Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has backed George Russell following a painful first-lap exit at the Belgian Grand Prix, as team-mate Kimi Antonelli took victory.

The Western Cape has made history as the first province in South Africa to secure international accreditation for its public forensic toxicology laboratory, a milestone that promises to enhance drug-testing methods and support justice in the region.

South Africa and the World Bank have signed a $1.5 billion (R24.66 billion) Development Policy Loan Agreement aimed at addressing infrastructure challenges, which the government says are among the biggest obstacles to economic growth and job creation. This is expected to create nearly 600 000 jobs. The loan will be repaid over 15 years, with South Africa getting a three-year grace period. The interest rate is variable and is based on the United States (US) benchmark Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), plus an additional 1.35%. This comes a year after the country secured a $1.5 billion loan from the lender for “structural reforms in SA’s infrastructure sectors, with a particular focus on energy and freight transport”. 2026 World Bank loan National Treasury on Tuesday said this is the fourth Development Policy Loan South Africa has secured from the World Bank as part of the country’s ongoing partnership with the lender. Concessional loans from institutions such as the World Bank are cheaper to service than loans raised at market rates. “The loan will help South Africa implement necessary interventions and reforms aimed at advancing reforms in the electricity, freight and logistics sectors, and addressing pressing challenges in the water and sanitation sector,” said the department. “The financing forms part of the government’s broader efforts for continued momentum on structural reforms in the energy, logistics and water sectors amongst others, reforms which are the foundation of faster and inclusive growth.” World Bank loan to support 3 pillars Treasury added that the loan will support the country’s electricity supply, freight transport, and water and sanitation services. The government believes these reforms will make it easier for businesses to operate, encourage investment and create more jobs. “The financing terms of the loan are in line with the National Treasury’s borrowing strategy that aims to ensure long-term debt sustainability and affordability by raising funding at the lowest cost,” noted the department. “Specifically, the loan offers both favourable interest rate and flexible repayment terms, contributing to minimising the rise in debt service costs.” Borrowing from other countries “The World Bank’s Development Policy Loan of $1.5 billion, together with financing secured from other multilateral development partners, has enabled government to meet its 2026-27 foreign currency borrowing requirement of $3.2 billion,” Treasury said. World Bank Group division director for South Africa, Satu Kahkonen, said the country has “shown sustained reform can turn around even deep-seated infrastructure crises”. “By extending this support to water and sanitation for the first time, we are helping ensure the benefits of reform reach every household, while these efforts together are expected to help create almost 600 000 jobs and attract much-needed private investment.”

Questions have been raised about leadership battles inside Al Jama-ah in the City of Johannesburg after two posters of different mayoral candidates circulated on social media. One poster indicates that Thapelo Amad is the party’s mayoral candidate for Joburg, while another shows Kabelo Gwamanda as the party’s mayoral candidate. The Citizen reached out to party leader Ganief Hendricks on the matter. He said the party had not chosen its mayoral candidate. However, Hendricks said the posters are part of the party’s campaign strategy. “They have the freedom to project their mayoral experience to win the wards they are contesting as ward councillors. For the record, they remain our top two candidates, and we are not concerned about their campaign messaging to win the wards,” said Hendricks. According to Hendricks, his party will not announce mayoral candidates like other political parties. What happened to Shireen Ebrahim? However, late last year the party announced businesswoman Shireen Ebrahim as its mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg. According to a media release on the party’s website, Ebrahim was one of five women that the party had nominated for “powerful” posts. “Ebrahim’s appointment has received resounding support from two former mayors and the current Presidential Champion for Johannesburg, Deputy Minister of Social Development and president of Al Jama-ah, Hon Ganief Hendricks, MP,” said the party. But party insiders told The Citizen that Ebrahim has now pulled out as the party’s duly announced mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg. Gwamanda raises his hand Meanwhile, Gwamanda told The Citizen that he was aware of the poster depicting him as the party’s mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg. “Yes, that is a true reflection; however, I am one of the runners-up who are considered to lead the upcoming local government elections,” he said. Gwamanda served as Johannesburg mayor for more than a year. He told The Citizen he is still interested in leading the metro as its number one resident. “My focus is not on political noise but on offering Johannesburg a practical vision for renewal. Residents are tired of endless political battles while basic services continue to decline. “My campaign is about restoring functional government, rebuilding public trust, creating economic opportunity, and ensuring every community receives the services it deserves. “I encourage residents to judge me by the ideas I present, the solutions I propose, and my commitment to serving all the people of Johannesburg the same way that my political party is doing during this process. Ultimately, this election in my view must be about the future of the city, not personalities,” he said. Amad says it’s AI Meanwhile, Amad told The Citizen that he has not generated a poster that depicts him as a mayoral candidate for his party. He said the poster is AI-generated and that he is focused on building his party and “not positions”. Tensions in the party But a source in the party told The Citizen that there is tension between Amad and Gwamanda over several issues. “There has been tension between the two former mayors for a number of months, and they are fighting for positions, but at the same time they are destroying the party. They have both been given a chance to become mayors, but they failed to perform. “Our party leader has allowed these two to get away with a lot of things, including the gun allegations that Thapelo faces,” said the source.

