Analysis: The Madlanga Commission faces a credibility test as explosive allegations, absent witnesses and unanswered questions threaten to leave the full picture of alleged criminal infiltration unresolved.

A leaked dossier alleges political, professional and family links between Patriotic Alliance figures and appointments to public bodies overseen by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the City of Johannesburg. Those named deny wrongdoing or did not respond.

The MK party has sought to reassure supporters about the health of its leader, Jacob Zuma, confirming that the former president has been discharged from hospital and is actively involved in party matters as the organisation ramps up its campaign ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The update comes as the party prepares for another rally under its Dumela Mochisane (Hello, Neighbour) campaign on Sunday, a grassroots mobilisation drive aimed at strengthening support in communities across the country. Zuma’s health Speculation about Zuma’s health intensified in recent days after reports suggested he left the hospital and returned to his Nkandla home. The 84-year-old Zuma has been receiving treatment at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), since arriving by ambulance last week. Sources close to the MK party leader claim his health has deteriorated significantly and is at a “very concerning stage.” Discharged However, on Saturday, the MK party said Zuma recently underwent a routine medical check-up, during which doctors identified fatigue and advised a period of rest under medical supervision. “Following a routine medical check-up, President Jacob Zuma’s highly skilled medical team identified fatigue and recommended a period of rest under medical supervision,” the party said. According to the party, Zuma spent time recovering under doctors’ care at St Mary’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg before being discharged. “We are pleased to confirm that H.E. President Zuma was discharged from hospital and returned home where he is actively engaging in MK Party matters,” the organisation said. Recovery The party sought to quell concerns about Zuma’s condition, insisting he has recovered well. “The President is healthy and jovial,” it added. While Zuma is not expected to participate in the rally as he continues to recuperate, party leaders say he remains closely involved in guiding the organisation and maintaining regular contact with its leadership. The party’s deputy president, Duduzane Zuma, is expected to address the gathering as the MK party intensifies its election preparations. Medical team The party also thanked the medical team that cared for Zuma, as well as supporters who sent messages of concern and support during his recovery. “The MK party extends its sincere appreciation to his medical team for their professional care. We thank the diplomatic community and the diaspora for the continued efforts of concern to the MK Party and the president.” The MK party added that Zuma had personally taken note of the well wishes he received. “President Zuma appreciates the concern shown towards him and remains grateful for the continued goodwill of South Africans.” Elections Despite his recent health scare, the MK Party said Zuma remains encouraged by work being carried out by party structures nationwide ahead of next month’s local government elections. “President Zuma is delighted at the work being done in the wards and branches all over South Africa ahead of the Local Government elections in November 2026,” the party said. Zuma’s daughters warning Meanwhile, Zuma’s daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla demanded an urgent investigation into allegations surrounding her father’s security and medical care, warning that she would hold authorities accountable if anything happened to her father. She raised concerns about alleged collusion between members of Zuma’s Presidential Protection Unit (PPU), certain MK party officials, and individuals close to him, claiming some officers may be influencing access to the former president and becoming involved in internal party disputes. Probe In a detailed letter to Presidential Protection Service Head Major General Wally Rhoode, Zuma-Sambudla also questioned aspects of Zuma’s medical treatment, expressing concern that doctors responsible for his care may not always be fully aware of treatments or medications administered outside their supervision. She called for an independent probe into the allegations, arguing that political factionalism or personal interests should never compromise Zuma’s safety. Saps national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, told The Citizen that police do not comment on any security-related aspects concerning a sitting head of state or former heads of state.

