A 15-year-old teenager and three men face charges of kidnapping, murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances over the alleged killing of 24-year-old driver Mohammed Muzaffar “Muzi” Saib.

As South Africa approaches a pivotal budget announcement, the call for better food labelling and higher taxes on sugary drinks underscores the urgent need for public health to be prioritised. Will the government heed this growing demand?

The Sharks will want to make amends for a poor defeat in their only other contest against Lyon, when they meet again in the Challenge Cup this Saturday. The Durban union has enjoyed an improved start in JP Pietersen’s first full season in charge, winning two of their three opening United Rugby Championship matches with bonus points and sitting fifth on the table. But as attention turns to the second-tier Challenge Cup – the only European tournament the Sharks have won, back in 2023/24 – the Sharks will not want a repeat of the following season’s exit when they take on Lyon at Stade de Gerland, also called Matmut Stadium for sponsorship reasons. Poor defence cost a Springbok-depleted Sharks ‘B’ team dearly, as they conceded five tries in a 34-21 loss that saw the defending champions exit the tournament in the last 16. The Sharks have again opted to rest their Springboks for their opening Pool 2 clash against the same side at the same venue this weekend (kick-off 2pm). Sharks need to improve defence, scrums The union is plainly prioritising a top-eight finish in the URC, after ending 10th last season and dropping from the higher-tier Champions Cup into the Challenge Cup pool stages for the second time. It will be up to their rising stars, fringe players, and a handful of remaining out-of-favour Springboks and former Springboks to get revenge for their loss to Lyon two seasons ago. The scrum will be key after the Sharks, featuring Springboks Ox Nché and Thomas du Toit with rising talent Eduan Swart in their front row, and former Bok Vincent Koch and SA U20 captain Esethu Mnebelele on the bench, were completely outmuscled by the Stormers in their 39-22 URC derby defeat in Cape Town on the weekend. The Stormers even scored a pushover try against the visitors. The Sharks will need to also shore up their defence after conceding six tries in that game. While coach JP Pietersen lamented the loss of Springboks Eben Etzebeth and Vusi Moyo to injury during that match, they will need to manage the game better, adapting to any change in circumstances if they wish to beat the 2022 Challenge Cup winners. They will resist the temptation to be overconfident due to the fact that Lyon are on a three-match losing streak in the Top 14. The French side won their three matches before that, now sitting eighth on the log after six rounds.

Sometimes all you need is a night away from the city to slow down, appreciate your surroundings and enjoy a change of scenery. My recent one-night stay at Mount Grace Hotel & Spa in the Magaliesberg offered just that, with beautiful accommodation, tranquil gardens and a food offering that celebrates South African flavours. Located on Old Rustenburg Road in Mogale City, Gauteng, the hotel is set across 17 hectares of gardens, trees and ponds. The setting immediately lends itself to a slower pace of life, away from the constant movement and noise of the city. What stood out most during my stay was the accommodation. My newly renovated suite was spacious, beautifully styled and comfortable, with the kind of warmth that made it feel like home, only a much more luxurious version of it. The food is another important part of the hotel’s experience. Under executive chef Pieter Malan, who returned to Mount Grace in March 2026, the menus draw on indigenous ingredients, traditional South African cooking and produce sourced from the surrounding region. Together, the accommodation, natural setting and culinary focus make Mount Grace a destination worth considering for a weekend away or a short escape from everyday life. A suite that feels like home My first impression of the suite was how beautiful it was. The space, the