The Services Seta is reviewing best practice approaches to grant disbursement at the South African Social Security Agency, as it moves to accelerate implementation and improve outcomes across its funded programmes. The review formed part of a project management and grants delivery workshop on Wednesday at the CSIR Conference Centre in Pretoria, where the organisation also launched its new project management unit (PMU).  The unit is intended to strengthen governance, tighten oversight and improve the execution of skills development programmes. The intervention comes against a backdrop of persistent implementation challenges across the sector, including delays in project completion, slow learner certification and inconsistencies in stipend payments.  The PMU is expected to improve coordination, enforce financial discipline and ensure that funded programmes deliver measurable results. Services Seta administrator Lehlogonolo Masoga said the workshop was intended to mark a shift in how the organisation approached delivery challenges, with a stronger focus on capability and execution. “We have put together this workshop as a launching pad to build our project management capabilities. What we want to build is an alternative way of doing things differently,” he said. Masoga said the issue was not the presence of challenges but how institutions responded to them. He said that improving delivery would require stronger collaboration and learning across institutions, including drawing on external expertise and sector-wide training initiatives. “We have to do something with Sassa so that we draw lessons from those best practices. “We have to talk to the PMSA [Project Management South Africa] on the immediate introduction of a training programme or masterclass, not just for Services Seta but for the sector,” Masoga said. Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Mimmy Gondwe said the skills system needed to shift its focus from activity to measurable impact. “We invest billions into skills development but investment alone does not produce outcomes,” she said. “We cannot continue to measure success by the number of students we enrol or the certificates we issue. The real measure of success is whether learners transition into meaningful employment and sustainable livelihoods.”  Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, the director-general of the department, said stronger governance and accountability were essential in managing public funds effectively. “We have a responsibility to ensure that public funds are managed prudently, transparently, efficiently and economically to achieve meaningful outcomes,” he said. The workshop brought together representatives from the department of higher education and training, Setas and industry partners and focused on strengthening coordination, sharing lessons and identifying practical steps to improve delivery performance across the skills system.

In October 2023, the Johannesburg Water Crisis Committee took a step that many thought would go nowhere: it wrote to the South African Human Rights Commission about the worsening water crisis across the city. “We documented the outages. We raised the impact on our families, schools, clinics and livelihoods. We demanded accountability. Today, we are seeing the result of that sustained pressure.” The commission announced this week that it had launched an investigative inquiry into Gauteng’s sustained and deepening water crisis, warning that the situation might amount to a systemic human rights violation rather than a series of isolated service delivery failures. Its Gauteng provincial office said the decision followed a large volume of complaints from communities across the province detailing persistent water shortages, ageing and poorly maintained infrastructure, governance breakdowns, contamination risks and recurring service delivery disruptions. The commission said the crisis had become