SAWS has warned of extremely high fire danger conditions in parts of the Eastern Cape on Tuesday, while much of the country is expected to experience fine, cool to warm weather with morning fog in several provinces

This article explores a recent dispute over an income protection policy, highlighting the dangers of ambiguous insurance contracts and the importance of consumer vigilance in managing their insurance rights.

The long‑delayed trial into the 1985 murder of anti‑apartheid activist Bathandwa Ndondo has been postponed once again, after the presiding judge stepped aside following defence concerns over her impartiality. On Tuesday, 22 July 2026, the Mthatha High Court, sitting in Cacadu (formerly Lady Frere), postponed the matter until Monday, 27 July, with the case enrolled until 31 July to allow for the appointment and availability of a new presiding judge. Recusal National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed that Judge Buyiswa Majiki agreed to recuse herself after the defence raised concerns on behalf of the accused, former Transkei Security Branch officer Gcinisiko Dandala (68). “The defence argued that Judge Majiki had been a student activist at the University of Transkei (Unitra) and had participated in protests calling for the arrest of those responsible for Ndondo’s murder. Ndondo was also a student activist at the institution at the time.” Judge Majiki told the court she had arranged for another judicial officer to preside over the matter to avoid delays arising from a potentially protracted recusal application. Accessibility The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed that the case be heard at the Cacadu Circuit Court to ensure greater accessibility for members of the public from surrounding communities. Background Ndondo’s killing on 24 September 1985 remains one of the unresolved apartheid‑era cases now being prosecuted under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) legacy framework. At the time, Ndondo was a prominent student activist at Unitra, known for mobilising against the Transkei government’s collaboration with apartheid authorities. His murder became a rallying point for youth organisations in the region, sparking protests and calls for accountability. According to the NPA, Ndondo was abducted from his home in Cala by members of the Transkei Security Branch and Vlakplaas askaris. Witnesses reported that he attempted to escape from a moving vehicle, half‑dressed, before being chased, shot, and fatally wounded. He was later taken to Cala Police Station and then to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Amnesty Dandala previously applied for amnesty before the TRC, but his application was refused. In his submission, he claimed Ndondo was targeted because security officers feared being killed by Askaris if they failed to carry out the act. The TRC rejected this reasoning, ruling that the killing was politically motivated and unjustifiable. The Ndondo case is one of several unresolved apartheid‑era murders revived in recent years, as prosecutors seek to address the backlog of TRC legacy cases. These prosecutions are seen as critical to restoring faith in the justice system and providing long‑delayed closure to families of victims. Revival of Case The case was revived following consultations with the DPP, which resolved that the matter be formally investigated under the TRC legacy framework. After what the NPA described as an extensive and meticulous investigation, Dandala was arrested as the only surviving suspect linked to Ndondo’s murder. Closure Tyali said the NPA hopes that, should a conviction be secured, the proceedings will provide long‑awaited closure to Ndondo’s family and contribute to ongoing efforts to address unresolved crimes committed during the apartheid era.

One of Joburg’s longest-running lifestyle music festivals is back. Parklive Jozi will return to Marks Park in Emmarentia on 30 August for its 13th edition, with organisers releasing a line-up that blends international acts with a generous helping of local talent. Leading the bill is acclaimed New Zealand soul singer Teeks, who will be joined by Nasty C, Elaine, Matthew Mole, Will Linley, Rowlene, Canadian pop rock duo Neon Dreams, and English indie rock duo Good Neighbours. Organisers said more artists will be announced in the coming weeks. Since its launch, Parklive has become a fixture on Johannesburg’s entertainment calendar, drawing thousands of music fans to Marks Park each year for a full day of live performances, food, drinks and family-friendly entertainment. Teeks rose to international prominence with his 2017 EP The Grapefruit Skies. His debut album, Something To Feel, topped the New Zealand charts in 2021 and featured First Time, a song that achieved double platinum status in South Africa. Teeks, Matthew Mole headline South African singer-songwriter Matthew Mole holds his own space as one of the country’s most successful independent artists in recent years. The Cape Town musician became the first South African artist to debut at number one on the local iTunes chart with his 2013 album The Home We Built and won the South African Music Award for Record of the Year in 2021. Known for blending folk and electronic influences, he has performed at major festivals both locally and internationally. English indie rock duo Good Neighbours count among the festival’s international attractions. The London-based pair broke onto the global music scene in 2024 with their debut single Home, which became an international streaming success and reached the UK Top 30. Pretoria-born R&B singer Elaine also returns to the stage after becoming one of South Africa’s biggest breakthrough artists. While studying law, she independently released her debut EP Elements, which topped both the South African iTunes and Apple Music charts, making her the first independent female artist to achieve the feat. The platinum-selling release later earned her a recording contract with Columbia Records. Parklive Jozi takes place on Sunday, 30 August, from 11am to 7pm at Marks Park in Emmarentia. Tickets are on sale through Howler. The event is open to all ages, with children under five entering free when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Secure parking will be available at the venue.

