Norway plans to extend its proposed social media ban for under-16s to include “harmful” gaming and chat sites like TikTok, Snapchat, and Roblox, requiring platforms to implement age-verification systems by the end of 2026.

In the wake of Samora Machel's legacy, Southern Africa is called to reflect, engage, and act. What responsibilities lie with us today as we pursue the ideals of freedom and dignity that Machel championed? Are we ready to contribute to the vibrant future he envisioned for Africa?

North West businessman Suliman Carrim’s health came under scrutiny in his bail application, with the state accusing him of relying on his medical condition when it suits him while repeatedly failing to honour his obligation to testify before the Madlanga commission. The allegation emerged during closing arguments in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 October 2026, where the prosecution maintained that Carrim could not be trusted to attend future proceedings if released on bail. Carrim spent the weekend at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre following his arrest last Thursday at OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni. He was arrested while preparing to board a flight to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Missed Madlanga commission appearances leads to arrest Carrim faces a charge of failing to appear before the Madlanga commission after a criminal complaint was lodged against him over alleged contempt of court. The businessman, who previously claimed that he faced death threats, last appeared before the commission on 9 and 10 March 2026 and was due to return on 15 April. However, he allegedly suffered a heart attack two days before the scheduled appearance. Carrim’s repeated absences on ill health between April and July prompted concerns from the commission. He was eventually ordered to appear in person on 14 August, but failed and did not return to the inquiry. State opposes Suliman Carrim bail At the start of Monday’s proceedings, Advocate Hendrik Potgieter informed the court his mandate to represent Carrim had been terminated after the businessman changed his firm of attorneys. Advocate Dawie Joubert took over the defence. State prosecutor Donald Shiko subsequently informed the court that Carrim’s residential address in Leopard Park, Mahikeng, had been verified. The state also confirmed Carrim had a return flight ticket dated 27 October 2026, after previously raising concerns that he could flee the country. However, Shiko maintained these developments did not change the prosecution’s position on bail. “I have also informed my colleagues further that, inasmuch as such were confirmed to be positive, the state is still opposing the release of the accused,” the prosecutor told the court. He argued Carrim’s conduct surrounding his absences from the commission remained a significant concern. The state also highlighted that the accused’s response during cross-examination raised questions about whether he would remain available to attend his trial. “This court, the very same court, could find itself in a position where the applicant does not remain in attendance of the proceedings. “This is prompted by the applicant’s response to a question to him under close examination that said that should he be granted bail and does not get any better, he is not going to be in attendance of the proceedings.” Carrim defends overseas travel plans During his testimony last week, Carrim told the court that he had planned to travel to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan for “spiritual upliftment”. He maintained that the trip had been recommended by his doctor as a result of the stress, anxiety, and panic attacks he has been experiencing over the past few months. It was previously revealed at the Madlanga commission that the businessman received a “psychiatric diagnosis“. Carrim denied intending to remain outside South Africa. While the state raised concerns about the five bags of luggage he carried at the airport, Carrim claimed the bags largely contained sweets and snacks for “humanitarian” purposes in Pakistan. To support his explanation, he produced his travel itinerary and return ticket. He also submitted a South African Police Service (Saps) clearance certificate to demonstrate that he had no criminal history. This followed the state’s allegation that he had previously faced fraud and negligent driving cases, which were subsequently withdrawn. Carrim further told the court that he wanted to improve his health before returning to the Madlanga commission to complete his testimony. Prosecutor challenges credibility In his closing submissions, Shiko questioned the businessman’s intended departure from South Africa, including the circumstances surrounding his arrest at the airport. He highlighted that investigating officer Captain Kubayi had testified that Carrim’s passport had been flagged and the police were notified of his intention to leave the country. Carrim was subsequently arrested at approximately 8.43pm. The state further argued Carrim had not disclosed all his residential properties, claiming that he owned two properties in Johannesburg and another in Cape Town, in addition to his home in Mahikeng. “The applicant only gave [the police] his Mahikeng address,” Shiko argued. The prosecutor accused Carrim of changing his testimony, particularly when explaining why he had failed to return to the commission. “The applicant was not a credible witness as he was tailoring his version to seek his narrative. “He was evading most questions put to him by the state.” State questions medical justification Shiko also pointed to what he described as inconsistencies in Carrim’s explanations about his health and his ability to participate in legal proceedings. He contended Carrim had been able to testify in court last week and challenge propositions he disagreed with, despite maintaining he had been unwell since April. “When asked about this, he then resorted to saying that he was advised by his doctor that he should not be subjected to cross examination. “His legal representative advised him to go through the process because they understood the implication of him not testifying. “However, such advice was not given to the applicant that he needed to go to the commission for his testimony to be finalised.” The prosecutor emphasised that, according to his own account, Carrim’s condition had not improved. “The health of the applicant arises every time when it suits him, particularly under cross-examination.” Middle East conflict cited as flight risk concern Shiko also raised concerns about the potential impact of the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran on Carrim’s ability to return to South Africa had he successfully left the country. The prosecutor argued that the conflict in the Middle East had affected airline operations and could have disrupted the businessman’s travel arrangements. “The UAE has been affected by the ongoing war and, as such, most airlines were suspended and some were cancelled. “The applicant had been successful in flying out, and whilst on the trip the war intensified, there would have been a likelihood that the applicant was not going to be able to fly back to South Africa.” The state maintained that Carrim’s history of missed appearances strengthened its opposition to bail. “What I would also like to place on record is the fact that the applicant was ready to be on a trip that takes between 12 and 15 hours, which was encouraged by his doctor; however, he failed to appear at the proceedings that lasted for about 8 to 10 hours in the commission.” Defence disputes state’s case against bail Joubert, in his closing arguments, rejected the prosecution’s position, arguing that the state failed to provide sufficient grounds to oppose Carrim’s release. “There must at least be substance and a greater deal of possibility that what they believe will happen,” he told the court. The defence lawyer highlighted that Carrim’s residential address had been verified and that he possessed a return flight ticket. Joubert also argued that his client’s evidence had gone largely unchallenged, adding that Carrim had no outstanding cases against him. The court postponed the matter until Wednesday, 28 October, for judgment on the bail application.

