France and Spain are grappling with devastating wildfires that have forced over 300,000 people to evacuate, marking one of the worst fire seasons in peacetime history. As the flames rage, officials and citizens face an uncertain future.

BMA says that the long queues at Beitbridge Port of Entry are due to congestion on the Zimbabwean side, not delays in South Africa, as they work to resolve the situation.

A new think tank and advocacy group is calling on South Africans to consider changing the name of the country. Launched by four prominent academics and activists, Vuka Azania wishes to position itself as a unifier of liberation ideals. As the group’s name suggests, Azania is their preferred alternative to South Africa, reviving the sentiments adopted by liberation movements during apartheid. ‘Liberated people must name themselves’ Reverend Dr Allan Boesak, senior counsel Dr Muzi Sikhakhane, Professor Isaac Shai and Arthur Fraser launched the movement in Sandton on Friday. Sikhakhane said Vuka Azania was not a political party and stressed there were “varied paths to agitating for change” in South Africa. Boesak argued that the country’s colonial history had led to a “spiritual degradation of the African people” that underpinned South Africa’s social ills. “Knowledge production remains geocentric and colonial in character while African knowledge systems and languages remain marginalised, and are not the language of economy or power. “Secular colonialism, racism and racial capitalism continue to inflict on black people, not merely an injustice to be corrected in the future, but a form of ongoing violence that demands an immediate and drastic response. “We declare that this country must be renamed Azania. The colonial name South Africa cannot carry the full memory, pain, struggle and destiny of the indigenous people. “A liberated people must name themselves if dignity is to be restored. Vuka Azania stands for, and will advocate for, a truly decolonised post-colonial constitution that confronts the history of conquest,” said Boesak. Azania etymology A 1992 research paper written by Professor John Hilton of the then University of Natal details several possible etymological sources of the word Azania. Early uses of the word include a 2000-year-old Greek reference to north-east Africa, as well as an ancient region of Greece, among others. Sikhakhane said a grand discussion on the country’s future was needed. “Our strategic posture is informed by the fact that fundamental change in the country will only come when black people begin to appreciate that they have agency and only they can determine their destiny. “One the first strategic interventions that Vuka Azania wants to do is to call for and organise a black people’s convention to discuss us – ourselves, our condition – to discuss what we are about, to discuss why we hate each other, to discuss why we want to be slaves, why we do not want anything that seeks to liberate us,” said Sikhakhane.

Unveiled in January 1951, this year marks the Toyota Land Cruiser’s 75th anniversary as one of the longest-lasting nameplates in the brand’s history. Still a sales hit In addition, this year also sees the 70-series add another year to its now 42-year lifespan as the longest produced generation of any Land Cruiser. Updated aesthetically, inside and underneath its bonnet since its debut, the workhorse of the Land Cruiser family has remained fundamentally unchanged since 1984, bar the inclusion of the factory produced double cab in 2012 following the popularity of aftermarket builds in both South Africa and Australia. Land Cruiser name celebrates 75 years this year, and the 70-series its 42nd year in production. Picture: Charl Bosch While order books Down Under re-opened earlier this year after being closed for over 12 months due to demand outstripping supply, South Africa has been unaffected as the first half of the year netted sales of 2 796 units. What’s more, combined 70-series figures, which include the 76 station wagon, the order-only 78 Troop Carrier or Troopy and 79 single and double cab, haven’t dipped below 400 units – the lowest being 406 in March and the highest, 541 in January. Automatic…. Making this even more remarkable was the belief that the removal of the single-turbo 4.5 D-4D V8 turbodiesel engine would result in sales taking a dive. With its end announced two years ago, its replacement, the 2.8 GD-6, has proved the naysayers wrong as, apart from being the first four-cylinder engine ever offered in a South African-spec Land Cruiser, it also came with a market-first automatic gearbox. … and now manual GD-6 Not stopping there, though, the end of said year heralded the availability of the manual gearbox on the GD-6, but only on select versions of the 76 and 