a defining feature of municipal service delivery in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, with the greatest impact felt in poor and marginalised communities. “The impact of the water crisis is disproportionately borne by poor and marginalised communities, residents of informal settlements, schools, healthcare facilities, early childhood development centres and social care institutions,” said the investigative inquiry’s terms of reference. The consequences include compromised sanitation, increased public health risks, disruption of education and healthcare services and the erosion of human dignity. “The crisis has also produced secondary systemic harms, including the emergence of informal and exploitative water distribution economies commonly referred to as ‘water tanker mafias’, who benefit from the dilapidated infrastructure. “In many communities, prolonged outages have created dependence on unregulated private water tankers, entrenching inequality, profiteering and the commodification of a constitutional right.” Municipalities lacked sufficient functional water tankers, logistical capacity and coordinated emergency distribution systems, leaving them increasingly dependent on private suppliers, it said. The commission noted that the scale, persistence and systemic nature of the failures raised prima facie concerns of a systemic human rights violation, warranting a formal public inquiry. At its core, the inquiry reframes the crisis beyond infrastructure failure, to examine whether the state is meeting its constitutional obligation to progressively realise access to sufficient water. Access to water is a foundational human right, with the Constitution placing obligations on the state to respect, protect, promote and fulfil it. Where access is unreliable, unsafe or unequal, the impact extends beyond service delivery failure to affect rights to dignity, equality, life, health and a safe environment. The inquiry, scheduled for 19 to 21 May 2026, will assess the extent, nature and root causes of Gauteng’s water crisis. This includes infrastructure breakdowns, ageing systems, planning and budgeting constraints, governance weaknesses and inadequate emergency response mechanisms. It will also examine whether municipalities, water boards and national departments have taken reasonable steps to ensure access to water in line with constitutional obligations. A central focus will be the lived experience of affected communities, where outages have become entrenched and essential services are routinely disrupted.  The commission will assess impacts on public health, education, sanitation and dignity, and determine whether the situation constitutes a systemic violation of human rights. It warned that if systemic failures were confirmed, the implications could extend beyond service delivery reform and require urgent corrective action to address widespread violations of fundamental rights. The commission said its inquiry was intended to contribute to durable solutions ensuring equitable, consistent and dignified access to water across Gauteng. As part of the process, the SAHRC has called for written submissions from affected communities, government departments, municipalities, water boards, civil society organisations, researchers, advocacy groups, private sector actors and members of the public. Submissions may address the causes of the crisis, its impact on communities, existing interventions and proposals for sustainable water provision. The Johannesburg Water Crisis Committee said it was preparing a submission to the commission. The deadline for written submissions is 30 April 2026, after which selected stakeholders may be invited to present oral evidence during hearings. Written submissions and correspondence may be delivered by hand or emailed to the Gauteng provincial office at Sentinel House Office Park, Parktown, Johannesburg, or via gpwaterinquiry2026@sahrc.org.za.

