Jenny Winchester was walking her labrador retriever along Holbaai Beach when her dog, Spencer, was viciously attacked by three uncontrolled, off-leash dogs.

Tuskegee University has implemented a controversial dress code banning bonnets, slippers, and durags on campus, alongside strict phone usage rules.

Apple TV+ has officially unveiled its highly anticipated adaptation of William Gibson’s groundbreaking novel Neuromancer at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, with British actor Callum Turner starring as the lead in this landmark cyberpunk series. The 10-episode drama, set to premiere on 22 January 2027, marks a major moment for fans of the 1984 Hugo, Nebula, and Philip K. Dick Award-winning novel that coined the term “cyberspace” and profoundly influenced modern science fiction, including The Matrix. Callum Turner cast as iconic hacker, Case Callum Turner, known for his roles in Masters of the Air and The Boys in the Boat, takes on the central role of Henry Dorsett Case, a damaged, elite hacker pulled into a dangerous world of digital espionage and high-stakes corporate heists. He is joined by Briana Middleton as Molly, the razor-girl assassin with mirrored eyes. The casting of Turner feels particularly fitting. Callum Turner stars as hacker Henry Dorsett Case in Apple TV+’s eagerly awaited adaptation of William Gibson’s Neuromancer. The British actor, an avid reader who bonded with wife Dua Lipa over books, leads this groundbreaking cyberpunk series premiering 22 January 2027. Picture: Supplied The actor is a well-known avid reader, and he and his wife, pop star Dua Lipa, famously connected over their shared love of literature. The pair met as strangers reading the same book – Hernán Díaz’s Trust – at a Los Angeles restaurant, bonding instantly when they realised they had both just finished the first chapter. Drake’s DreamCrew Entertainment attached to project Adding significant star power behind the scenes, DreamCrew Entertainment – the production company co-founded by global music icon Drake – serves as one of the key executive producers on the series. Drake has actively promoted the project on social media, highlighting his involvement in bringing Gibson’s visionary world to television. The series is a co-production involving Paramount Television Studios, Anonymous Content, and Apple Studios, with additional executive production from William Gibson himself, Skydance, and others. Graham Roland acts as showrunner, while J.D. Dillard directed the first three episodes. The impressive ensemble cast also includes Mark Strong, Clémence Poésy, and Peter Sarsgaard. What to expect from the Neuromancer series Footage teased at SDCC showcases a gritty, futuristic aesthetic complete with neural implants, cybernetic enhancements, and sprawling high-tech environments that aim to capture the novel’s seminal cyberpunk atmosphere. Filming began in Tokyo in early 2025, lending authentic flavour to the story’s international settings. Gibson has expressed satisfaction with the adaptation, and early reactions from fans and figures like Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk (a noted admirer of the book) have been largely positive. Some debate the visual interpretation of this dense, influential text, though.

Oakdale and Bellville residents were warned to brace for months of noise and disruption as the City of Cape Town began roadworks in the area from Monday, 27 July 2026. The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate confirmed that maintenance work was underway on several streets in Oakdale, Bellville. “The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate hereby advises the public of roadworks along segments of Pioneer Street, Northumberland Street, Aylesbury Road and Raglan Avenue in Oakdale, Bellville,” the city said. The project was described as routine upkeep aimed at extending the lifespan of the city’s roads. Work timeline and noise disruption The roadworks are scheduled to run for four months, starting immediately. According to the city, the project would continue “from Monday 27 July 2026 until Monday 30 November 2026 between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, weather permitting and provided there are no unforeseen delays.” Residents and businesses in the affected streets were told to expect increased noise levels during working hours throughout this period. The city cautioned, however, that the schedule was not fixed. It noted that “the above-mentioned dates can change due to unforeseen circumstances,” leaving open the possibility that the works could run longer than planned. Traffic disruptions and detours Motorists using the affected roads were told to prepare for delays in both directions. The city said “traffic moving in both directions will be affected” for the duration of the project. To manage the flow of vehicles through the work zones, personnel would be stationed on site. “Flag personnel will direct traffic through temporary detours around the work area,” the city said, adding that “work areas will be demarcated to regulate traffic flow.” Parking along the affected streets was also flagged as a concern. The city warned that any vehicles left in the road that interfered with construction work would face consequences, stating that “vehicles parked in the road and obstructing the maintenance work, will be moved or towed.” Safety advice for road users The city urged drivers and pedestrians to take extra care while passing through the construction zones. Motorists were advised to “be cautious while work is underway,” to “lower your speed” and to “pay attention to road signs.” Road users were also told to remain alert at all times near the sites. Beyond general caution, the city pointed to specific hazards drivers should watch for. It advised people to “look out for uneven road surfaces” and to “be mindful of the construction workers” operating in the area. Motorists were further encouraged to build extra time into their journeys, with the city recommending that people “factor in longer travel time” when planning trips through Oakdale and Bellville. Congestion expected The city acknowledged that the roadworks were likely to cause traffic build-up in the surrounding area over the coming months. It advised that “congestion is expected, so it is recommended that road users consider alternative routes” for the duration of the project. In closing, the city expressed appreciation for residents’ understanding as the work got underway. “We thank you for your cooperation and patience,” the city said.

