Former Bafana striker Lehlohonolo Majoro says Pitso Mosimane’s decision to build on the existing squad, rather than make sweeping changes, has helped deliver three wins since his return.

The government has deployed a team of specialist doctors to KwaZulu-Natal to treat former president Jacob Zuma, as Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni warns against speculation about his hospitalisation and calls for respect for his medical privacy.

The department of basic education has strengthened security controls across the entire production and distribution chain for the 2026 matric exams. Past matric exams have been marred by cheating scandals and exam paper leaks, resulting in court challenges and delays in some pupils receiving their matric certificates while investigations continue. In the latest incident, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube ordered an investigation into the breach involving the 2025 NSC Mathematics Papers 1 and 2, Physical Sciences Papers 1 and 2, and English Home Language Papers 1 to 3. On Thursday, Umalusi confirmed it had received the National Investigative Task Team’s (NITT) final report. The report found that, of the 600 000 candidates who wrote the three subjects nationwide, the breach involved only 40 Pretoria-based candidates. The DBE’s disciplinary processes are underway in accordance with relevant policies. Strict security measures Updating the country on readiness for the 2026 NSC exams on Sunday, Gwarube said the DBE had learned from past challenges. “Through the strict vetting of examination officials and close collaboration with national and provincial law enforcement structures, we are safeguarding the examination materials. Every candidate will encounter a fair, secure and standardised examination process,” said Gwarube. “I want to assure the public that the setting, moderation, and quality assurance of all examination materials are complete. All question papers and examination instruments have been rigorously reviewed by the DBE and approved by Umalusi. “We will apply a standardised, national approach to marking, underpinned by strict quality-control processes and strengthened moderation of school-based assessments. “Let me be clear: the DBE is taking a proactive, zero-tolerance approach to examination irregularities. We have reinforced the candidate and parent pledge agreements to instil a culture of integrity, and a 24-hour examination hotline is active for the public to report any suspicious activity.” 2026 matric exams in numbers According to Gwarube, the Class of 2026 is the largest full-time cohort to date to sit the National Senior Certificate examinations. At least 815 051 full-time candidates will sit the October/November 2026 examinations, an increase of 48 508 from last year. A further 147 781 part-time candidates have registered, which includes candidates seeking to improve their previous results; this is an increase of 10 763 from 2025. This brings the total registration numbers for the 2026 NSC Exams to 962 832 candidates. “The growth in full-time registration is an indication that pupils are staying in school, that they are finishing matric in good time, and, as the results of last year show, more and more are being successful in their first attempt at the NSC Matric Exams,” said Gwarube. “This is a sign of a maturing system, a system on the rise, that is giving near-universal access to education.” Contingency plans The department has contingency plans to manage operational challenges, including severe weather or community disruptions. “Our position is straightforward: the examinations will be conducted in an environment that protects our candidates and safeguards the credibility of the qualification.” Communities must also play their role to ensure the plans succeed. “I appeal to communities not to prejudice the Matric Class of 2026 by disrupting the NSC Exams for service delivery, political, or socio-economic dissatisfaction. The NSC candidates cannot resolve societal problems; it is Ministers, as elected representatives, who must account,” pleaded Gwarube. “Please do not go to schools; come to our offices in Pretoria and in parliament. We call on communities to not disrupt the NSC Matric Exams in any way. “To the parents and guardians, your encouragement and a steady, supportive home environment will give your children the strength to see this through.” Matric exams will officially begin on Tuesday.