Actress Hellen Motsuki is expecting her second child while portraying pregnant Melita on Skeem Saam. Speaking to The Citizen, Motsuki said the overlap between her personal life and her character’s storyline helped her connect with some of the emotions associated with pregnancy. “It’s quite something to have life and work overlap in this way. Melita and I are sharing a beautiful chapter, though we’re each living it in our own way,” she said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hellen Motsuki (@hellen__bright) Taking things one day at a time Motsuki said becoming a mother changed her perspective on life. She said she is looking forward to welcoming another child into her family. “What surprises me most is how much love your heart can hold, and how a tiny person can completely change your priorities! “Every pregnancy has its own journey, and this one has reminded me to take things one day at a time,” she added. The actress said her personal experience helped her understand some of the emotions associated with Melita’s pregnancy while allowing her to approach the character’s story on its own terms. “My experience helps me connect with some of the emotions and tenderness of pregnancy, while I make sure to honour what Melita is going through as a character. It’s given me an extra layer of empathy for her,” she said. Melita’s pregnancy storyline Motsuki said Melita’s pregnancy storyline explores the challenges the character faces while caring for her unborn child. “The storyline explores the challenges Melita faces while caring for and nurturing the life growing inside her. It’s interesting, emotional, painful, scary-and entertaining,” she said. Motsuki added the storyline also brought Melita and Mr Kgomo closer. “Pregnancy has a way of bringing people closer, and it has certainly brought Melita and Mr Kgomo closer,” she said. The actress said viewers can expect an emotional storyline exploring different aspects of Melita’s pregnancy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skeem Saam Official Page (@officialskeemsaam) Balancing motherhood and work Motsuki said balancing motherhood and her career remains an ongoing process as she prepares to welcome her second child. “Balance is something I’m always working on. You don’t get it right every single day,” she said. She said her career, family, business and responsibilities as a mother are all important parts of her life. “What makes it beautiful is the joy and passion I carry with me every day,” she said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hellen Motsuki (@hellen__bright)