Most South Africans buy a lottery ticket hoping to strike it lucky, but every ticket sold is already helping to fund projects across the country, regardless of whether anyone wins the jackpot. A fixed portion of every rand spent on a ticket is set aside for the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, which supports charitable organisations, sports initiatives, arts and cultural programmes, and other community projects. Many players are unaware that this fund operates independently of the national lottery operator. Where the money goes Under current National Lotteries Commission regulations, charities can receive up to 47% of the money allocated for good causes, making them the largest beneficiaries. Sport and recreation can receive up to 28%, while arts, culture and heritage projects may receive up to 23%. A further 2% is reserved for miscellaneous causes that fall outside those categories. The allocation framework is set out in regulations published through SAFLII. Sizekhaya promises greater transparency The lottery has entered a new era following Sizekhaya’s appointment as operator on 1 June 2026. Sizekhaya has pledged to improve reporting and strengthen oversight alongside the National Lotteries Commission, aiming to give the public greater visibility into how proceeds from lottery ticket sales are distributed. While millions of South Africans focus on the next jackpot, every ticket purchased is already contributing to projects that support vulnerable communities, grassroots sport, cultural initiatives and other public benefit programmes across the country. Has an NLDTF-funded project ever touched your own community? Tell us in the comments below Mzanzi …

Beauty queen and actress Cynthia Shange would have celebrated her 77th birthday on Monday 27 July. The beauty queen unfortunately passed away in the early hours of Monday 20 April. CYNTHIA SHANGE’S HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY Cynthia Shange, who was the first Black South African to represent the country at the Miss World (1972), would have celebrated her 77th birthday on Monday 27 July. The iconic beauty queen passed away on 20 April this year in KwaZulu-Natal, after facing an illness. Aside from being an iconic, history-making beauty queen, she was also widely known for her role MaNkosi Buthelezi in Muvhango for over 20 years. Her mark on South Africa was so influential that The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie and Deputy Minister Peace Mabe paid tribute to the actress in form of a statement on the official government website. “Cynthia Shange was a barrier-breaker for black people and for women at a time when both were systematically excluded from global platforms. She stood where many were told they did not belong, and in doing so, redefined what was possible for generations to come. Her legacy is one of courage, dignity and unapologetic excellence,” said the Minister. FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CYNTHIA SHANGE Cynthia Shange represented South Africa at Miss World. but she was not Miss SA. The first black woman to be crowned Miss SA was Jacqui Mofokeng in 1993. However, Cynthia won the Miss Natal title and thereafter became Miss Africa South, which afforded her the opporunity to compete at the Miss World pageant as Miss Africa South. At the time, there were two beauty titles in South Africa, due to apartheid. The beauty queen began her modelling career in 1970. Cynthia married Derrick Thema, a professional soccer player and journalist. She is a mom of four. She leaves behind daughters Sihle and Nonhle, sons Ayanda and Benele Thema. Cynthia hails from Lamontville in KwaZulu-Natal.

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.