In a country often divided by inequality, unemployment and uncertainty, four men are attempting to reconnect South Africans through something profoundly simple: walking. Mshengu Tshabalala, Moses Aphane, Jeremiah Mkhwanazi and Frankie Motsepe are currently undertaking a remarkable long-distance journey from Pretoria to Cape Town under the banner of the Abahambi Be Tshwane Foundation. Today, the group departed from Parys heading towards Kroonstad, continuing a mission that stretches far beyond physical endurance.  Their walk is not merely athletic. It is political in the deepest human sense. It speaks to visibility, solidarity and the need for collective responsibility in a society where many communities continue to feel abandoned by systems meant to protect them. The Abahambi Be Tshwane Foundation was established as a Non Profit Company with a vision of mobilising communities and raising resources for vulnerable groups across South Africa. Their campaign seeks to raise millions for charity while fostering social cohesion and public participation.  What makes the initiative compelling is its symbolism. In an era dominated by digital activism and online outrage, these men have chosen the road itself as a site of engagement. Town by town, kilometre by kilometre, they are forcing conversations about care, dignity and nationhood into public space. South Africa has a long history of protest marches, pilgrimages and journeys tied to liberation politics. The Abahambi Be Tshwane Foundation appears to draw from that legacy while reframing walking as an act of social rebuilding. There is also something deeply radical about slowness in this moment. Walking through towns instead of flying over them allows encounters with people whose realities are often invisible within national discourse. Communities become more than statistics. They become faces, conversations and stories. The journey from Parys to Kroonstad is another chapter in a route that will carry the walkers across provinces and landscapes before reaching Cape Town. Yet perhaps the greater destination is the restoration of civic empathy in a society increasingly fractured by economic pressure and political fatigue.Whether the initiative ultimately reaches its fundraising target may matter less than the conversations it has already begun. In a nation searching for new forms of leadership and solidarity, the image of ordinary citizens walking together for others still carries extraordinary power. 

Yesterday, 05 May 2026, the South African Bureau of Standards in Pretoria became more than a venue for an awards announcement. It became a space where ideas, ambition and the future of Africa converged through the voices of young South Africans determined to shape the continent differently.  The occasion marked the announcement of the national winners of the 2025/2026 African Organisation for Standardisation Essay Competition, a continental initiative encouraging students to engage critically with issues of trade, standards and economic transformation across Africa.  While the subject matter focused on harmonised standards and technical barriers to trade, the event itself revealed something more profound about contemporary Africa. It exposed the growing importance of intellectual diversity in shaping the continent’s future. Students from institutions including AFDA, UNISA, the University of Venda, Stellenbosch University and Wits University stood side by side, representing disciplines ranging from economics and policy to storytelling and live performance.  Among the recognised finalists was AFDA student Culture Molatole, whose presence symbolised the expanding role of the creative sector within policy and developmental conversations. His participation challenged long standing assumptions that economics, trade and standards exist separately from culture and storytelling. The event also reflected a broader continental reality. Africa’s future increasingly demands leaders capable of thinking beyond rigid disciplinary boundaries. In this context, the ARSO competition becomes more than an academic exercise. It becomes a rehearsal space for future African leadership. The finalists included Gladys Matloga, Culture Molatole, Vhahangwele Belemu, Rendani Nkwamalau and Gugu Somtunzi, all of whom will now represent South Africa at the continental stage of the competition. Their ideas will enter wider African conversations around trade, development and integration. SABS Acting CEO Blake Mosley Lefatola emphasised the importance of creating platforms that allow young Africans to influence how the continent develops and participates within global markets. The statement reflected the deeper significance of the gathering in Pretoria yesterday. It was not merely about celebrating winners, but about recognising the intellectual agency of young Africans. The South African State Theatre also acknowledged the importance of the event, particularly the visibility of creatives within spaces often associated with technical and economic expertise. The growing relationship between the arts, innovation and development continues to reshape how Africa imagines progress. What unfolded at SABS yesterday was ultimately a portrait of a continent in transition. Young Africans are no longer waiting to inherit the future. They are actively writing it.

Arthur Fraser, former head of the State Security Agency, expresses his expectations for the Constitutional Court ruling on the Phala Phala case.

Orlando Pirates have been handed a major opportunity in the Betway Premiership title race after Kaizer Chiefs held Mamelodi Sundowns, leaving Saturday’s clash against Magesi carrying enormous significance.