interiors and the attention to aesthetics made an immediate impression. The newly renovated suite combines contemporary design with rustic, old-world luxury. Its country-inspired styling is reflected in a palette of warm earth tones, muted beige, sand and cream, complemented by sage green accents and natural wood finishes. It has the elegance expected of a luxury hotel, but there is also a sense of comfort that makes you want to settle in rather than simply use the room as a place to sleep. The suite has its own kitchen, adding to the feeling of having a private space away from home. The bathroom is equally generous, with both a shower and a bathtub. A separate walk-in closet, complete with a dressing table, provides a dedicated area to get ready. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mount Grace Hotel & Spa | Southern Sun (@mountgrace_hotel_spa) Outside, the private heated plunge pool adds another layer of luxury. My suite overlooked a garden surrounded by trees and greenery, bringing nature into the experience. Mount Grace has 121 freestanding rooms and suites spread throughout its gardens. The accommodation ranges from Superior and Family rooms to Signature, Deluxe and Deluxe Premium rooms, as well as Garden Suites and Villa Suites. According to the hotel’s general manager, Barend Olivier, who gave us a tour upon our arrival, the hotel has 26 suites with private heated pools, including 14 Garden Suites and 12 Villa Suites. These pools are maintained at an average temperature of between 28°C and 30°C. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mount Grace Hotel & Spa | Southern Sun (@mountgrace_hotel_spa) Bringing the Magaliesberg to the table Food is central to Mount Grace’s current offering, with menus designed around the region’s ingredients, traditions, and culinary heritage. Executive chef Pieter Malan returned to the hotel in March 2026, having previously worked there as a student. His approach follows two years of studying the natural ingredients available in the Magaliesberg and surrounding areas. Chef Malan said about 80% of the ingredients used are indigenous and either foraged or sourced within a 60km radius. These include wild garlic, amadumbe, wild prickly pears, aloe, lavender, confetti bush and imphepho. The kitchen also works with local producers, including Van Gaalen Cheese in Hartbeespoort and family-run Bambini, which produces ice cream and gelato. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mount Grace Hotel & Spa | Southern Sun (@mountgrace_hotel_spa) Seasonality plays an important role in the menus. Ingredients not available year-round are preserved or fermented for later use. This approach lets the kitchen work with what is available locally while drawing on traditional food-preparation methods. The hotel’s dining options cater to different tastes and occasions, from relaxed meals to a more elaborate dining experience. The seven-course tasting menu is priced at R1,200 per person, while the option with wine pairing costs R1 700 per person. A 12% service charge is added to the bill. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mount Grace Hotel & Spa | Southern Sun (@mountgrace_hotel_spa) More relaxed dining options For guests looking for a less formal meal, the 1852 Heritage Bar offers hearty food in a country-pub setting. The bar takes its name from 1852, the year the land was first registered as a farm. Its menu includes dishes such as slow-braised oxtail with a steamed dumpling, oxtail bitterballen, beef short rib amagwinya and petit lamb curry bunnies. The Garden Menu provides another option, with an Afro-Mediterranean influence. Served on the lawns, historic stoep and deck areas overlooking the Magaliesberg, it includes sharing platters, local cheeses and charcuterie, pizzas, fresh pasta and local trout. The hotel also offers seasonal high tea in the lounge. The experience combines traditional high-tea elements with South African flavours, including finger sandwiches, savouries, tarts and petit fours. Guests can choose from a selection of single-origin loose-leaf teas, with staff explaining their origins and suggested pairings. Beyond the suites and restaurants, Mount Grace offers several facilities for guests looking to make more of their stay. The award-winning spa has 20 treatment rooms, including private thatched treatment rooms set in the gardens at the Bush Spa. Facilities include a flotation pool, jacuzzi, rim pool, rock pool and steam rooms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mount Grace Hotel & Spa | Southern Sun (@mountgrace_hotel_spa)