79. With the V8 officially no more, a further range update in March this year finally brought the manual as an option below the automatic on the double cab. Rarer than most supercars It therefore opened the door to sample what is likely to become a vehicle rarer to drive than most supercars: a manual single-cab Land Cruiser 79. While the double cab automatic showed its prowess at Gerotek two years ago with Road Test Editor Mark Jones clocking it faster from 0-100km/h, 60-100km/h and from 80-120km/h that the manual V8 tested the year before, there was to be no against-the-clock testing for the manual single cab. Resplendent in the same Satin Silver Metallic paint as the double cab automatic, the single cab represents what can be seen as the Land Cruiser 79 in its purest form. Don’t need these… As such, some of the most basic modern-day furnishings are left out, namely electric mirrors, a trip computer, fuel consumption readout, LED headlights or keyless entry. At the same time, the single cab is devoid of any connectively functions as it gets a conventional LCD audio system with two-speakers, Bluetooth, USB, no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its seats trimmed in fabric and the slider controls for the effective and powerful ventilation system still prevalent, the single cab is something different not only from the double cab, but from any other two-door bakkie on-sale today. Priced at an eye-opening R984 000, the test unit arrived not long after its Nampo showing, with a mere 115km on its odometer. Better looking Last updated in 2023, the changes to the 79’s front fascia make for a considerably more rugged appearance than the previous “smiley face” look. Borrowing styling elements from the 40 and 50-series models, the single cab 79 somehow appears more purposeful and aggressive than the double cab. Rear fascia hasn’t received any changes as at the front. Picture: Charl Bosch In addition to its striking paint option, the single cab comes standard with LED fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, chrome door handles, chrome block letter Toyota badge on its mesh pattern grille, black mirror caps and side-steps. Although missing the steel partition behind the sliding rear window, there is little to distract from the single cab being a better visual presentation of what a Land Cruiser 70-series should be. Back to the past inside As before, opening the 70-series’ door is akin to stepping back in time as no massive fundamental changes have taken place since 1984. Aside from the removal of the Cressida-era ashtrays from the door cards, the various switchgear has remained the same, as has the starting method of inserting a simple metal key into an ignition barrel. Conversely, it also retains the same wood effect trim on the steering wheel as the double cab, but nothing else in the way of feeling plush for its near R1 million price tag. Single cab lack an infotainment display and instead, makes do with a conventional LCD audio system. Picture: Charl Bosch Unsurprisingly, interior trim is made up of hard and shiny plastics that feel durable and rugged, but flimsy in the case of the lidded storage area on the centre console. Ergonomics present little in the way of troubles. However, while the sparseness of the interior can be expected, the seats are still mounted too high and cannot be dropped all the way to the floor for taller occupants. Seats are still perched too high and don’t drop low enough. Picture: Charl Bosch What’s more, the cabin still feels cramped and, while the lack of an infotainment display wasn’t missed, the absence of a traditional volume initially proved irksome. However, since the radio ultimately only emitted static, with very short periods of reception, regardless of the position of the aerial, opting for the USB provided entertainment throughout the weeklong stay. As with the double cab, the single cab 79 gets dual front airbags, traction and stability control, electric windows and central locking, but not the PWR function supposedly designed for towing. Made to work The forte of any single cab is its loading ability, and while the addition of a rear bumper would have been handy to remove larger items from the loadbin without needing to open the tailgate, the Land Cruiser still has a handy payload of 1 180kg. While no details surrounding its loadbox dimensions are known, towing capacity for a braked trailer is rated at 3 500kg, with the claimed ground clearance being 235mm. On the move Tipping the scales at 2 120kg, 175kg less than the double cab auto, the single cab Land Cruiser 79’s main drawing card, its powertrain, provided the biggest surprise compared not only the double cab, but also the conservatively tuned V8. While the decision to opt for a five-speed