The funeral announcement of Seputla Sebogodi has been clouded in a family dispute about where he should be laid to rest. At the centre of the bitter burial disagreement is the veteran actor’s widow, Machuene Rosina Semenya. Seputla and Machuene, his fourth known wife, quietly wed less than six months ago. The TV and theatre star died last week of complications from diabetes. He was 63 years old. SEPUTLA SEBOGODI FUNERAL: DISPUTE OVER BURIAL Seputla Sebogodi will be remembered at two memorial services this week: the first on Thursday, 23 July, at the State Theatre in Pretoria, and the second on Friday at the Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane. On Saturday, the funeral service will take place at the same hall, and thereafter, he will be laid to rest at the Silicon Cemetery. However, a dispute has arisen between Seputla’s family and his new wife, Machuene Rosina Semenya, who has arranged the services mentioned above.  Machuene – who wed the TV and theatre star in February – is a former politician who once served as the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The actor’s siblings believe that Seputla should be buried at his ancestral home in Ga-Mothapo instead. Our Brother , Seputla Sebogodi 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/OVLrQatAnQ— Ally M (@allym_za) July 20, 2026 Seputla Sebogodi’s sister, Mary Kau, told Africa Daily: “I want him to be buried here in Ga-Mothapo and not in Silicon. That’s where his family members are buried. Those who say his memorial services should be at Jack Botes Hall and he should be laid to rest in Silicon, I don’t know them” WIVES AND GIRLFRIENDS Over the years, Seputla Sebogodi has made headlines over his romantic relationships with multiple women. Seputla was married to three women, Deborah Futhi, Leonette Sebogodi and Shereen Maubane. According to the Sowetan, Seputla dumped his second wife via SMS, whilst his third reportedly left him due to infidelity. Seputla would go on to have two more high-profile relationships and engagements with younger women, radio station employee Makoena Francina Kganakga, and actress Mogau Sebaka. The actor broke off engagements with both women. It’s unclear when he began a relationship with his new wife.

A total of 16 areas in Johannesburg will be affected by a planned power outage. The outage will occur at different substations on Wednesday 22 July 2026 and Thursday, 23 July 2026. City Power Johannesburg implemented the power outage to do maintenance work on their electricity network. AREAS AFFECTED BY POWER OUTAGE The power utility added that the power outage occurs to check that ageing infrastructure is serviced and faulty equipment is identified and replaced. These are the nine areas that will have no power on Wednesday, 22 July 2026: Leeuwkop Prison Atholl Melrose Atholl Oaklands Johannesburg Zoo VW Melrose Toyota Melrose Nissan Melrose Blu Bird Shopping Centre Areas that will be affected on Thursday, 22 July 2026 are: Corporate Park North Parts of Roan Crescent (North side of gate) End Street Fox Street Main Street Phillips Street Anderson Street “These activities also help protect the network during periods of increased demand, particularly during the winter season when colder weather places additional pressure on electricity infrastructure,” read the statement.  CITY POWER URGES RESIDENTS TO UNPLUG APPLIANCES City Power has urged residents to unplug appliances during the outage to avoid possible damage when electricity supply is restored. “Customers are advised to treat their electricity points as live at all times during the interruption period, as power may be restored earlier than anticipated,” the statement read.

Pre-vetted employers get faster work visas – but the scoring shuts out smaller companies.

Higher education minister Buti Manamela has referred governance concerns at the MICT Seta for assessment.