Plans to convert former prison guard houses into tourist accommodation at Robben Island Museum have ignited a fierce debate among South Africans, raising questions about heritage preservation and the ethics of commercialising historical sites.

During the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi said he could not remember a controversial video clip suggesting a cash offer from Medicare24 director Mike van Wyk, raising significant questions about his integrity and the alleged dealings with private security firms.

Evidence at the Madlanga Commission has placed suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi at the centre of an operation linked to the alleged theft of valuable stones in Johannesburg. During proceedings at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria on Thursday, 16 April 2026, evidence leaders put it to Mkhwanazi that he directed subordinates to carry out what amounted to a robbery. The inquiry focused on events from 11 February 2023, when precious stones valued at R14.9 million were allegedly taken from the Killarney home of Peter Prinsloo. Only a fraction of the stones – worth R40 000 – were later recovered. It was previously heard that CCTV footage obtained by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) appears to show an EMPD officer handing over minerals to Mkhwanazi. EMPD officers accused of theft Two EMPD officers, Kersha-Leigh Stols and Aiden McKenzie, have been linked to the operation. In her affidavit to Ipid, Stols stated that she and McKenzie were investigating a suspect involved in trading lithium rocks, allegedly in collaboration with a Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer known only as Motso. According to her version, the officers visited the Rosebank police station before proceeding to Prinsloo’s home, where they searched for his presence. She claimed that the complainant agreed to “surrender” the stones after his initial resistance, and then they left. McKenzie supported this version in his own statement. Evidence leader challenges ‘joint operation’ narrative On Thursday, evidence leader Mahlape Sello disputed the claim that the operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies. Photographs presented to the commission only showed Stols and McKenzie at the scene with private security officer Etienne van der Walt. Mkhwanazi acknowledged their presence and conceded that the JMPD was not involved, despite earlier suggestions to the contrary. He also confirmed that he was aware of the raid. Sello expressed concern that Mkhwanazi continued to describe the incident in his supplementary statement to the commission as a coordinated effort between the JMPD, EMPD and Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP). Mkhwanazi previously testified that the operation stemmed from a complaint by the late GTP deputy chief inspector Gerald Maseko, who had raised concerns about individuals selling fake stones online. He said he accompanied Maseko to Killarney, where they waited outside while the two EMPD officers questioned Prinsloo inside his apartment. This version was challenged during proceedings. “The Gauteng traffic department has got nothing to do with investigations and searching for precious stones. Does it?” Sello said. She further argued that, even on Mkhwanazi’s own account, the operation would still amount to an unlawful raid. “You are saying two law enforcement units within the country jointly undertook an unlawful raid of a citizen’s flat in Rosebank, and you consider that acceptable?” she asked. “It’s difficult to say yes,” Mkhwanazi replied. ‘Concocted story’ Sello pressed Mkhwanazi on how he concluded that the JMPD had participated in the operation. “I communicated with Maseko,” Mkhwanazi said. She accused him of fabricating the story. “This story comes for the first time in 2026, three years after the raid. No one, including those who undertook the raid, is aware of any joint operation. “My concern is that, in an attempt to legitimise the efforts of Stols and McKenzie, you concocted the story of a joint operation and, in order to persuade the commission, you elected the one person who, unfortunately, has since passed on and is not able to speak for themselves. I find that truly concerning.” Madlanga commission highlights pattern Commissioner Sandile Khumalo added to the criticism, stating that both Mkhwanazi and McKenzie had misled Ipid investigators. He highlighted CCTV evidence placing Mkhwanazi at the scene – a fact not initially disclosed. While Mkhwanazi conceded that he didn’t present the entire story to Ipid investigator Thulani Magagula, Khumalo suggested there was a pattern of mutual protection between him, Stols and McKenzie. “You don’t place each other on the scene unless evidence is shown that you there, and only then do you admit,” the commissioner said. “My question is why are the three of you always protecting each other? Only giving the authorities what you think they need to know.” He went further, suggesting that Mkhwanazi effectively “tasked” the officers to “commit an armed robbery”. Mkhwanazi firmly denied any wrongdoing. “No, I’m not that type of a person. I’m not a criminal. I don’t do those things.”