Tata’s return to South Africa last year after a decade long absence hasn’t resulted in the same misadventure comeback many had predicted against the backdrop of the Chinese vehicle boom. A successful return… In large part thanks to the Tiago that starts below R200 000, the Indian giant has managed total sales of well over 5 000 units since its return. Taking matters up a notch, it will increase its model count over the next 12 to 18 months with the launch of the facelift Punch and the all-new Sierra, which, as a result of the moniker still being owned by Ford, will be renamed Styzor. Call me Osprey Before the pair’s arrival, though, the long-awaited debut of the Nexon has been the biggest talking point for a number of reasons. A runaway success in its home market with 1.1-million units since going on-sale there nine years ago, it also became India’s third best-selling new vehicle last year with a total offset of 200 561 units. Upright stance because of India’s sub-four metre regulations results in a funky and stylish appearance. Picture: Charl Bosch Comfortably Tata’s top-seller of 2025 in its domestic market, the surprise decision in June to rename it Osprey for South Africa was said to be a “carefully curated and engineered” decision drawing from the bird of prey’s ability to effortlessly thrive no matter its location. Officially launched in September and priced from an enticing R249 900, the arrival of the Osprey for the weeklong stay left not only lots to be desired, but questions about whether its rock-bottom price tag is truly worth it. That saying about age… Aesthetically, the Osprey is off to a good start as its current look hails from 2023 when the Nexon received its second mid-life update. Styled to resemble the Curvv that sits above it, the Osprey looks stylish and funky, without any perceived hints of it approaching 10 years old. Range-topping Creative+ rides on 16-inch alloy wheels. Picture: Charl Bosch Tested here in flagship Creative+ guise priced at R329 900, it also gets fetching 16-inch alloy wheels, LED head-and taillights and imitation skidplates below the front and rear bumpers. At the same time, the Creative is also the sole variant to have a two-tone exterior colour, though, the combination of the black roof and Midlands Mist Grey conspire to make the Osprey not as eye-catching as Tata expects it to be. …shows inside Conforming to India’s sub-four metre regulations means the Osprey presents bigger than it actually is, as the restrictions require brands to “build up” instead of lengthening the final product to obtain the desired interior space. In the case of the Osprey, though, opening the door reveals the limitations in its clearest form, as apart from being cramped and overly reliant on shiny, cheap-feeling materials, its age is most evident despite the inclusion of a relatively good infotainment system. The most recent facelift cannot hide the interior’s age or its way too many drawbacks. Picture: Charl Bosch Again derived from the Curvv, the interior presents decent, but fails to deceive as, apart from the plastics and piano-key black digital climate control panel, the textured trim on the dashboard looks low-rent and the combination of black and grey finishes anything but inviting. Finished in black cloth, the seats are tight, and while comfort is okay, the front chairs don’t drop all the way to the floor. Seat comfort is acceptable but the interior itself is cramped. Picture: Charl Bosch This, together with the supposed nicety – at the price – of a sunroof, translates to limited headroom for taller passenger, who face having their heads come into contact with the sharp outer cavity of the roof and side pillar. Final fit-and-finish also comes in for questioning as the moulded plastic trim on top of the steering column, which can only be adjusted for rake, had started to peel upwards as if the adhesive or glue meant to be holding it down was coming unstuck. Good infotainment Fitted with the same steering wheel as the Curvv replete with the fetching but awkward rectangular black trim piece, the Osprey’s 10.25-inch infotainment system is at least one of the interior’s bright marks. One of the Osprey’s standouts is the 10.25-inch infotainment display. Picture: Charl Bosch Part of the mentioned facelift three years ago, the freestanding display is relatively easy and slick to use, and is aided by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, the quality of the 360-degree surround-view camera impressed, as did the fairly easy to decipher seven-inch digital instrument cluster, the quality of the six-speaker sound system and the physical buttons and toggle switches on the wheel itself. Basic oversights Unfortunately, the connectivity trade-off comes at the price of basic ergonomics as the slimline centre console houses a ventilated wireless smartphone charging, but no cupholders and a tiny storage bin, whose application becomes irrelevant as it also houses the 12-volt power outlets and USB ports. Those at the front, therefore, only have access to bottle holders in the door cards, which are inadequate to accommodate anything but a 500 ml bottle at the very least. Ironically, a pair of cupholders are provided for rear passengers along with an armrest and air-conditioning vents. However, the Osprey’s length and sunroof rob headroom, with the only trade-off being acceptable legroom. Spec Apart from the items mentioned, the Creative+ is otherwise well equipped with the following as standard: electric mirrors; LED daytime running lights; folding electric mirrors; roof rails; rain sense wipers; push-button start; automatic climate control; keyless entry; cooled glovebox Deep boot can accommodate 382 litres without needing to fold the rear seats. Picture: Charl Bosch Also not skimped on is safety, as the Creative gets: six airbags; cruise control; tyre pressure monitor. front and rear parking sensors; Blind Spot Monitoring; Electronic Stability Control Opening the boot, meanwhile, reveals even better news as, given its size, a claimed 382 litres can be stored underneath the parcel shelf with the rear seats not folded forward. Failing to soar It is on the move where the Osprey’s wings are resoundingly clipped the most. Most likely as a result of South Africa’s fuel quality, the 1.5-litre Revotorq turbodiesel engine found in India won’t be making an appearance anytime soon. As such, all domestic models are powered by the same 1.2-litre Revotron turbo-petrol as in the Curvv with outputs of 88kW/170Nm. Apart from the six-speed manual gearbox offered in the base Smart grade, the option, and sole choice for the mid-range Creative and Creative+, is a seven-speed dual-clutch augmented by paddle shifters. A par for the course segment selection, the final execution is more reminiscent of some Chinese vehicles with a poorly calibrated throttle and a gearbox that hesitates when going up and judders when shifting down or at slow speeds. Rear headroom is badly compromised by the standard sunroof. Picture: Charl Bosch Once up to speed, the engine is much more agreeable and comes with decent shove, but is still hampered by the gearbox that works in a disjointed fashion and ultimately spends most of the seven days erratically shifting between sixth and seventh gears on the open road. Opting for the equally cheap-feeling paddle shifters didn’t resolve the matter either, as did selecting Sport mode. Equipped with the latter as well as Eco and Normal settings, switching the Osprey to its most engaging setting resulted in the ‘box lurching between shifts as it struggled to keep pace with the faster selection process. Dynamically, the Osprey’s steering is good for a vehicle in this segment, and the ride is well managed considering its structure and 208 mm of ground clearance that shames more expensive and bigger SUVs Given its price, engine noise is still audible, to some extent, inside. Yet, this isn’t unexpected. Fuel consumption As for fuel consumption, the seven-days and 255 km recorded a best of 14.3 km/L – the trip computer not offering a setting that allows a switch to L/100 km as the former measurement is what is used in India. Converted to L/100 km saw the tenure amount to 6.9 L/100 km, not bad considering Tata’s own claim of 6.3 L/100 km. Conclusion Competing in a segment frequented by not only products from its countryman, but also Chinese and legacy brand offerings, the flagship Tata Osprey is simply outgunned in most departments, despite its list of features and price tag. A case of “want because I want it” buy, it is just too flawed and, unlike the Tiago or even the Punch, not as forgivable considering what it promises in advance. No longer about being cheap and appealing, the Osprey’s lack of substance and final execution spoils conspires to not only make it a tough sell, but also a product to recommend.

