The City of Johannesburg has referred 13 alleged financial misconduct cases involving R4.07 billion to its independent Disciplinary Board for investigation, aiming to strengthen accountability and ensure due process in line with the Municipal Finance Management Act

An investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate is underway following the death of Chika Simon Ibeh during a police raid in Cape Town, with post-mortem findings reportedly revealing multiple injuries.

Say goodbye to passwords; Google has introduced selfie video, a new sign‑in method designed to give users a secure and flexible way to access their accounts when locked out or without their usual devices. While mobile phones have had face recognition access for a while, it is welcome to see the feature integrated into Google. Selfie video The feature, announced in a recent blog post, adds another layer to Google’s authentication tools, alongside passkeys and recovery contacts. “Your Google account holds a lot of valuable information, from cherished photos to important emails and documents,” Google said. “We always want to make sure that information is private, secure and readily available to you, which is why we recommend setting up multiple sign‑in methods.” How it works Selfie video works by asking users to record a short clip of themselves performing guided head movements to capture multiple angles. If access is needed later, users simply take another selfie video, which is matched against the original to confirm their identity. “If you’re having trouble signing in later on, you just take another selfie to get back into your account,” Google explained. “Selfie video compares the new video to the one you set up to confirm it is really you and help you get back into your account.” Privacy Google said that privacy is central to the design. “Your selfie video is yours, and you’re in control. It is recorded and securely stored with your consent, and you can delete it at any time in your Google account,” the company said. The videos are encrypted at rest, meaning they remain secure even when not in use. To guard against impersonation attempts such as fake photos or deepfakes, the system requires live movements and cross‑checks against stored data. “We use multiple layers of security to help prevent impersonation attempts like fake photos and videos,” Google noted. “For example, we match your video against your saved selfie and require you to perform simple movements to prove it’s a live video.” Forgot your password? Lost your phone? Can’t get into your account? You can now use a selfie video to log into your Google Account. The new feature is easy to use and lets you sign in – even if you forget your password or don’t have your usual phone or laptop – with a quick… pic.twitter.com/3TbdIKLTM9– Google (@Google) July 23, 2026 Protection The rollout underscores Google’s commitment to balancing convenience with robust protection. With accounts containing sensitive personal and professional information, the company argues that flexible sign‑in options are essential. “This update builds on our ongoing work to provide secure and flexible sign‑in options,” Google said, pointing users to g.co/signin‑selfie to check eligibility and set up the feature.