Thando Thabethe recently opened up about how she was hospitalised after a skydiving incident during a jump in Cape Town. The television and radio personality shared details of the experience in a video posted on Instagram. “Didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, so I created a movie instead…” she captioned the clip. In the video, Thabethe said she landed buttocks-first, which resulted in her being hospitalised. “The times I have done it, this is not how I’ve landed on the ground,” she said. “I didn’t think I would be able to stand up, but I eventually did and ended up in the hospital.” Bucket list adventure Thabethe said the skydive was her third, and her first in the Cape Town region, and that it was one of the activities on her bucket list. “I was so excited. I have done two of these in other regions, but this will be my very first one in the Cape Town region,” she said. She said the jump took place from 14 000 feet [4 270 metres], making it the highest skydive she had done in years. “Meaning your free fall is longer than usual until the parachute opens,” she added. According to the United States Parachute Association, parachute landing techniques generally require a skydiver’s feet to touch the ground first before rolling to absorb impact safely. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thando Thabethe (@thando_thabethe)

Content creation is no longer a side hustle reserved for the lucky few. Across South Africa, it is rapidly becoming a credible pathway to income, influence and self-expression. But as more young people enter the space, a critical question has emerged: what does it actually take to build a career that lasts? Entrepreneur, creator, coach and personal branding strategist Lebo Lion has been helping creators answer that question for years. Speaking to The Citizen as part of a broader conversation around Dove’s Creator Collective initiative, which includes a Creator Academy designed to equip aspiring creators with mentorship, practical guidance and industry insight, Lion offered a candid, no-nonsense take on what the industry demands of those who want to go the distance. If content creation were a degree, what would it teach? Asked which subjects would be non-negotiable on a formal content creation syllabus, Lion didn’t struggle to answer. Marketing, finance and a working knowledge of contract and intellectual property law made her list, and her reasoning for each is sharper than most curricula manage. “Marketing helps you understand why people buy, evangelise, adopt and support commercial offers. It also teaches you how to build a brand. This is imperative to differentiate yourself as a creator,” she said. Finance, she added, is equally critical given the inherent volatility of the career. Thickleeyonce, Coachella Randy, Lebo Lion and Dr Katlego Selikane are among the voices tapped to work on the Dove’s Creator Collective campaign. Picture: Supplied “Content creation is a volatile career. Income and opportunities are seasonal. While a lot of contracts offer sizeable amounts, it’s important for creators to manage their finances well and learn how to invest so that they have the freedom to create and thrive in the space regardless of whether they have brand deals or not.” On the legal side, Lion was equally direct. “Most creators get exploited by signing the wrong contract because they didn’t read through the contract or understand what it truly entails. A skilful understanding of the law will enable creators to optimise the offers they are getting while protecting themselves and their brands.” When does a hobby become a profession? With no formal qualification for content creation, knowing when you’ve crossed into professional territory can feel murky. For Lion, the benchmark is monetisation: consistent, sustained monetisation. “I believe you’re ready to call yourself a content creator when you monetise your content consistently over a period of time, a minimum of two years. Monetisation is also a reflection of how much brands and organisations believe in you. If you’re not monetising, it’s just a hobby,” she said. A recognisable brand and a loyal, dedicated following are also markers she looks at. Both signal that the audience relationship has moved beyond passive scrolling into something more durable. The responsibility nobody warns you about Visibility, Lion argues, comes with a weight that the industry rarely prepares creators for. “They don’t tell you how much of a test of your character content creation will be. Influencing people is not about having fans; it’s about building a community of people who trust your words and actions. You’re occupying the role of a leader, and that is not a skill that everyone has,” she said. Her advice to newer creators navigating the pressure to perform and please? Is simple: “Influence is not people pleasing, it’s alignment.” The mentorship gap Thickleeyonce, Coachella Randy, Lebo Lion and Dr Katlego Selikane are among the voices tapped to work on the Dove’s Creator Collective campaign. Picture: Supplied Reflecting on her own journey, Lion identified brand relationship management as the area where structured mentorship would have made the biggest difference to her career. “One of the biggest challenges that creators face is understanding how to leverage brand deals into long-term relationships that help build a sustainable career. I believe that mentorship would have helped me manage my relationships with agency and brand stakeholders much more effectively without compromising the authenticity of my brand and my promise to my community,” she told The Citizen. It is precisely this gap that initiatives like Dove’s Creator Collective aim to address, connecting aspiring creators with mentors, resources and a community of peers navigating the same terrain. Viral moment vs actual career: what’s the difference? In an era where overnight fame is common and “falling off” is discussed with equal frequency, Lion draws a clear line between virality and a genuine career. “Virality is about convertible attention. What can you do with the momentary attention that will enable you to build a brand?” A career, by contrast, is something more tangible. “The evident manifestation of your influence and commercial relationships over time.” Her test for creators unsure of where they stand is practical and direct: Are you making more money as your brand grows? Is your name more widely known? Are you able to diversify and sell other things on the strength of your name alone? “You have to build a strong personal brand and optimise the relationships you have with your stakeholders so that the campaigns you get evolve over time.”