rather than a six-speed manual means shorter ratios, the setup works significantly better than in the V8. As with the automatic, the GD-6 develops 150kW, but with torque reduced from 500Nm to 450Nm, possibly as a result of limitations related to the transmission. Combined with its weight loss, the single cab feels significantly livelier and more much responsive, even with more than usual engine and road noise intrusion. With the V8’s departure, the 2.8 GD-6 now offers the five-speed manual gearbox as credit over the six-speed automatic. Picture: Charl Bosch As noted with the V8, the long-through five-speed manual is not the slickest, but comes with a very light and easy to modulate clutch that makes the Hill Start Assist system almost questionable. Unsurprisingly more engaging to drive than the automatic, even with its torque deficit, the single cab isn’t perfect on the move, as the ride is similarly firm and the steering heavy. What’s more, the suspension makes for a bouncy ride with no load in the back, which made traversing an admittedly anything but challenging gravel route somewhat of a handful. That being said, tyre pressure could have played a role as test vehicles are more often than not set up for tar instead of gravel. Yet, imperfections and surface changes were dealt with in the easiest possible way without being noticeable. The biggest need More of handicap is the lack of not only the aforementioned fuel consumption gauge, but also a distance-to-empty reading the Australian model now has standard. Compared to the double cab’s single 130-litre tank, the single cab 79’s dual range tanks accommodate 90 litres each – the second or reserve being activated by a button above the gear lever on the lower section of the dashboard. While Toyota’s claim of 7.6L/100km can be seen as optimistic at best, a more reasonable estimation would be around the 9.5L/100km mark. In addition to the low range transfer case still being selected by the “second gear lever”, which itself requires a bit of muscle, the single cab 79 still has front and rear locking differentials. Conclusion At its price tag, the almost flagship single cab Toyota Land Cruiser 79 is thoroughly expensive and well out of date considering what can be bought for the same price. Undeniably capable and with a reputation that needs little proving, the single cab is a similar “want because I can” buy to the double cab no matter what. Combined with an analogue feel as a result of the manual gearbox and lack of most modern features, the single cab 70-series is a proper throwback and, as mentioned, the most representative of what a Land Cruiser should be.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed the arrest of the alleged mastermind behind the murder of ward candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe. Police arrested the 37-year-old suspect in Parklands on Saturday. The Western Cape Serious Violent Crime Investigation unit and the SAPS Special Task Force carried out the operation. The suspect is due to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 27 July. He faces murder and extortion charges. Police said the investigation is continuing. More arrests could follow. DA: Justice must now follow In a statement, DA Federal Council chairperson JP Smith and constituency head Nicholas Gotsell welcomed the arrest. They said it marked an important step towards justice for Dyokwe’s family. They also said it brought hope to the Dunoon community. “We welcome this arrest and commend SAPS for their efforts. Justice will only be served when those responsible are convicted,” they said. The DA urged the National Prosecuting Authority to build a “water-tight case”. It said it would closely monitor the prosecution. Smith and Gotsell said political violence threatens South Africa’s democracy. They said extortion has left many communities living in fear. “The DA will not stand for that,” they said. Smith also said the party wants stronger policing. He said Cape Town mayoral candidate Geordin Hill-Lewis has committed to establishing South Africa’s first Metro Police Detective Branch. He said the unit would gather evidence. It would build stronger dockets. It would help turn arrests into convictions. Murder shocked Dunoon As The South African previously reported, Dyokwe was shot and killed in Dunoon on 20 June. She had just taken part in voter registration activities. Police believe an extortion syndicate targeted her. Investigators said she allegedly refused to continue paying protection money. During Saturday’s operation, police seized a vehicle allegedly used in the murder. Officers also recovered seven cellphones. The DA said it would honour Dyokwe’s legacy. It said it would continue fighting for safer communities and the rule of law.

