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New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso praised £117 million signing Morgan Rogers, tipping him to form a formidable partnership with Cole Palmer.

Selected from thousands of entries submitted by photographers in more than 140 countries, the 2026 iPhone Photography Awards showcases remarkable moments ranging from candid portraits and vibrant street scenes to stunning landscapes and quiet glimpses of everyday life. Here we present a selection of the standout images from this year’s competition. Photographer of the Year – Grand Prize. Picture: Robyn Jensen/2026 iPhone Photography Awards Photographer of the Year – First Place. Picture: Gellert Gombai/2026 iPhone Photography Awards Photographer of the Year – Second Place. Picture: Arnold Plotnick/2026 iPhone Photography Awards Photographer of the Year – Third Place. Picture: Catherine Wang/2026 iPhone Photography Awards Third Place – Architecture. Picture: Preethy Ganesan/2026 iPhone Photography Awards Third Place – Children. Picture: Thea Mihu/2026 iPhone Photography Awards Honourable mention. Picture: Liu Dan/2026 iPhone Photography Awards First Place – Children. Picture: Krystal Rountree/2026 iPhone Photography Awards Honorable mention. Picture: Elisa Bell/2026 iPhone Photography Awards Honourable mention. Picture: Yi Liao/2026 iPhone Photography Awards Second Place – Portrait. Picture: Carlos Rubin/2026 iPhone Photography Awards Honourable mention. Picture: Rashid Sheriff/2026 iPhone Photography Awards 1/12

Vodacom Group Limited has upgraded its long-term revenue targets and adjusted its capital allocation framework, following the completion of its acquisition of a controlling stake in Safaricom. In its trading update for the quarter ended 30 June 2026, the group confirmed that the Safaricom transaction became effective on 30 June 2026, increasing Vodacom’s shareholding from 35-55%. The operational shift prompted management to raise its Vision 2030 group revenue target from more than R200 billion to over R300 billion, while upgrading its medium-term Ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) and operating free cash-flow targets from double-digit to early-teens growth. Financial services and regional performance Group revenue for the quarter rose 5.9% (11.4% on a normalised basis) to R42.4 billion, despite foreign exchange translation headwinds resulting from a stronger rand. Total service revenue grew 6.3% to R34.3 billion, accelerating to 12.6% on a normalised basis. Financial services remained a primary growth engine, with revenue increasing 17.8% (27.0% normalised) to R4.5 billion. Including Safaricom, the platform processed $547.9 billion in mobile wallet transaction value over the trailing 12 months, reflecting a 19.1% increase. The Safaricom consolidation expands the contribution of financial services from 13% to over 22% of group service revenue. Furthermore, broader “beyond mobile” services contributed R7.8 billion, representing 22.8% of group service revenue. Regional operating highlights include: Egypt: Delivered service revenue growth of 32.8% in local currency, supported by a 73.0% surge in local financial services revenue. South Africa: Service revenue increased 2.0% to R16.1 billion, supported by an improved prepaid segment performance. International business: Reported service revenue increased 4.1% in rand (14.0% normalised), led by strong activity in Tanzania, Congo and Lesotho. Portfolio realignment and dividend policy update Reflecting on the milestone quarter, Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO, said: “This quarter marked a defining moment for Vodacom with the completion of our acquisition of a controlling stake in Safaricom, increasing our shareholding from 35% to 55%, effective 30 June. “This strategically important transaction represents a major milestone in our Vision 2030 journey, significantly enhancing the group’s scale, diversification and long-term growth prospects. “We are now entering a new phase of growth, supported by a more balanced portfolio, broader earnings drivers and increased exposure to some of Africa’s most attractive opportunities in connectivity, digital services and financial inclusion. “Reflecting this stronger growth profile, we have upgraded our medium-term Ebitda and operating free cash-flow growth targets from double-digit to early-teens growth,” added Joosub. Following the consolidation, Vodacom’s board updated its capital allocation framework and adjusted its dividend policy to a payout of at least 65% of headline earnings. Management expects to grow dividend per share for FY2027 based on current growth trajectories. In fixed infrastructure, the group invested an additional R800 million into Maziv during the quarter to support the completion of the Herotel transaction, expanding fibre reach across South Africa. Pan-African operational initiatives Across its regional operating footprint, the group launched several targeted digital solutions: Tanzania: Launched Africa’s first mobile money tap-to-pay solution, enabling contactless payments for M-Pesa’s 22 million customers. DRC: Utilised anonymised mobile data analytics to support public health planning and Ebola preparedness. Ethiopia: Partnered with government agencies to support youth livelihood and skills initiatives. Joosub concluded: “Following the completion of milestone transactions, Maziv and Safaricom, Vodacom has shaped its strategy for the future. Our focus now shifts to unlocking the full potential of our portfolio through disciplined execution, innovation and capital allocation. “Guided by Vision 2030, we are well positioned to deliver sustainable growth and attractive returns.” This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye believes his old club will end the 2026/27 season without a trophy, despite the optimism surrounding the team. Amakhosi have won just one trophy in the last 11 seasons and have changed coaches 10 times during that period. While they secured a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership last season, which is their highest league finish in six years, they still failed to add any silverware to their cabinet. Khanye believes Chiefs’ current squad, particularly their attacking department, lacks the quality needed to compete with the country’s top teams. “This club is not serious. I’m so sorry, it’s a sad truth, but we must speak the truth. Those players, even if you bring the Spanish coach who won the World Cup (Vicente del Bosque), they won’t win,” Khanye said on iDiski TV. He also questioned whether Chiefs have enough firepower in attack. “Duba has been there and Velebayi as well. The player who scored for them was Lilepo. He has a strong character, good technique and height, but he’s not a special player because he couldn’t carry Kaizer Chiefs,” he added. Khanye expects Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates to remain the dominant forces in South African football and does not see Chiefs challenging for major honours this season. Khanye predicts a trophyless season for Chiefs “They will play so many games, home and away, and also outside the country. When you look at the attack, can they carry them? “For me, I don’t see them winning a single trophy this season. They will win a few games, but no trophy.”