Kaizer Chiefs have started to find a bit more rhythm in front of goal as the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season nears its conclusion, showing signs of improvement after a frustrating and inconsistent campaign in the final third. The Amakhosi attack, which struggled for much of the season to convert chances, has begun to click more regularly in recent weeks, with Flavio Silva, Glody Lilepo, and Mduduzi Shabalala leading the charge. Their increased output has brought some much-needed relief and renewed optimism among supporters, even if performances are still not consistently at the level expected at Naturena. Strong impact Silva, the club’s leading scorer, has been central to the resurgence with 10 goals across all competitions. Eight of those have come in the league, alongside strikes in both the Nedbank Cup and CAF Confederation Cup. The Portuguese forward recently downplayed comparisons to global icons like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting he simply needs good service to deliver – a claim now backed up by his clinical finishing. Lilepo has also made a strong impact, particularly in continental competition, where he has scored four times. Combined with his league contributions, he has eight goals this season. Shabalala sits third on the scoring charts with five league goals. Balanced attacking threat Across all competitions, Kaizer Chiefs have scored 42 goals – 30 in the Betway Premiership, 11 in the CAF Confederation Cup, and one in the Nedbank Cup. They failed to qualify for this season’s MTN8 and exited the Carling Knockout Cup in the opening round after a goalless draw with Stellenbosch FC and a penalty shootout defeat. With contributions also coming from players like Wandile Duba, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Mfundo Vilakazi and Khanyisa Mayo, Kaizer Chiefs appear to be developing a more balanced attacking threat. Kaizer Chiefs’ 30 Betway Premiership goals in 27 matches still trails by some distance the total scored by rivals Orlando Pirates (53 in 27 matches) and Mamelodi Sundowns (48 in 28 matches). In fact, both AmaZulu (31) and Golden Arrows (32) have found the back of the net more often than the Glamour Boys this league season. Breakdown of Kaizer Chiefs’ goal scorers this season ScorerLeagueNedbank CupCAF Confed CupTotalFlavio Silva81110Glody Lilepo4048Mduduzi Shabalala5005Wandile Duba3003Siphesihle Ndlovu2002Mfundo Vilakazi2002Khanyisa Mayo2002Aden McCarthy1012Pule Mmodi1012Nkosingiphile Ngcobo1001Gaston Sirino1001Etiosa Ighodaro0011Zitha Kwinika0011Dillon Solomons0011Own goal0011TOTAL3011142 Correct as at 7 May 2026

ITHUBA, operators of the national lottery in South Africa, have confirmed that one lucky participant has won a staggering R100 644 721.10 in the Lotto jackpot from draw number 2643, held on Wednesday, 6 May 2026. The winning ticket was purchased at Checkers Hyper in Sandton City using the Quick Pick selection method. ITHUBA has encouraged all participants who played in this area to check their tickets as they might be the lucky winner! This win marks the third-highest National Lottery jackpot won in 2026 to date. Winning numbers The winning numbers were 6, 8, 23, 40, 42 and 44. Meanwhile, the bonus ball – which is not required for the jackpot – was 10. The identity of the winner has not yet been revealed as at the time of publishing. “We are excited to welcome our newest multi-millionaire and encourage every participant to check their tickets! We look forward to supporting them through this life-changing journey,” said ITHUBA CEO, Charmaine Mabuza. Meanwhile, the were no winners of the Lotto Plus 1 jackpot as well as the Lotto Plus 2 jackpot. The Lotto Plus 1 numbers were 11, 22, 26, 31, 49, 53 with the bonus ball being 20. The Lotto Plus 2 numbers were 5, 23, 24, 52, 55, 57 with the bonus ball being 28. Following the latest wins, the Lotto jackpots have now been reset for the next draw, scheduled for Saturday, 9 May. The Lotto jackpot now stands at an estimated R3 million, with the Lotto Plus 1 jackpot also at an estimated R3 million and the Lotto Plus 2 jackpot at an estimated R5.5 million. ITHUBA has reminded winners to sign the back of their tickets and present valid identification when claiming prizes, while urging players to play responsibly. Weekly National Lottery Schedule Here’s a quick overview of draw days: Monday: Daily Lotto & Daily Lotto Plus Tuesday: Daily Lotto & Daily Lotto Plus, PowerBall & PowerBall Plus Wednesday: Daily Lotto & Daily Lotto Plus, Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 & Lotto Plus 2 Thursday: Daily Lotto & Daily Lotto Plus Friday: Daily Lotto & Daily Lotto Plus, PowerBall & PowerBall Plus Saturday: Daily Lotto & Daily Lotto Plus, Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 & Lotto Plus 2 Sunday: Daily Lotto & Daily Lotto Plus PREVIOUS LOTTO DRAW RESULTS AND PAYOUTS Did you miss a draw and wonder if you’re actually a millionaire? Click here to view past Lotto, Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 and payouts.

As the so-called Magnificent Seven pour billions into AI, the chip makers selling them hardware are getting rich.

Hexion has launched a 30PB South African archive platform focused on sovereignty and cybersecurity.