The way we think about weight loss today has moved away from traditional dieting. While medications in the GLP-1 category (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) have become a major talking point, they are just one part of a broader change in how people are approaching their health. Today, the focus is no longer on eating less or cutting out certain foods. Instead, there is growing emphasis on protecting strength and maintaining lean muscle while losing excess body fat. According to new data from Worldpanel by Numerator, around 1 in 20 South Africans are already using or considering GLP-1 weight-loss medications. However, awareness remains relatively low at 37%, compared to 47% globally, suggesting the market is still in its early stages. As key drugs approach patent expiry, prices are expected to fall, driving wider adoption.“The early effects are already visible in how people shop. Even at this early stage, we’re already seeing clear shifts in behaviour. Consumers using these treatments are moving away from indulgent categories like snacks and confectionery, and towards protein, hydration and more functional products. As awareness grows and access improves, the impact will become much more widespread,” said Nick Barrett, country manager for Worldpanel by Numerator in South Africa. GLP-1 Rewires the food basket: Indulgence down, protein up Another thing that the data shows is that the early effects of GLP-1 adoption are already visible in how people shop. GLP-1 users in South Africa are buying fewer ready meals, snacks, and confectionery, while increasing their consumption of protein-rich foods, lighter meals and bottled water according to the data. Globally, the potential disruption to the FMCG market is enormous. Households with a member considering GLP-1 medication represent $241 billion in FMCG value. Muscle matters Emerging research shows unintended muscle loss is commonly associated with GLP-1 treatments. Picture: Nutthaseth Vanchaichana, iStock. At the same time, nutrition advice is evolving. Rather than enforced restriction, prioritising protein and choosing foods that offer more nutritional value in every bite are becoming the priority. These changes are grounded in a stronger scientific understanding of how the body works, considering everything from metabolism and muscle health to the role of sustainable eating patterns in long-term weight management. Monique Piderit, a registered dietitian, explains: “Whether you are following a personalised weight loss plan or using a GLP-1 medication, it’s important to shift from simply counting calories and measuring your weight to focusing on overall wellbeing. “Weight loss approaches can result in the loss of not only fat, but muscle mass too. This matters because a loss of strength can impact day-to-day health and longevity.” She adds that emerging research shows unintended muscle loss is commonly associated with GLP-1 treatments. That’s where dairy plays a vital role. “In addition to contributing high-quality protein, milk, yoghurt and maas contain what is known as the ‘dairy matrix’ – a unique combination of nutrients, including calcium, that support long-term health.” Complete protein for muscle maintenance When losing weight on GLP-1 therapy, protein needs rise to 1.2-1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight daily. But reduced appetite that comes with GLP-1 use can make this difficult. “This is where dairy can make a real difference. Dairy is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs, including leucine, which plays a key role in building and maintaining muscle. Milk also contains two types of protein that work in different ways. “Whey is digested quickly and supports muscle repair, while casein digests more slowly, helping to protect muscle over a longer period,” said Maretha Vermaak, registered dietitian at Rediscover Dairy. She notes that even simple choices, like a glass of milk in the evening, can help support muscle maintenance. Dairy also aids satiety and blood sugar stability. Yoghurt and maas to the rescue According to a dietitian, yoghurt can be a simple, manageable option that provides both protein and gut-supporting benefits to people managing the side effects of GLP-1 use. Picture: Drazen Zigic, iStock. GLP-1 medications often cause nausea, vomiting, constipation and early fullness. Fermented dairy products like yoghurt and maas can help support gut health with live cultures. “When nauseous, cold foods such as yoghurt and maas tend to be tolerated better. Their smooth texture and mild acidity make them easier to consume when appetite is low or taste changes. For many people on GLP-1 therapy, yoghurt becomes a simple, manageable option that provides both protein and gut-supporting benefits,” Vermaak points out. What would a healthy day with dairy look like? For those on a weight loss journey, whether using GLP-1 therapy or not, Piderit offers this framework for including dairy in controlled amounts throughout the day: Breakfast – Berrylicious Smoothie: 200g Greek-style yoghurt (12g protein) blended with fresh berries. Mid-morning snack – 30g lean biltong (15g protein) with dried raisins. Lunch – Cheesy Eggs: 2 scrambled eggs (14g protein) with 30g grated cheese (7g protein) and diced vegetables. Afternoon snack – 200ml plain yoghurt (8g protein) as a dip for finger vegetables. Dinner – Tuna and Brown Rice Salad: 1 tin tuna (40g protein), 2 tbsp plain yoghurt (1.5g), 1/2 cup brown rice, red onion, cucumber. Bedtime snack – Cinnamon Milk: 250ml hot milk with cinnamon (8g protein). For an 80kg person, this provides 96-120g protein (~1.4g/kg), meeting GLP-1 therapy requirements. Dairy as a strategic partner in weight loss “GLP-1 medications are powerful tools for weight loss, but without proper nutritional support, rapid weight loss can lead to muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and long-term metabolic challenges. “Dairy is so versatile and can easily be part of many kinds of small meals and snacks. It offers unequalled nutrient density, helping you to not just meet your protein needs, but also calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals that need to be part of your weight loss eating plan to protect your health,” Vermaak says. *About the data: South Africa consumer panel by Worldpanel by Numerator tracks 6 500 households, reflecting 100% of the population across all regions and socio-economic groups. The panel captures real in-home grocery purchases via smartphone scanning.