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2px}.tsaw-tb{padding:10px}.tsaw-tb table{font-size:14px!important}.tsaw-tb th{font-size:12px}.tsaw-tb th:nth-child(1){width:20%}.tsaw-tb th:nth-child(2){width:30%}.tsaw-tb td b.ln{font-size:inherit;letter-spacing:0}.tsaw-tb td .dd{display:inline;margin-right:4px}.tsaw-tb td .ic{display:inline-block;margin-right:4px}.tsaw-band,.tsaw-ev{padding-left:14px;padding-right:14px}.tsaw-in{margin:0 14px 12px}.tsaw-m{padding:10px 14px}.tsaw-more{margin:8px -14px -10px;padding:8px 14px;font-size:12px}}Richards Bay is the hottest place in the country at 41°C as a heat wave holds northern KwaZulu-Natal, with heat in places over the northern Eastern Cape and the Mpumalanga Highveld too. Extremely high fire danger covers most of the central interior, with a veld fire warning from 10:00 to 18:59 for Musina, Thohoyandou, Nelspruit and Skukuza. Cape Town is the wettest spot, with a 60% chance of slight rain and a high of 18°C.Weather warnings for Saturday 17 OctoberSAWS has 3 weather warnings in force for Saturday, the highest warning level 10 for veld fire conditions. Tap a warning to see the areas and what to do.Red level 10Veld Fire ConditionsWhereDendron, Thohoyandou, Skukuza, Piet Retief + 52 moreWhenSat 10:00 to 18:59Areas: Dendron, Thohoyandou, Skukuza, Piet Retief, Nelspruit, Musina, Alldays, Lephalale, Postmasburg, De Aar, Schweizer-Reneke, Griquastad, Hoopstad, Aliwal North, Groblershoop, Prieska, Kathu, Warrenton, Bloemhof, Hopetown, Bloemfontein Airport, Fauresmith, Kimberley, Hotazel, Victoria West, Brandfort, Wepener, Daniëlskuil, Tosca, Upington and 26 more.Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75 in identified areas. Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly, resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.What to do: Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full stand-by. At first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time. All available aircraft are to be called for without delay.Warning AdvisoryWeather AdvisoryWhereMatatiele, Mount Ayliff, Molteno, Queenstown + 15 moreWhenvalid until 23:59 on 17 OctoberAreas: Matatiele, Mount Ayliff, Molteno, Queenstown, Grahamstown, Libode, Lady Frere, Tsolo, Elliot, Lusikisiki, Tarkastad, Stutterheim, Cofimvaba, Ntabankulu, Dutywa, Maclear, Bizana, Ngcobo, Cradock.High discomfortHeat exhaustionDehydration.Heat related illnessesWhat to do: Drink lots of liquids and stay in shaded/cool areas with lots of ventilation. Avoid strenuous activities. Avoid exposure during the hottest time of the day. Do not keep elderly and children inside the cars. Seek help if you feel dizzy, weak, having intense thirst and headaches.Warning AdvisoryWeather AdvisoryWhereStanderton, Skukuza, Piet Retief, Barberton + 1 moreWhenvalid until 23:59 on 19 OctoberAreas: Standerton, Skukuza, Piet Retief, Barberton, Nelspruit.Persistently high temperatures affect the humans ability to cool their bodies through sweating. This can be a real threat that leads to heat related illness such as hyperthermia, heat stroke and respiratory conditions.In an extremely hot environment, the serious health and safety concern is heat stroke.What to do: – stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during the hottest time of the day, wear appropriate clothing, and keep an eye on vulnerable Individuals.SAWS advisoryFire Danger WarningsWhat1 item, tap to readExtremely high fire danger conditions are expected over most of the central interior, most parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal, in places in the Mpumalanga Lowveld as well as the Limpopo Valley and