South Africa is heading into a potentially hot, dry summer, with a strong El Niño expected to increase heatwave risk across much of the country. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall across much of the country during the coming summer. SAWS has warned that the strong El Niño event and continued global warming could lead to a high frequency of heatwaves, some potentially severe. Which provinces face the biggest risk this summer? While the warmer conditions are expected across much of South Africa, several provinces and regions are particularly exposed. KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga are already experiencing heatwave conditions this October. SAWS warned last week that persistently high temperatures were affecting parts of all three provinces, with northern KwaZulu-Natal, parts of the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga among the areas affected. The risk extends beyond those three provinces. Agricultural experts have identified the Free State, North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo as particularly vulnerable to hotter and drier conditions during the 2026/27 summer season. These provinces are important grain-producing areas, meaning prolonged heat and reduced rainfall could have consequences beyond simply making summer uncomfortable. Limpopo and Mpumalanga could feel the heat The Lowveld areas of Mpumalanga and parts of Limpopo can already experience very high temperatures during summer. SAWS has also warned of extremely high fire-danger conditions in parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, as well as the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape. Hot, dry conditions can increase the risk of veld and vegetation fires, while placing additional pressure on water supplies. What about Gauteng? Gauteng is also included in the broader national outlook for above-normal temperatures. The province is not necessarily expected to experience continuous heatwaves, however. SAWS stresses that seasonal forecasts describe the likelihood of conditions over a wider period, rather than predicting exactly when an individual heatwave will occur. Shorter-range forecasts will provide a clearer picture of specific heatwaves as summer progresses. A warning, not a guarantee of drought SAWS has been careful to point out that El Niño does not automatically mean drought. While below-normal rainfall is statistically the most likely outcome during the current event, previous El Niño seasons have produced different results in different parts of South Africa. The latest outlook nevertheless points to a hotter and drier summer being the most likely outcome across much of the country. The World Meteorological Organisation has also said the current El Niño is almost certain to persist until February 2027 and could rank among the strongest events since at least 1950.

Is there enough time for South Africa or Australia to get a result in the second Test? The weather has ruined the party in Gqeberha so far, delaying the second day of action. Here’s the forecast for the rest of the Test match that has been rained out so far. Gqeberha weather forecast for 20-22 October The South African Weather Service (SAWS) currently lists a 30% chance of more rain in the city at 14:00. On Tuesday and Wednesday (20 and 21 October), the service gives a 0% chance of rainfall. However, SAWS does indicate a 30% chance of more rain on Thursday, the final day of the second Test. The BBC’s weather prediction suggests sunny conditions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (20-22 October). According to the publication, the chance of rain also drops significantly from 14:00 this afternoon (19 October). Accuweather, meanwhile, predicts more rain today and again on Tuesday evening. However, drier conditions are expected up until Thursday, when there is a low chance of the weather dampening the Test. While predictions are not set in stone, we could be looking at a draw at St George’s Park. Update 🚨The rain has dissipated and the covers are off at Dafabet St George’s Park! 🌤️🏏The umpires have scheduled the next outfield inspection for 12:15pm.#Unbreakable #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/igZ9f0iFU3— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 19, 2026 What has happened in the Test series so far?  South Africa are trailing 0-1 in the series after a 214-run defeat in the first Test. The Proteas’ batsmen mostly failed to fire at Kingsmead in Durban, with Aiden Markram and David Bedingham getting some runs on the board. Matt Renshaw led for Australia with 272 across both batting innings. Only 12 overs have been bowled in the second Test so far. On 18 October, the Proteas were on 20/2, with Marques Ackerman and Temba Bavuma at the crease. Scott Boland was the pick of the Australian bowlers, with 2 wickets for 5 runs in his 3.2 overs so far. The series wraps up with the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town on 27-31 October. WILL THE GQEBERHA WEATHER FORECAST IMPROVE FOR THE REST OF THE TEST? Let us know your thoughts on the delay by clicking on the comment banner below.

Twelve young professionals were named winners at the 2026 TransUnion Rising Star Awards.

A previously committed amount of R3.8-billion for modernisation and for creditors still owed money was never released.