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has called on all registered and unregistered early childhood development (ECD) centres to participate in its 2026 Annual ECD Online Headcount Survey. The online survey opened on Monday, 27 July, and will close on Friday, 7 August. The department urged ECD owners and principals to complete the survey before the deadline, adding that walk-in support centres have been established across Gauteng for those who require assistance. Survey to shape 2027 planning The GDE said information collected through the annual survey will help determine the number of Grade R pupils expected to move to Grade 1 in 2027, while also projecting the number of younger children who will require placement in Grade R. In addition, the data will be used to map ECD centres to nearby public primary schools to strengthen initiatives such as mentoring programmes and resource sharing. The GDE said the survey would also review “current learner-to-educator ratios and projecting changes”. Support for unregistered ECD centres The department said one of the key objectives of the headcount is to identify unregistered ECD centres and assist them with the registration process. It added that information gathered would also be submitted to the Department of Basic Education for reporting purposes. According to the department, the survey will also support education planning, resource allocation, monitoring and evaluation, research and decision-making across the ECD sector. Documents needed The GDE advised ECD owners to have the required documentation ready before completing the online questionnaire. These include: The owner or principal’s ID number. Registers of pupils and staff. Pupils’ health information from a healthcare professional. The Grade R practitioner’s ID number, general information and qualifications. The department encouraged centres to complete the process online and “make your presence known”. The department also reminded ECD owners to ensure they select the correct education district when completing the survey, as Gauteng’s education boundaries differ from municipal boundaries in some areas. The GDE said owners who need assistance can also contact the department’s call centre on 0800 000 789, send a WhatsApp message to 0608 910 361, or email gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za. The department said: “Take this next step to complete the ECD Online Headcount Survey and make your presence known.” Walk-in centres available across Gauteng Owners who cannot complete the survey independently can visit decentralised walk-in centres across Gauteng, where social work professionals will be available to provide support. The designated venues include: Ekurhuleni region SA Red Cross Health Day Care Tshepisa Primary School Alberton Teachers’ Centre Ekurhuleni South District Office Gauteng East District Office Sedibeng region Gauteng West District Office, Krugersdorp Simunye Teachers’ Centre Gauteng West District Office, Randfontein Kokosi Teachers Development Centre Sedibeng West District Office Ratanda Tswelopele Lebone Sedibeng East District Office Tshwane region Zamani Day Care Temba Resource Centre Soshanguve Education Support and Resource Centre Tshwane North District Office Wize Kids’ Day Graca Day Care Centre Tshwane South District St Annes Primary School Tshwane West District Mmatsela Pre School Holy Love Day Care Johannesburg region Zenzeleni Primary School Johannesburg North District Office God’s Love Day Care Centre Afrika Tikkun – Wings of Life Centre Cosmo City West Primary School Johannesburg Central District Office Zodiac Primary School Johannesburg South District Office (Gizania Boardroom) Ebenezer Day Care Johannesburg West District Office

KwaZulu-Natal may be famous for its warm Indian Ocean coastline, but head inland, and the province has a very different winter story. Every year, cold fronts can bring snow to the high-lying parts of the province, with the Drakensberg and surrounding mountains offering the best chances of seeing a winter landscape covered in white. While snowfall is never guaranteed, and the heaviest snow is generally found at higher elevations rather than in the towns below, here are some of the best places to watch when the next major cold front arrives. 1. Sani Pass and the Southern Drakensberg A snow-covered area along Sani Pass. Image: canva Sani Pass is one of the best-known places to chase snow in KwaZulu-Natal. The spectacular mountain pass climbs from the Underberg area into Lesotho, reaching around 2 874 metres above sea level. The high elevation makes the upper sections particularly susceptible to snowfall during powerful winter weather systems. The surrounding Southern Drakensberg can be transformed when snow arrives, with Underberg and Himeville providing convenient bases for exploring the region. However, winter conditions can make Sani Pass hazardous, so travellers should check road conditions and access arrangements before setting off. Best for: Dramatic mountain scenery and the chance of heavy snow at high altitude. 2. Royal Natal and the Northern Drakensberg #Drakensberg. A thatched cottage looks beautiful when clad in snow. This is Thendele in the Royal Natal National Park, northern Drakensberg. pic.twitter.com/nMUR0ySdYx— Fanile Mkhize (@FanileMkhize) August 15, 2021 The Northern Drakensberg is another area worth watching when snow is forecast. Around Royal Natal National Park, the spectacular Amphitheatre and surrounding peaks can receive snow during strong cold fronts. Snow is most likely at higher elevations, so you may see a white-covered escarpment while the lower valleys remain clear. Even when snow doesn’t settle at lower levels, the sight of snow-capped Drakensberg peaks can make for an unforgettable winter landscape. Best for: Snow-covered mountain peaks and spectacular scenery. 3. Giant’s Castle and the Central Drakensberg The Central Drakensberg is another region where winter can bring snow to the higher mountains. Giant’s Castle Game Reserve, part of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, offers dramatic mountain scenery, hiking and San rock art. When snow covers the peaks, the landscape becomes even more spectacular. The area is also a good option if you want a winter getaway without relying entirely on snowfall. There’s plenty to do even when the mountains remain snow-free. Best for: A winter mountain escape combining nature, hiking and snow-capped scenery. 4. Kamberg and the Midlands Snow falling in the KZN Midlands. Brace Yourselves South Africa.#snow pic.twitter.com/mVKk77DFMA— Radio 2000 (@Radio2000_ZA) July 24, 2016 For a quieter escape, consider Kamberg and the Midlands side of the Drakensberg. The area sits below the higher mountain escarpment, which can receive snow during major cold fronts. While snow is more likely on the peaks than around lower-lying accommodation, the views can be spectacular. Kamberg is also home to important San rock art sites, including Game Pass Shelter, allowing visitors to combine winter scenery with cultural heritage. Best for: A peaceful countryside getaway with views of snow-covered mountains. 5. The Southern KZN Highlands The southern interior of KwaZulu-Natal is another area worth watching during particularly strong winter weather systems. The high ground around Kokstad and towards the southern Drakensberg can experience very cold conditions and snowfall. During a major July 2016 weather event, the South African Weather Service recorded snow depths of up to one metre in some parts of the western and southern high ground of KwaZulu-Natal, with several mountain passes closed as a result. Kokstad itself is not a guaranteed snow destination, but the surrounding high-lying terrain can be worth watching when a major cold front is forecast. Best for: Snow chasers looking beyond KZN’s most famous mountain destinations. When is the best time to see snow in KZN? The best opportunities generally come during the winter months, when strong cold fronts can bring freezing conditions to the higher elevations. However, snow can occur outside the traditional winter period. In September 2024, for example, a major weather system brought heavy snow to parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the wider eastern interior. The key is to watch the forecast rather than simply choosing a weekend in July or August. Snow in KZN is highly weather-dependent, and one year can look very different from the next.

