In a stirring address from Soweto, a powerful call to love and reflect on South Africa's complex identity surfaces, challenging citizens to confront the painful realities while nurturing hope for a more inclusive future.

Fourteen people were killed and 27 injured after a truck crashed near Shitla Mata Temple in Gwalior during the Navratri rush. Families have alleged lapses in traffic and crowd management, while officials investigate.

If an all-rounder in cricket refers to players who can both bat and bowl, the all-new Lexus ES takes things one step further by being a batsman, a bowler and a wicketkeeper. And a damn classy one too. The three roles Toyota’s luxury division has tasked its “Elegant Sedan” or ES for short with is to carry the baton as its sole sedan ushering in many firsts for Lexus, make a statement in the new energy space and rival Mzansi’s darling sedans. Since the discontinuation of the IS earlier this year, the ES is the last man standing in Lexus’ local sedan portfolio, a stable that once also included the likes of the LS and GS. Sedans have lost huge market share to SUVs, but Lexus feels the body style is far from dead yet and believes the all-new ES range is broad enough to cater for most sedan buyers’ needs. Lexus ES embraces new energy The eighth-generation Lexus ES is the first to offer an all-new energy range. The line-up comprises two self-charging hybrids (HEVs) in a choice of EX or SE trim, and an all-electric battery model (BEV) in SE trim. Traditionally a rival for the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the ES is now also the official opposition for the ever-popular 3 Series and C-Class in the absence of the IS. And starting a price of R1 051 200, the ES does an exceptional job of rivalling the 3 Series and C-Class, which start at R920 231 and R943 506 respectively. The price gap closes quickly when you start adding optional extras, something common in German stables. Having grown by 165mm in length to 5 140mm, the ES is comfortable ahead of its traditional rivals the 5 Series (5 060mm) and E-Class (4 949mm). This of course equates to acres of rear legroom plus a 441-litre boot in the HEV and 462-litre boot in the BEV. In terms of price, the BMW 5 Series’ starting price of R 1 286 731 is R253 531 more than the Lexus ES, with the E-Class’ comes in at a premium of R283 067. It also undercuts another German rival, the Audi A5 (4 829mm), which has effectively replaced the A4 and A6, by R71 800. Semi-flush door handles make their debut on a Lexus product. Picture: Supplied The ES’ increased dimensions also mean that the 350e BEV model is 140mm longer than its all-electric rival, the Volvo ES90, which is more of a fastback than a traditional sedan. And at R1 561 000 the Lexus undercuts the ES90’s range opener by R29 000. Hybrid power The two Lexus ES 350h models feature the brand’s familiar naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine hooked up to an electric system. The mill on its own produces 139kW of power and 235Nm of torque, while a total system output of 182kW goes to the front wheels via e-CVT. The hybrid’s fuel consumption is 4.4 litres per 100km. It sprints from 0 to 100km/h on its way to a limited top speed of 200km/h. The all-electric Lexus ES 350e features a 74.6kWh battery pack hooked up to a front-mounted single electric motor. It makes 165kW/267Nm which will get the sedan to 100km/h from a standstill in eight seconds on its way to a limited top whack of 160km/h. Its claimed range is a very impressive 615km. The ES ushers in Lexus “Clean Tech x Elegance” design language which is described as an approach that combines advanced technology with a clean, sophisticated aesthetic. New design era The front features an evolution of the Lexus Spindle Body, which extends across the bonnet and into the bumper. The grille is integrated into the bodywork to create a wider and cleaner look along with new Twin L Signature Lamps. A flowing silhouette is complemented by semi-flush door handles, while the new Lexus ICON lighting signature makes it debut at the rear. The HEV models ride on 19-inch alloy wheels and the BEV on very distinctive and elegant 21-inch multi-spoke alloys. Although the interior might be more simplistic than before, typical Lexus craftsmanship makes it as sophisticated as ever. The clean architecture features embossed synthetic leather finishes with soft-touch surfaces everywhere, while the SE trim also befits from the enticing bamboo-layering. Space is plentiful inside the all-new Lexus ES. Picture: Supplied Disappearing act We really liked the Lexus-first Hidden Switches on the dashboard upholstery and multifunction steering wheels. These remain invisible until touched, which then illuminates to reveal their controls. Even in EX trim, the ES comes with a generous specification sheet featuring 14-inch infotainment system with 10-speaker sound system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof and moonroof and ambient lighting. The SE comes standard with 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system, head-up display, wireless charging, perforated synthetic leather and heated front seats. Upping the ante Apart from the bigger wheels, the BEV also gets semi-aniline leather upholstery, digital rear view mirror, rear roller blinds and adaptive LED headlights. Standard across the range is Lexus Safety Sense 4, which includes the likes of adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring a driver monitor camera. A scenic launch drive in all three model derivatives on pristine roads around the Cape Winelands this week was the perfect way to experience this superb sedan. The drive is a pleasure defined by extraordinary levels of comfort. Temperature controls are part of the hidden switches that disappears when not in use. Picture: Supplied Supersmooth drive The hybrid powertrain is supersmooth and so responsive that we didn’t even bother putting the Sport driving mode to the test. And its roadholding and cornering is so much more dynamic compared to an SUV due its lower centre of gravity. The BEV matches the hybrid in terms of acceleration off the mark, while its instant electric power is a great asset during overtaking. It’s cabin is so quiet, that the only thing you hear at the national limit is wind noise from the side mirrors. The all-new Lexus ES makes a brilliant case for anyone not entirely sold on an SUV. It sports seriously good looks, feels plush enough inside for royalty, drives like a dream and offers excellent value for money. It is also the perfect candidate to hit German brand snobbery for a six. Lexus ES pricing ES 350h EX – R1 051 200 ES 350h SE – R1 232 700 ES 350e SE – R1 561 000 *Pricing includes seven-year/105 000km warranty and maintenance plan, and eight-year/160 000km HEV and BEV battery warranty.