Specialist radiologist Dr Musa Mthombeni, who is married to Liesl Laurie Mthombeni, has responded to allegations and rumours about him having an affair while on a boys trip to Thailand with his friends. The rumours circulating online claimed that Dr Musa Mthombeni was cheating on his wife with a white woman. The speculation quickly spread across social media platforms, with some users questioning the state of the couple’s marriage. Dr Musa and Liesl Laurie, who is Miss South Africa 2015, are known for sharing their relationship moments online. The couple often posts pictures and videos celebrating their vacations, birthdays and anniversaries, which has made them one of South Africa’s most admired celebrity couples. SOCIAL MEDIA USERS QUESTION THE COUPLE On Wednesday, 15 April, an X user known as @_asemahle_n questioned why the couple had not posted pictures of themselves together in a while. This sparked speculation among some commentary blogs on X, with some suggesting there might be “trouble in n paradise”. The online discussions quickly turned into rumours about Dr Musa’s alleged behaviour during his boys’ trip in Thailand. My close source told me that apparently there’s trouble in paradise.. 😭 ChrisExcel (@ChrisExcel102) April 15, 2026 DR MUSA MTHOMBENI SHUTS DOWN THE CLAIMS However, Dr Musa Mthombeni wasted no time addressing the claims. The doctor and media personality took to X to firmly reject the rumours and described them as false. Aowa Bathong. Mina futhi! What fresh lie is it today?— DrMusa (@DrMusaMthombeni) April 16, 2026 Dr Musa Mthombeni wrote on his X account: “Aowa Bathong. Mina futhi! What fresh lie is it today?” In another different post he wrote, “Saphela Nkosi yam. Every time i see something controversial on the timeline, i check for a blue tick. Once I see it, I know it’s hunger tweeting.” Saphela Nkosi yam. Every time i see something controversial on the timeline, i check for a blue tick. Once I see it, I know it’s hunger tweeting.— DrMusa (@DrMusaMthombeni) April 16, 2026 “One day le “ALLEGEDLY” yenu is gonna to end in “PUNITIVE COSTS””” One day le “ALLEGEDLY” yenu is gonna to end in “PUNITIVE COSTS” 🤞🏾— DrMusa (@DrMusaMthombeni) April 16, 2026 “If you hear anything about me that’s isn’t about me loving my baby girl, school, career, family or generally enjoying life, it’s a lie! Angizwani neNonsense!” If you hear anything about me that’s isn’t about me loving my baby girl, school, career, family or generally enjoying life, it’s a lie! Angizwani neNonsense!— DrMusa (@DrMusaMthombeni) April 16, 2026 He continued by criticising people who spread false information online. “Nna i hate poverty. It makes you lie for interactions so that Elon can pay you $2000 every week. Shame on 0% Amanyala 100%” For now, Dr Musa Mthombeni has made it clear that the rumours are false and that his focus remains on his family, career and enjoying life. Nna i hate poverty. It makes you lie for interactions so that Elon can pay you $2000 every week. Shame on 0% Amanyala 100% DrMusa (@DrMusaMthombeni) April 16, 2026

Kaizer Chiefs forward Khanyisa Mayo was among the goals as Amakhosi secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Magesi on Wednesday evening. Goals from Flávio Silva, Wandile Duba, Mduduzi Shabalala and Mayo ensured all three points for Chiefs at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Mayo, who has struggled for consistency since joining the club in September, netted his second goal in as many matches after coming off the bench. The former Cape Town City FC forward will be eager to build on his recent form as he looks to secure a permanent move to Naturena, with seven matches remaining this season. Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef believes the goal could prove vital in restoring Mayo’s confidence. “Also very proud of the players coming from injuries, coming from the bench, they gave us support and what we asked from them,” said Ben Youssef. “Reeve was back, gave us two assists, and Mayo scored his second goal in the league — he’s back. It’s very good for the confidence of the striker.” Ben Youssef also highlighted the strength in depth within the squad, stressing that the team does not rely on individuals. Mayo scores for Chiefs “As I said from the beginning, we have a big squad. We’re not a team that depends on one or two players — any player who is ready will fight and help the team,” Ben Youssef said as per iDiski Times. Amakhosi now sit on 45 points from 23 league matches, firmly in contention for a top-three finish as the Betway Premiership season heads into its final stretch. Should Amakhosi keep Mayo?

Warren Mande will replace Grant Fraser, who is emigrating to Australia after three-and-a-half years at Netstar.

The leaked information includes client names, ID numbers, contact details, account numbers and some credit card details.