The countdown is almost over. The 2026/27 Betway Premiership season kicks off this weekend with plenty of intrigue, as defending champions Orlando Pirates begin their title defence and Kaizer Chiefs usher in a new era under coach Fernando Da Cruz. The opening round of fixtures on Saturday, 1 August, promises several compelling contests, although Mamelodi Sundowns will have to wait a little longer to start their campaign after their opening fixture was postponed. Orlando Pirates out to make early statement Reigning champions Orlando Pirates will be expected to hit the ground running when they host newly promoted Milford FC at Orlando Stadium. After an impressive transfer window and another successful pre-season, the Buccaneers will be eager to lay down an early marker in their bid to retain the league title while balancing the demands of the CAF Champions League. Kaizer Chiefs seek winning start Kaizer Chiefs travel to face fellow newcomers Kruger United in what will be Fernando Da Cruz’s first competitive league match in charge. Amakhosi head into the clash with renewed confidence after lifting the Toyota Cup with a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC, and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the new campaign. Mamelodi Sundowns forced to wait Mamelodi Sundowns’ home fixture against Marumo Gallants has been postponed after the Premier Soccer League approved the club’s request to do so. Although no official reason has been given, the postponement is understood to be linked to the delayed start of Mamelodi Sundowns’ pre-season preparations following the death of midfielder Jayden Adams. A new date for the fixture has not yet been announced. Opening weekend fixtures Saturday, 1 August Orlando Pirates vs Milford FC – 15:30 Golden Arrows vs Chippa United – 15:30 Stellenbosch FC vs AmaZulu FC – 15:30 Sekhukhune United vs Durban City – 18:00 Kruger United vs Kaizer Chiefs – 20:15 Sunday, 2 August Richards Bay vs Polokwane City – 15:30 Siwelele FC vs TS Galaxy – 18:00 With the MTN8 set to begin just a week later, clubs will be desperate to make a positive start as another fiercely contested Betway Premiership season gets underway. Who’s your pick for the title in the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season? Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …

Wholesale, voice and data specialist Neill Nortje will lead the next stage of growth for the Zambian operator.

From farms and fleets to utilities and smart infrastructure, eSim for IoT gives enterprises a simpler way to keep distributed device fleets connected.