Western Bushveld.SAWS advisoryAdvisoriesWhat2 items, tap to readA heat wave with persistently high temperatures is expected in places over the northern parts of Eastern Cape and over the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal until Saturday as well as in places over the Mpumalanga Highveld and southern parts of the Mpumalanga Lowveld until Monday (19/10/2026).Hot to extremely hot conditions resulting in extremely uncomfortable conditions are expected in the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga Lowveld and over Limpopo on Monday.Moon tonightWaxing Crescent41% litThe moon tonight is a waxing crescent, about 41% lit, and the next full moon is on Monday 26 October.Weather today by province, Saturday 17 OctoberView 7-Day Weather ForecastEach province lists its main towns with today’s sky, low and high, rain chance and wind; every province starts closed, tap one to open it. Tide times are inside Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Today Johannesburg peaks at 32°C.GautengJohannesburg, Pretoria, Soweto, VereenigingJohannesburg and Soweto climb to 32°C with a 30% chance of showers and thundershowers, Vereeniging sees thunderstorms at 32°C and Pretoria stays dry and partly cloudy at 33°C after a 19°C start.Johannesburg todayRain, storms32°15°30%NNW 5 km/hTap for cities and townsTap to close GautengTowns todayTownWeatherLoHiRainWind km/hJohannesburgRain, storms15°32°30%NNW 5PretoriaPartly cloudy19°33°0%NE 5SowetoRain, storms13°32°30%NNW 5VereenigingThunderstorms13°32°30%NNW 10Western CapeCape Town, Stellenbosch, Paarl, George · tidesStellenbosch, Paarl and Cape Town top out at 18°C with a 60% chance of slight rain, while George reaches 20°C with a 30% chance of rain showers.Cape Town todaySlight rain18°14°60%SSE 15 km/hTap for cities and townsTap to close Western CapeTowns todayTownWeatherLoHiRainWind km/hCape TownSlight rain14°18°60%SSE 15StellenboschSlight rain12°18°60%WSW 5PaarlSlight rain13°18°60%NW 5GeorgeRain showers14°20°30%S 10Tides: Cape TownDayLow tideHigh tideSat 17 Oct00:18, 12:4506:49, 18:53Mpumalanga and Limpopo next today: Mbombela reaches 34°C and Polokwane reaches 33°C.MpumalangaMbombela, eMalahleni, ErmeloA veld fire warning runs from 10:00 to 18:59 for Nelspruit, Skukuza and Piet Retief, and a weather advisory for Standerton and Barberton lasts until 23:59 on Monday. Mbombela reaches 34°C, eMalahleni 31°C and Ermelo 32°C with thunderstorms.Mbombela todayClear34°18°0%NE 10 km/hTap for cities and townsTap to close MpumalangaTowns todayTownWeatherLoHiRainWind km/hMbombelaClear18°34°0%NE 10eMalahleniPartly cloudy16°31°0%NW 5ErmeloThunderstorms15°32°30%WNW 5LimpopoPolokwane, Tzaneen, Thohoyandou, MusinaMusina is the hottest at 37°C and Thohoyandou reaches 35°C, both under a veld fire warning from 10:00 to 18:59. Polokwane hits 33°C and Tzaneen 34°C, with clear skies and no rain.Polokwane todayClear33°16°0%NE 10 km/hTap for cities and townsTap to close LimpopoTowns todayTownWeatherLoHiRainWind km/hPolokwaneClear16°33°0%NE 10TzaneenClear16°34°0%ENE 10ThohoyandouClear17°35°0%E 5MusinaClear20°37°0%E 10North West and Free State follow today: Mahikeng reaches 35°C and Bloemfontein reaches 35°C.North WestMahikeng, Rustenburg, Potchefstroom, KlerksdorpMahikeng, Rustenburg and Klerksdorp reach 35°C and Potchefstroom 33°C, with a 30% chance of showers and thundershowers everywhere except Mahikeng, which stays partly cloudy and dry.Mahikeng todayPartly cloudy35°16°0%NNE 10 km/hTap for cities and townsTap to close North WestTowns todayTownWeatherLoHiRainWind km/hMahikengPartly cloudy16°35°0%NNE 10RustenburgRain, storms19°35°30%N 5PotchefstroomRain, storms15°33°30%NNW 15KlerksdorpRain, storms15°35°30%NNW 10Free StateBloemfontein, Bethlehem, KroonstadBethlehem starts at a cool 10°C and climbs to 32°C, while Bloemfontein and Kroonstad reach 35°C, all with a 30% chance of showers and thundershowers.Bloemfontein todayRain, storms35°14°30%NW 15 km/hTap for cities and townsTap to close Free StateTowns todayTownWeatherLoHiRainWind km/hBloemfonteinRain, storms14°35°30%NW 15BethlehemRain, storms10°32°30%NW 