The City of Tshwane is investigating up to 160 cases of diarrhoea and stomach-related illnesses in Bronkhorstspruit, with water contamination among the possible causes yet to be confirmed.

Missing Durban woman Torell Abrahams has been found safe after an extensive overnight search by community members, days after she disappeared while travelling home from work in an e-hailing vehicle.

The MK Party has accused the ANC of benefiting from special treatment after the Constitutional Court reportedly cleared the way for ANC candidates to contest next month’s local government elections. In a surprise move, the apex court ruled in favour of the ANC on Thursday and instructed the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to include 181 councillor candidates excluded from the ANC lists in all electoral processes. This decision comes after the ANC claimed that there were “technical glitches” with the IEC’s online system on the day the party submitted its final list of councillor candidates. The IEC has denied the claims. MK party warning Warning that the ruling risks undermining confidence in both the electoral process and the judiciary, the MK party demanded that the court extend any relief granted to the ANC to all parties in similar circumstances. MK Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said the judgment raises serious concerns about fairness and equality before the law. “No political party should receive preferential treatment, and no party should be denied equivalent consideration without a lawful and defensible justification. “The MK party is concerned that this judgment raises serious questions about equality before the law, the consistent application of electoral rules and public confidence in the impartial administration of justice,” Mahlangu said. Concerns Mahlangu said it was particularly concerned that the ANC reportedly failed to submit its final candidate list by the prescribed deadline but still obtained relief from the country’s highest court. “No political party should receive preferential treatment, and no party should be denied equivalent consideration without a lawful and defensible justification.” Political influence Mahlangu said any relief afforded to the ANC should be extended to all parties in materially similar circumstances. Mahlangu also warned that the ruling could fuel perceptions that political influence plays a role in the administration of justice. “The relationship between political power and the administration of justice must never give rise to a perception that one political party enjoys an advantage before the law.” Mahlangu said the MK party has called on the IEC to urgently clarify how it intends to implement the judgment, preserve all records relating to candidate submissions, and apply electoral laws consistently and transparently. “The public is entitled to expect that every judgment is reached independently and that legal principles are applied consistently.” Legal action With election day looming, Mahlangu warned it is prepared to go to court if the IEC treats similarly placed parties differently. “Should the IEC fail to provide satisfactory clarification or adopt an approach that unlawfully differentiates between materially comparable political parties, the MK party reserves its right to approach a competent court for appropriate relief.” GNU The DA, the ANC’s biggest partner in the government of national unity (GNU), said it was also concerned about the implications of the ruling. “The judgment raises serious concerns about the precedent it sets for complying with the IEC’s deadlines and requirements, as the courts have held that strict mechanical compliance applies to deadlines in every matter up to now,” said DA Federal Council chairperson, Ashor Sarupen. He said the ANC has now succeeded in undoing its own failure to submit candidate lists in six municipalities.

South Africa has expressed “serious concern” over the renewed escalation of attacks in and around the Red Sea, including the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, warning that continued violence risks deepening instability in an already volatile region. The attacks have heavily impacted the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, targeted Saudi Arabia, and threatened sacred places of worship and religious sites near Mecca and Medina Attacks Iran-backed Houthi forces seized 150 km of Yemen’s western coastline and key positions overlooking the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, triggering a Saudi-backed government counteroffensive named Operation Dawn of Yemen. This intense fighting has displaced over 184,000 people, killed hundreds, and prompted Turkey and Pakistan to deploy military forces to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence pact while critically endangering global shipping lanes. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said it was particularly concerned by attacks affecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and developments linked to the long-running conflict in Yemen. Saudi Arabia Pretoria said any actions that undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia and neighbouring states were cause for concern and risk further destabilising the region. “The Government of the Republic of South Africa notes with serious concern the renewed escalation of attacks in the Red Sea region, particularly in and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, including the attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as in the context of the protracted conflict in Yemen. Condemnation The government also issued a firm condemnation of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, extending condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the violence. “South Africa condemns any attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with established principles of international law and wishes to convey its condolences for the loss of lives and serious injuries caused in these attacks.” Appeal Pretoria urged all parties involved in the conflict to avoid actions that could further inflame tensions. “South Africa urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could further escalate regional instability.” The government reiterated its support for a negotiated settlement in Yemen, backing the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy’s position that the country’s humanitarian crisis can be resolved only through dialogue and an inclusive political process. “South Africa concurs with the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Yemen that the suffering of the Yemeni people can only be addressed sustainably through negotiations between the parties and an inclusive political process under UN auspices.” Political process It further called for launching a comprehensive political process to bring the conflict to a lasting end. Beyond the immediate security concerns, South Africa stressed the importance of protecting key international shipping routes through the Red Sea and neighbouring waterways. The government reaffirmed the need to safeguard navigational rights, freedom of movement for commercial vessels and the safety of seafarers travelling through the Red Sea and the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits. Concern Pretoria also expressed deep concern over reported attacks on places of worship and religious sites, including areas linked to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. “Such sites hold profound significance for millions of Muslims worldwide and must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law,” the statement said. Resolving conflicts International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said South Africa remained committed to resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy rather than military escalation. “South Africa’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts through inclusive dialogue, diplomacy and respect of international law remains unwavering.” Peace Lamola said lasting peace in Yemen and stability across the Red Sea region were critical not only for the Middle East but for global trade and Africa’s economic development. “The Minister emphasised that sustainable peace in Yemen and stability in the Red Sea region remain essential for regional prosperity, international trade and the advancement of Africa’s development agenda.” South Africa renewed its call for restraint and constructive engagement, urging all parties to pursue a peaceful, lasting resolution through diplomacy rather than confrontation.