Head coach JP Pietersen dedicated the Sharks’ last-gasp win against Lyon on Saturday to Hyron Andrews, who spent 10 years at the Durban union before moving on to Sale Sharks and the Lions. Tributes have poured in for Andrews, 31, who is believed to have died of cardiac arrest after he was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle at a hotel spa area in France on the eve of the Lions’ Champions Cup match against La Rochelle. Hours before that game, the Sharks played out an “emotional” Challenge Cup contest against Lyon at the Stade de Gerland. Andrews played at the Durban union from 2014 to 2024 before two years in England. He signed for the Johannesburg-based Lions at the start of the season and played in their first three United Rugby Championship matches. With increasing game time in each match, and a first Lions start last week, he was set to feature against La Rochelle before his death hours before the Friday team announcement. ‘Really special win’ Pietersen said the Sharks’ win over Lyon was special, not just because the hosts had appeared to snatch a 33-all draw with seconds left, before the Sharks rallied at the restart. Winger Litehile Bester found space out wide to score after the hooter and seal a 40-33 win. The result holds even greater significance as the team didn’t win a single match in Europe last season. Lyon were also the team that knocked the Sharks out of the tournament’s last-16 at the same venue two seasons ago. “Today’s a really special win. Not just the rugby. But with Hyron passing away yesterday, it was quite emotional,” the Sharks coach said. “We will definitely dedicate this win to Hyron. You could see with the fight and relentlessness that the group had, it was something really special today.” The Sharks Rugby Club is deeply saddened by the passing of former player Hyron Andrews. Hyron spent more than a decade as part of the Sharks family, making a valued contribution to the club throughout his career. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his wife Maighlin, his young sons, friends, current and former teammates and everyone at the Lions during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Hyron – Sharks Rugby Club (@SharksRugby) October 16, 2026 Sharks fight for 80 minutes against Lyon Pietersen credited his squad for not giving up, the team showing resilience as the lead changed hands several times. The performance showed how the team wanted to build connection and cohesion on the tour, with rested Springboks set to join the squad before more away games against Cardiff and Munster in the URC. “We want to show character, and take our identity overseas. Clearly, you can see there was fight for 80 minutes. And at the end, to finish the way it did, it was pretty special. “If you look at the game overall we do deserve this win. We’ve got some really special players in our group and it was a squad effort.” He said all he could ask from his players was to fight for the Sharks jersey and their teammates. “There were emotions from winning the game to drawing it, and then to show a glimpse of magic of the X-factor we’ve got. Just the relentlessness of not saying no and just accepting. That shows a lot.”

After an intense MTN8 final, football fans would love to see Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns meet again in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League. With both South African giants aiming to qualify for the 16-team group stage, some supporters have questioned whether the two teams could be drawn into the same group. Unfortunately, Pirates and Sundowns cannot be drawn into the same CAF Champions League group if the competition’s rules prohibit clubs from the same national association from sharing a group. The draw regulations determine how teams are allocated to the different groups. The rules are designed to prevent clubs from the same country from meeting in the group stage, ensuring that teams from different national associations are represented across the groups. Both South African sides are currently competing in the second preliminary round as they seek to secure places in the group stage. Pirates and Sundowns eyeing group stages Orlando Pirates faced Namibia’s African Stars in the first leg in Gaborone, securing a 1-0 victory to put themselves in a promising position ahead of the return fixture. Mamelodi Sundowns, meanwhile, are scheduled to face Angola’s Wiliete SC away from home in their first-leg encounter as they look to take a step closer to qualification. Should both teams advance to the group stage, they would be placed in separate groups under the applicable draw regulations. An all-South African showdown between Pirates and Sundowns could still happen later in the competition. If both clubs progress beyond the group stage, they could meet in the knockout rounds, depending on the draw and the tournament’s regulations, or potentially in the final. For now, both teams must first navigate the preliminary rounds before turning their attention to the possibility of another showdown on the continental stage. Do you want the two teams to meet in the final?

Kaizer Chiefs suffered a 1-0 defeat to Red Arrows in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie, leaving Amakhosi with work to do in the return leg. The Soweto giants will need to overturn the deficit at home to secure their place in the group stages of the competition. With their continental campaign hanging in the balance, the pressure is mounting on head coach Fernando Da Cruz. The defeat was Chiefs’ second across all competitions this season, adding to concerns over their early-season performances. Last season, Amakhosi failed to progress beyond the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup. An early exit this time around would be another setback for a club desperate to re-establish itself among the continent’s top sides. Kaizer Chiefs struggling Chiefs’ disappointing start has already raised questions following their quarter-final exit from the MTN8. Combined with inconsistent league form, the loss to Red Arrows will have supporters increasingly concerned about the team’s direction under Da Cruz. Failure to overturn the deficit in the second leg would intensify the scrutiny on the French coach, with the upcoming Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates potentially becoming a crucial fixture for his future. A victory in the derby could help ease some of the pressure and buy Da Cruz valuable time to improve the team’s league performances. However, another disappointing result would only deepen the concerns surrounding his tenure. The Carling Knockout Cup also presents Kaizer Chiefs with an opportunity to salvage their campaign and compete for silverware. With expectations always high at Naturena, Amakhosi will be under pressure to respond quickly and give their supporters something to celebrate. For now, the immediate priority is clear: Amakhosi must produce a strong performance in the return leg against Red Arrows. Anything less could leave Da Cruz facing difficult questions about his future at the club. Will Da Cruz survive?

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.