Latest UPDATE ⏱️ 37′ Big chance missed by Scottland. A free-kick is floated across the Amakhosi goal. Three Scottland players fail to stretch a foot to the ball from three yards. Score remains 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs. ⏱️ 34′ Maboe is down after a knock on his head. ⏱️ 31′ Great chance for Vilakazi in the baox box he takes too long to steady his feet. Ball cleared before the shot. Score remains 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs. ⏱️ 24′ Machope’s attempted shot leaves Cross and Petersen injured. Medical staff run onto the pitch. ⏱️ 16′ Goal! Mfundo Vilakazi scores with a brilliant finish inside the box! 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs. ⏱️ 9′ Scottland midfielder Moffat shoots high over the bar. Score remains 0-0. ⏱️ 5′ Free kick for Kaizer Chiefs outside the box! Monyane brought down after a brilliant diagonal pass from Cross at left-center back. Creative free-kick pass to Maboe, but his shot is blocked. ⏱️ 3′ Fast start Both teams are moving the ball around patiently in the opening exchanges. ⏱️ KICK-OFF We’re under way! Kaizer Chiefs get the Toyota Cup clash started against Scottland FC. Kaizer Chiefs starting line up: Brandon Petersen, Thabiso Monyane, Bradley Cross, Inacio Miguel, Reeve Frosler, Lebohang Maboe, Adolf Mtasingwa, Mfundo Vilakazi, Asanele Velebayi, Ethan Chislett, Flavio Da Silva. Substitutes:Renaldo Leaner, Bruce Bvuma, Dillan Solomons, Thabo Moloisane, Zitha Kwinika, Given Msimango, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Pule Mmodi, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Etiosa Ighodaro, Luke Baartman, Wandile Duba, Kabelo Nkgwesa. Scottland FC starting line up: Talbert Shumba, Albert Manenje, Mohammed Issaiah, Nickson Nyasulu, Al Amieen Titan, Emmanuel Ziocha, Kingsley Mureremba, Abubakar Moffat (C), Stoffel Witbeen, Anderson De Campos, Tymon Machope. Substitutes: Nelson Chadya, Kevin Moyo, Kwaihe Thwala, Peter Mudzihwa, Emmanuel Jalai, Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, Moses Shodolo, Mthakozisi Msgebe, Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Walter Musona, Prince Tafirenyutsa, Terrence Dzukamanja, Valentine Macheka, Seth Patricia. The match broadcast is on SABC 1 and the Kaizer Chiefs Football Club YouTube channel. Kaizer Chiefs are conducting their pitch inspection after Scottland completed theirs moments ago. KAIZER CHIEFS PRESEASON IN SPAIN Amakhosi play their final pre-season friendly this afternoon. The Betway Premiership kicks off next Saturday away to newcomers Kruger United at the Mbombela Stadium at 20:15. The Glamour Boys come off three pre-season matches in Spain. The series started with a 1-1 draw against Rangers FC, thanks to a goal from new signing Etiosa Ighodara. They followed this with another 1-1 draw against Saudi side Al–Kholood, where graduate Asanele Velebayi scored early before the team conceded a late penalty equalizer. The tour ended on 18 July 2026 with a 2-1 loss to La Liga side Elche CF. Elche scored twice before halftime, but Velebayi struck again in the 58th minute to pull one back after an assist from Lebohang Maboe. Kaizer Chiefs are still chasing their first Toyota Cup victory. They lost 4-0 to Young Africans SC in the inaugural edition in 2024. Last year, they drew 0-0 with Asante Kotoko before losing 3-2 on penalties. Scottland FC come into the match full of confidence. The Zimbabwean champions are top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League with 52 points from 24 matches. They have won 15 games, drawn seven and lost only twice. The Harare-based club has scored 39 goals and conceded just eight. They also boast a league-best goal difference of +31. Also read: Transfer news: Kaizer Chiefs announce fourth signing

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