Four people have been killed and four others, including two police officers, injured in a brazen mass shooting in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch. Detectives attached to the Western Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit have launched investigations into four counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder following the violence on Sunday evening, 26 July. Police said officers from Stellenbosch SAPS responded to reports of a shooting in 7th Avenue, Kayamandi, at approximately 17:35. On arrival, they found an unidentified man who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Gunmen opened fire on police While processing the initial crime scene, officers heard further gunfire nearby and immediately responded. As they approached the area, they encountered armed suspects who allegedly opened fire on them. Police returned fire, forcing the suspects to flee. During the exchange, two SAPS members and two members of the public, a man and a woman, were shot and taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Officers later discovered four unidentified men with fatal gunshot wounds at the scenes. A 9mm firearm was recovered and has been seized for forensic analysis. Crime scene experts worked through the night gathering evidence as investigations continue. Police condemn ‘senseless violence’ Acting Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Major General Luyanda Damoyi condemned the attack, describing it as an unacceptable act of violence. “This senseless violence has claimed several lives and left police officials and innocent members of the community injured. We will utilise every available resource to identify and apprehend those responsible. Those who attack police officers and terrorise our communities will face the full might of the law,” Damoyi said. The motive for the shootings remains under investigation and no arrests have been made. Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit anonymous tips through the MySAPS mobile application. All information will be treated confidentially. #sapsWC [WESTERN CAPE POLICE INVESTIGATE MASS SHOOTING IN KAYAMANDI] #SAPS Detectives attached to the Western Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit are investigating four counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder following a mass shooting in Kayamandi,… pic.twitter.com/6Xv9gSMDgv— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 27, 2026

Shares of memory chip-maker CXMT surged more than 500% on their Shanghai trading debut on Monday.

Vodacom has cut its dividend payout policy to at least 65% of headline earnings, from at least 75% previously.