, but remained professional colleagues. Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba on their wedding day, c 1964. Photo by Jurgen Schadeburg pic.twitter.com/lGfbvAgnxk— History ZAR (@HistorySAZAR) January 20, 2026

Pre-installed n8n on local infrastructure lets businesses run unlimited workflows for a predictable monthly fee.

Obsidian Systems argues technology should reduce the burden on people, not add another system.