Lando Norris claimed McLaren's first victory of 2026 at the Hungarian Grand Prix, capitalising on sloppy errors from Ferrari and Mercedes.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visits to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand underscore India's strategic role in the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on defence, trade, and maritime security.

Tyla’s A*POP is a sparkling declaration of pop sovereignty. And the young star made her declaration by dragging the dancefloor pulse of 2010s South Africa into the global spotlight. The 24 July release finds the 24-year-old South African star doubling down on her Popiano signature (a sleek, rhythmic fusion of polished pop, R&B sensuality and amapiano’s log-drum bounce) while weaving in deeper house, kwaito echoes and straight-up nostalgic South African club energy. South Africans listening to A*POP have been flooding timelines and group chats with a very specific flavour of recognition. It sounds, they say, like slipping on peep-toe platform heels before a night out, like squeezing into a bandage dress that hugs every curve with confident swagger, like raiding Jay Jays for the perfect graphic tee or coloured skinny jeans combo that defined early-2010s youth fashion in malls across the country. It evokes sweaty, euphoric nights at Vacca Matta in Montecasino-Fourways’ legendary club where the country’s biggest dance hits thumped until the early hours, bodies moving in unison under lights that made everything feel possible. South African singer Tyla attends Billboard Women in Music at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on 29 April 2026. Picture: AFP We’ve long-been accused of leaving the rest of the world out of our conversations with our effortless code and language switching but it can’t be helped when we have such specific cultural shorthand for a very particular era in modern South African life.A*POP feels like the late 2000s into the early-to-mid 2010s, when post-apartheid optimism still crackled, the malls were temples of aspiration, local fashion retail like Jay Jays brought international trends home at accessible prices and clubs like Roxxys, Taboo and Vacca Matta pulsed as epicentres of black and coloured youth culture. At this point in her career, Tyla embodies the unapologetic glamour and communal joy of this era. Tracks like the Liquideep-sampling Fairytale or the Zara Larsson collab She Did It Again (with its Y2K-tinged bounce) and Mr Nonchalant feel like sonic time machines, updated with today’s production sheen but rooted in the sounds that raised a generation. My only critique lies in how short her songs often are. This feels like a hallmark of music discovery in the TikTok generation. Authenticity over assimilation What makes A*POP a respectable swing – and culturally significant project – is that Tyla refused the path of least resistance. In an industry that often rewards African artists who sand down their edges to fit neatly into American mainstream pop, she chose the opposite: she put her stamp on the sound. Instead of diluting amapiano or house into generic Americanised EDM drops, she centres them. The log drums, the piano stabs, the deep basslines, the multilingual flair and the soulful vocal runs all stay front and centre. Features lean heavily toward fellow South African and African voices (MaWhoo, Babalwa M and others), keeping the project anchored in community even as it courts worldwide playlists. Another reason this approach succeeds, for me, is because nostalgia is having its moment and for good reason. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tyla (@tyla) When the present feels heavy (economic pressures, social fragmentation, global uncertainty), people instinctively reach backwards for comfort, familiarity and a sense of simpler times. Fashion has been there for years: Y2K revival, low-rise everything, chunky platforms and early-2010s bodycon aesthetics dominate runways, TikTok trends and red carpets. Media aesthetics follow suit. Tyla rides this wave perfectly, turning personal and cultural memory into infectious, danceable anthems that feel both retro and forward-propelling. Cultural impact Critics and naysayers who dismiss the project as “not deep enough”, too commercial, or not “African” in the narrow way they expect may miss the point right now. They might not fully clock how Tyla is expanding the definition of global pop by making Johannesburg the starting point rather than an accent. But, once the dust settles, once the singles climb charts, the clubs adopt the dances and the fashion tie-ins solidify, many will circle back with the classic admission: they simply weren’t familiar with her game. Off the back of the album, Tyla has also just announced the A*POP World Tour, with two homecoming shows confirmed for early 2027: Green Point Track, Cape Town on 4 January, and Expo Centre, Nasrec, Johannesburg on 9 January. Presale opens 29 July via Laylo, with general sale following 31 July.