St. Anne’s Diocesan College in KwaZulu-Natal is mourning the death of matric learner Reneiloe Monkhi, who tragically took her own life via suicide. This comes as the class of 2026 has officially commenced their final exams. ST ANNE’S MATRIC LEARNER TAKES HER OWN LIFE In a statement on their Facebook account, St Anne’s Diocesan College announced the sad passing of one of their Grade 12 learners. The statement read: “Rest in peace, Reneiloe. 💙🕊️ The St Anne’s community mourns the untimely loss of one of our precious matrics, Reneiloe Monkhi, who, it appears, tragically took her own life. “Rene was greatly appreciated for her loyalty, care and kindness towards others. Her gentle nature was complemented by her sense of humour and vibrant spark. She was poised, beautifully elegant and dignified.  “Rene will be remembered with much love and will be sorely missed” No othr details about her death was publicly shared In the comments section, schools from near and far, including Hilton College, Durban Girls High and St Andrew’s School for Girls, sent their condolences On Tuesday, 13 October, matric exams commenced for learners around South Africa.  Just days earlier, St. Anne’s had urged its learners ot practise self-care amid Mental Health Awareness Month and the onset of matric exams. MATRIC DANCE AND MENTAL HEALTH Earlier this year. Reneiloe Monkhi’s video documenting her St Anne’s Matric Dance went viral on various social media platforms. The teen wore a sparkly gown and a matching tiara Reneiloe appeared to be struggling with her mental health, as her final repost hinted at suicide @reneiloe.gm #md26 ♬ Cinderella – flame

While Asanda Duma is focused on his political ambitions, it is his good looks that have seemingly captured the hearts of many on social media. Duma, a young politician representing the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), is actively campaigning for the coveted Ward 10 councillor position in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal. IFP’S ASANDA DUMA CAPTURES HEARTS WITH HIS FACE CARD Facebook user Mayor Mduduzi Myeza shared a viral video that drew over 2,000 comments and 51,000 likes. In the clip, a woman can be heard admiring Asanda’s handsome face while looking at a campaign poster. She also playfully says that his good looks alone were enough to earn her vote, adding that his contact details should have been included on the poster. She said: “We will vote for you because you’re handsome, but they should’ve included your number as well. Could we please have your number?” ELECTION SEASON IS UPON US The election season is officially upon us, as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections are underway. Naturally, political parties have rolled out vigorous campaigns in a bid to garner support and votes. Among them is the IFP, which launched its manifesto in September 2026, reinforcing its presence as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading political parties. The IFP has thrown several hats in the ring ahead of the elections, including that of Mkhuleko Hlengwa, whom the party is touting as its mayoral candidate in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. Meanwhile, Asanda Duma is also forging his political career, with many seemingly warming up to the young leader.

Private wheeling projects have no regulated compensation if the grid operator curtails them because of oversupply.

South Africa will phase out support for semi-knocked-down vehicle assembly, trade minister Parks Tau has said.