The Proteas are facing an uphill battle to salvage a draw against Australia in the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban. After an impressive opening day with the ball, Temba Bavuma’s men were frustrated by poor light conditions, with play abandoned around 15:00 on Day 1. South Africa appeared on course to bowl Australia out for fewer than 200 runs, but Day 2 proved a different story as the visitors’ lower order staged a remarkable fightback. A 134-run partnership between Matt Renshaw and Nathan Lyon turned the game around and helped Australia post a formidable first-innings total of 390. Australia frustrate Proteas bowlers In reply, the Proteas ended Day 2 on 27/1, but their situation deteriorated on the third morning. By lunch, South Africa had slumped to 114/6, leaving them with a mountain to climb to stay in the contest. The Proteas will now be relying on Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs to produce a crucial partnership and give the lower order a chance to fight back. South Africa need to reach 191 runs to avoid the follow-on, which would allow Australia to enforce another innings and put further pressure on the hosts. Avoiding the follow-on would be an important first step, but the Proteas would still need to bat for a significant period to keep their hopes of a draw alive. Poor light could potentially work in their favour if it interrupts play again, although South Africa cannot afford to rely on the weather alone. With Australia likely to strengthen their advantage if given another opportunity to bat, the Proteas need their remaining batters to show resilience and occupy the crease. A substantial partnership between Mulder and Stubbs, followed by a determined effort from the lower order, could give South Africa a chance of surviving the Test. Ultimately, the Proteas will need to bat with patience and discipline if they are to avoid defeat and salvage a draw against Australia at Kingsmead. Can the Proteas salvage a draw?

Kaizer Chiefs need to arrest a poor run of results when they get back to action in the league. Worryingly, their bogey team lies in wait. Chiefs have already dropped too many points to be title contenders Heading into a lengthy break for internationals, Chiefs produced a sequence of indifferent results. They’ve drawn four of their last five, the only win in that sequence was a 3-2 success over Siwelele. Next up is a clash with bogey team Stellenbosch, with ex-Stellies man Thabo Moloisane now lining up for the Glamour Boys. Chiefs now trail newly-crowned MTN8 champions Sundowns by seven points, so they can’t drop too many more before Christmas to stay in the title race. Chiefs vs Stellenbosch on Tuesday, 13 October kicks off at 19:30. Trophies are the real currency in football Since 2014-15, Chiefs have just a solitary piece of silverware to show for their efforts. A win against Orlando Pirates in the 2025 Nedbank Cup final was a solid fillip for the club, but it’s not enough. Chiefs have to mount credible title challenges year on year otherwise their work must be considered incomplete. Latest injury news lavio Silva is back in training alongside Khanyisa Mayo, who has recovered after a hernia operation. 21-year-old winger Langelihle Phili is also nearing a return after a serious ankle injury he sustained in late August during training. Phili could return towards the end of October. The fitness of playmaker Lebo Maboe is also a concern. Will Chiefs get back to winning ways when they meet bogey team Stellies? Click the red comments banner below and have your say 🙂

Cybersecurity is Shoprite’s top-ranked risk, and the only one whose controls it rates as partially effective.

Standard Bank will buy as much as 4.99% of Nigeria-focused fintech OPay as it files to list in New York.