Alexander Isak said Liverpool have “still lots to improve” after the Swedish striker scored the winner to edge out nine-man Brentford 2-1 on Saturday. The Reds fell behind in west London to Keane Lewis-Potter’s header but the game turned just before half-time when Yehor Yarmoliuk was shown a straight red card for a headbutt on Jeremy Jacquet. Liverpool made their man advantage count as Victor Munoz levelled before Isak rifled in his fifth goal of the season on his return from injury. But the visitors struggled to see the game out comfortably, even after Vitaly Janelt saw a second yellow card in stoppage time to reduce the Bees to nine men. “I think there’s still lots to improve. We’re taking steps and we’re grabbing points on the way which is important,” said Isak, who was left watching the final stages as an anxious spectator after being replaced. “Us from the bench were screaming for the team to keep the ball and just play out the game.” Victory lifts Andoni Iraola’s men into fifth in the Premier League and within two points of second-placed Arsenal. But the Liverpool boss was also frustrated with how his side managed the game after Isak’s 70th-minute winner. “I think we played really well until the 2-1. After that we started to protect something, I think we didn’t manage the last minutes well,” said Iraola. “We lacked some composure on the ball. Sometimes it was just about keeping the ball more and not going for the goal with the first chance.”

The police in France have launched an investigation into the untimely and shocking death of 31-year-old South African rugby star Hyron Andrews. FRENCH POLICE PROBE HYRON ANDREWS’ DEATH The French police have launched an investigation into the death of 31-year-old Hyron Andrews, who died on Friday 16 October while on tour with the Lions in France. La Rochelle public prosecutor Arnaud Laraize confirmed told AFP that an investigation had been opened to find the cause of Andrews’ death. Investigators are reportedly treating the incident as a suspected accident, with an autopsy set to be conducted. “He was found unresponsive in a shower cubicle located in the hotel’s spa area. The shower was locked from the inside,” according to the prosecutor’s office. “There are no signs of violence on his body, and the involvement of a third party is not currently considered a likely scenario. An investigation into the cause of death has been entrusted to the gendarmerie,” according to the prosecutor’s office. WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT HYRON ANDREWS’ PASSING The Lions confirmed the death of Hyron Andrews in a statement expressing their heartbreak and passing on their condolences to his family. Hyron was believed to have died after a fall at the hotel on the Île de Ré. This was the Lions base ahead of their Investec Champions Cup match against La Rochelle on Saturday 17 October. Emergency services were reportedly called to the hotel shortly after 10:20am on Friday. However, attempts to resuscitate the rugby star were unsuccessful. The Sun reports that Andrews was found unconscious in a shower cubicle at the team’s hotel on the Ile de Re, an island off France’s western coast. “LIONS SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF STAR LOCK. It is with broken hearts that we mourn the passing of Hyron Andrews, a valued member of our Lions family. Our deepest condolences are with Maiglin, Hendrix, Emerson and the entire Andrews family during this incredibly difficult time,” read the post. “Rest in peace, Hyron. You will always be part of our family. ❤️,” read the post. Take a look at five things to know about Andrews here.

Swellendam, nestled in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains, is dealing with crime levels last seen more than a decade ago. Crime in the Swellendam police precinct has increased 23.5% over 3 years. Criminal activity is also up in the municipality’s other police precincts. Crime in Barrydale is up 34.9% and in Suurbraak 12%. But what’s behind this record-breaking crime spree? 283-year-old town reeling from crime Founded in 1743, Swellendam, a farming community in the Overberg, is falling victim to a common culprit in the Western Cape: drugs. Swellendam doesn’t have the poverty levels present in other Overberg municipalities. In Swellendam, most households live in formal dwellings and have access to formal ablution facilities. Only 5.79% of the local municipality’s 47 114 people receive a Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. To qualify, the grant’s beneficiaries must live below the Food Poverty Line (FPL). Theewaterskloof is the only Overberg local municipality where the percentage of beneficiaries is lower. Only 4.59% of residents in Theewaterskloof receive the grant. In the Overstrand, 6.42% of residents receive the grant, and in Cape Agulhas, 8.2%. The level of beneficiaries points to unemployment among working-age adults who could otherwise find work. In Swellendam, the data suggests crime may not be linked to poverty but to drug dependence. Drug-related crime has had the largest increase across multiple police precincts in Swellendam. In Barrydale, for example, drug-related crime increased by 52% in the year ending March 2026. In Swellendam, drug-related crime rose 44.6% over the same 12-month period. In the first quarter, drug crime continued this trend, rising by 47.7% in Swellendam. Drug crimes have a trickle-down effect, bringing with them a host of other crimes as dealers fight over territory and users support their habit. In the full-year data, common and serious assault are increasing, as are residential burglaries. In the year ending March 2026, theft rose 33.2% from the same period the year before. Common assault rose 30.8% and serious assault 26.7%. While residential burglaries rose 41.3% over 12 months, they declined by 18.2% in the first quarter. Record-Breaking Crime In the year ending March 2026, crime in Swellendam’s largest police precinct reached a 10-year peak. The last time crime was this bad in the town was in the year ending March 2015. In the first quarter of this year, crime rose 8.2% in the Swellendam police precinct. If crime continues its first-quarter trend, the Swellendam police precinct could reach record-breaking levels by March 2027. In Barrydale, the situation isn’t as severe. Crime peaked in the Barrydale police precinct in the year ending March 2016. March 2026 data shows the town still reports 13.5% fewer crimes than at its peak. However, crime isn’t under control in Suurbraak. The town has had two record-breaking years in the past five years.

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.