5KroonstadRain, storms15°35°30%NNW 10Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal close the list today: Kimberley reaches 36°C, Gqeberha reaches 23°C and Durban reaches 29°C.Northern CapeKimberley, Upington, Springbok, De Aar · tidesKimberley is hot at 36°C with a 30% chance of showers and thundershowers, Upington reaches 34°C and De Aar 33°C, while Springbok stays milder at 25°C under high cloud.Kimberley todayRain, storms36°17°30%NW 15 km/hTap for cities and townsTap to close Northern CapeTowns todayTownWeatherLoHiRainWind km/hKimberleyRain, storms17°36°30%NW 15UpingtonPartly cloudy18°34°0%SSW 10SpringbokHigh cloud14°25°0%SW 10De AarPartly cloudy18°33°0%WNW 20Tides: Port Nolloth (modelled)DayLow tideHigh tideSat 17 Oct12:1306:17, 18:36Eastern CapeGqeberha, East London, Mthatha, Queenstown · tidesA weather advisory runs until 23:59 for Queenstown, Matatiele, Molteno, Grahamstown, Mount Ayliff and Libode. Queenstown reaches 34°C and Mthatha 30°C with possible thundershowers, while Gqeberha and East London reach 23°C with slight rain.Gqeberha todaySlight rain23°15°30%WSW 10 km/hTap for cities and townsTap to close Eastern CapeTowns todayTownWeatherLoHiRainWind km/hGqeberhaSlight rain15°23°30%WSW 10East LondonSlight rain17°23°30%WSW 15MthathaRain, storms16°30°30%SE 10QueenstownRain, storms14°34°30%ESE 10Tides: GqeberhaDayLow tideHigh tideSat 17 Oct00:23, 12:3806:47, 18:46Tides: East LondonDayLow tideHigh tideSat 17 Oct00:25, 12:3806:37, 18:35KwaZulu-NatalDurban, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay, Newcastle · tidesClear skies send Richards Bay to 41°C on the heat wave's last day, while Pietermaritzburg reaches 38°C and Newcastle 36°C. Durban peaks at 29°C after a 22°C start, with a 30% chance of slight rain.Durban todaySlight rain29°22°30%SSE 15 km/hTap for cities and townsTap to close KwaZulu-NatalTowns todayTownWeatherLoHiRainWind km/hDurbanSlight rain22°29°30%SSE 15PietermaritzburgSlight rain17°38°30%ESE 10Richards BayClear20°41°0%N 10NewcastleCloudy15°36°0%ENE 10Tides: DurbanDayLow tideHigh tideSat 17 Oct00:21, 12:3006:32, 18:36View the 7-Day Weather ForecastForecast data: the South African Weather Service and other third-party sources and providers, brought together with the latest AI tools. We take great care to get every figure right, but mistakes are possible.More weather news, warnings and forecasts are on The South African’s weather page.

A KwaZulu-Natal school has banned parents from delivering elaborate gifts to their children on school premises. Ndukwenhle High School in Umlazi has voiced its concerns for others who cannot afford the grand gestures. KZN SCHOOLS BAN ELABORATE MATRIC GIFTS In a Facebook post, Ndukwenhle High School in Umlazi issued a directive to parents not to deliver matric gift hampers to their children on school premises. The school shared: “This is because other parents do not have the means to afford such gifts for their children. We kindly ask for your understanding and support in this matter. It added: “Let us promote equality and fairness among all our learners”. In the comments section, the school defended its stance by adding, “Parents who can afford to do so are encouraged to gift their children. However, NO gifting will be allowed on the school premises” The school received a positive response from the public. Lelo Moumakwe commented: “Big up to the school 👏 by all means buy the gifts but have them delivered at home”. Emeldah Charl added: “Much respect to the school”. Some even called for the school to impose strict regulations on Matric Dance events. WHEN DO EXAMS BEGIN AND END? According to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination timetable, matric exams began on Tuesday, 13 October, and will end on Thursday, 26 November 2026. Results are expected to be released on an unconfirmed date in January 2027.

The Reserve Bank wants all of South Africa's ATMs white-labelled, with free transactions below a threshold, starting with a pilot in January.

Apple's first foldable iPhone carries a steeper local premium than its new HomeView, HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K.