Access to finance remains one of the biggest obstacles facing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. However, a lack of available capital is not the only reason for this challenge; in many cases, a lender can only assess what it can see. Businesses that do not have a clear, consistent financial footprint may therefore find it more difficult to access the funding they need. Issues that hinder SMEs from receiving financial help Louise Roux, product head: SME lending at FNB, says limited financial information, inconsistent banking activity and poor record-keeping can make even a healthy business difficult for a bank or credit provider to assess. “Lending has become increasingly data-driven, making the quality and consistency of a business’s financial footprint just as important as its funding need. “Businesses that build this visibility are often able to access funding faster, secure solutions that are better suited to their needs, and create a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.” Steps for SMEs to improve funding readiness 1. Treat funding readiness as an ongoing discipline Roux says funding preparation should not begin only when a business has run out of cash or a growth opportunity arises. Business owners should keep key financial information updated throughout the year, including monthly sales, major expenses, existing debt obligations and expected cash flow. “Funding readiness should be treated as a discipline, not a once-off event. The easier it is for a lender to understand how the business makes money and manages its obligations, the easier it becomes to make an informed funding decision.” 2. Separate personal and business finances She adds that mixing personal and business transactions makes it harder to determine a company’s true financial position. A dedicated business account creates a clearer record of income and expenses while simplifying accounting, tax administration, and future funding applications. 3. Build a visible and consistent financial footprint Roux says modern lending decisions increasingly draw on the data a business creates through its everyday activities. Banking transactions, card payments, invoices, accounting records, supplier payments and marketplace sales all help demonstrate that a business is active and generating revenue. “A clear digital trail can be especially valuable for SMEs that don’t own significant assets or have a lengthy credit history. Over time, consistent transactional behaviour can support faster credit decisions, pre-approved offers and access to funding that does not require traditional collateral.” 4. Build a funding track record before you need a large facility Roux adds that rather than waiting until substantial funding is urgently required, businesses should establish a relationship with a lender early. “Successfully managing a smaller loan facility and maintaining healthy banking behaviour can make it easier to access larger facilities in future. Owners should also monitor their personal credit records, as these often influence business lending decisions.” 5. Match the funding product to the business need She says the quickest funding option is not always the most appropriate. Short-term unsecured funding may suit working-capital needs, while asset-backed finance may be more appropriate for long-term purchases such as vehicles or equipment. “The goal should not simply be to access credit. It should be to access the right type of funding, at the right stage of the business, for the right purpose. “A business that understands its numbers and plans ahead is less likely to accept unsuitable or expensive finance under pressure. It can approach funding from a position of clarity, compare its options properly and decide whether taking on debt will genuinely strengthen the business.”

Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi was stretchered off the field after suffering a knee injury following a tackle by former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande. The incident occurred during an exhibition match between Kaizer Chiefs Legends and Jozi Stars in Phokeng on Sunday. Lekgwathi, who was representing Jozi Stars, was unable to continue after the challenge and had to be carried off on a stretcher. After the match, the Pirates legend shared a photo of his swollen knee on Facebook, suggesting he was unhappy with Katsande’s challenge. “Thank you for the support. I’ll be okay and bounce back soon,” Lekgwathi wrote. Katsande has not publicly responded to the incident or apologised to Lekgwathi. Instead, he shared a photo of himself from the match on Facebook with the caption: “Eat the space.” Still the same Katsande. 😩 pic.twitter.com/sKBmHekATo— Akani Nwanati (@AkanimiltonM) July 27, 2026 The two former stars enjoyed many fierce battles during their playing careers, regularly facing each other in the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. Katsande and Lekgwathi clash Despite their on-field rivalry, they have developed a close friendship since retiring from professional football. During the July 2021 unrest, when Lekgwathi’s business was looted, Katsande helped the former Buccaneers captain reopen his shop. Their friendship remains evident, with one of Katsande’s jerseys prominently framed inside Lekgwathi’s business. The match between Kaizer Chiefs legends and Jozi Stars ended in a penalty shootout win for the Jozi Stars. The exhibition match was played before the Toyota Cup match between Chiefs and Zimbabwean side Scotland FC. Do you think Katsande should take it easy now that he is retired?

Orlando Pirates have signed a new Norwegian striker. Can he steer them to another domestic crown and even glory on the continent? Pirates sign Pedersen Orlando Pirates have signed 27-year-old Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen from Sogndal in his native Norway. Unfairly, some fans online have dubbed Pedersen ‘The Temu Haaland’. That seems a touch unfair. No striker on this planet has Haaland’s fear factor and strike rate, but Bucs fans will be excited about their latest signing. Via Siseko Gwegwe: Pedersen arrives with an impressive pedigree. The striker represented Norway at every junior international level from Under-15 through to Under-21. Across the last four-and-a-half seasons with Sogndal and Moss FK, he has scored 51 goals and contributed eight assists in 117 appearances. Describing their new signing, Orlando Pirates highlighted Pedersen’s goalscoring qualities. “In terms of his style of play, Pedersen is considered a one-touch finisher rather than a bulldozer.” Orlando Pirates add to their squad Pirates have welcomed eight new players aboard. They are Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu, Bohlale Ngwato, Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo, Aphiwe Baliti, Matome Mmolai and now Sebastian Pedersen. Big-name exits from Orlando Pirates New champions Orlando Pirates will be a new-look outfit next term after several high-profile departures, notably Relebohile Mofokeng. The following players have left the club: Thabiso Sesane Selaelo Rasebotja  Siyabonga Ndlozi  Gomolemo Khoto  Sonwabo Khumalo  Blessing Ngiba Seth Green  Thabiso Lebitso  Bandile Shandu Sipho Mbule  Tshegofatso Mabasa  Relebohile Mofokeng Pirates’ Betway Premiership title defence looms large The Sea Robbers get their Betway Premiership title defence in 2026-27 underway against Milford FC on Saturday, 1 August. Kick-off is at 15:30.

Behavioural tools can compensate, but new approaches to AI injection attacks are needed, says Kaspersky.

Gen Digital and Avert IT Distribution on why African businesses need a new approach to cybersecurity.