Bafana Bafana have climbed six places in the latest FIFA World Rankings following their historic run to the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup. The updated rankings were released this week after the conclusion of the tournament, with South Africa now occupying 54th place in the world, their highest ranking in more than a decade. Hugo Broos‘ side also remain among Africa’s top 10 teams, although they still trail continental heavyweights Morocco and Senegal, who continue to lead the way. South Africa were one of eight African nations to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup, with Tunisia the only team from the continent to exit at the group stage. How Bafana climbed the rankings Bafana entered the World Cup ranked 60th in the world, and their opening defeat to Mexico did little to boost their standing. However, a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia in their second group match helped them gain valuable ranking points. They then secured a crucial victory over then-26th-ranked South Korea, a result that propelled them six places up the rankings. Although South Africa were edged 1-0 by Canada in the Round of 32, they retained their new position as the teams immediately below them failed to collect enough points to overtake them. A victory over Canada would have lifted Bafana into FIFA’s top 50 rankings for the first time in years, marking another significant milestone for South African football. Breaking into the top 50 could also have brought long-term benefits beyond the national team. Under the English Premier League’s Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) system, players from higher-ranked nations generally have an easier pathway to securing work permits, potentially making it easier for South African footballers to earn direct moves to Premier League clubs. Bafana will look to improve their rankings in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September. Will Bafana get into the top 50?

Kaizer Chiefs Communications Officer Vina Maphosa has refused to rule out more signings before the transfer window closes at the end of September. The Soweto giants have already strengthened Fernando Da Cruz’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season. However, supporters continue to speculate that more new faces could still arrive at Naturena. VINA MAPHOSA ADDRESSES TRANSFERS Speaking on SABC News, Maphosa admitted the club remains active in the market after taking two new signings to the pre-season camp in Spain. “It’s an exciting question because we took two of our new signings to Spain camp,” Maphosa said on SABC News. “That is Renaldo Leaner, the goalkeeper from Sekhukhune United, and Thabo Moloisane, the defender from Stellenbosch FC. “And we had our four technical team members that are new to the team, that are to be integrated. “As to who is coming, it’s that one where we say ‘it is not over until the fat lady sings.’ Until the end of September when the transfer window closes. But it’s exciting times for us. Come to the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace [on Sunday, 26 July]. We will be wearing our new home kit, and away kit in the second half. “Tickets are available at Computicket, only R100,” Maphosa concluded. Kaizer Chiefs will conclude their pre-season preparations against Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup. The match takes place at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Sunday, 26 July, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. The Glamour Boys recently returned from Spain after drawing 1-1 with Rangers FC, drawing 1-1 against Al Kholood Club, and losing 2-1 to Elche CF. KAIZER CHIEFS RESHAPE THE SQUAD While the club continues to monitor the transfer market, it has already confirmed several departures before the new Betway Premiership campaign. George Matlou joined Stellenbosch FC, Aden McCarthy signed for Sabah SC, and Happy Mashiane left as a free agent. Tashreeq Morris and Gaston Sirino both completed moves to Durban City. Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari also looks set to leave after Kruger United unveiled him as their new loan signing. Kaizer Chiefs have yet to officially confirm the move. WHO DO YOU EXPECT THE CLUB TO SIGN? Share your thoughts by clicking on the red comments block below.

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