These easy chai masala cookies combine warming spices with a buttery, crisp texture and a sweet castor-sugar coating.

Thirty finalists have been selected for Proudly South African’s 2026 Local Fashion Police competition, with six winners set to receive fashion worth R50 000 and walk the runway at the grand finale.

As citizens take to the streets in protest from Paris and Milan to Lisbon and Tirana over soaring living costs, a fiery global message is echoing across borders: when economic pressure mounts and people feel unheard, frustration quickly boils over. With South Africa’s local government elections approaching on 4 November 2026, analysts warn that these international developments cannot be dismissed as distant news. Pushed to the brink by sluggish economic growth, rising fuel prices and collapsing municipal services, South Africa faces its own volatile mix of economic strain and pre-electoral tension. The student spark and the cost-of-living crisis France’s September protests began with high school students demanding better-resourced schools near Paris, before snowballing into nationwide demonstrations against inflation and fuel costs. Similar affordability protests have since gripped Italy, Portugal and Albania. Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast notes that global supply chain disruptions, particularly from the war in Ukraine, have driven up oil and food prices worldwide. Locally, this translates into severe domestic pressure. “Interest rates have gone up already, which has impacted the money we pay each month for cars, bonds and so on,” he explains. Chris Hattingh, executive director at the Centre for Risk Analysis, warns that narrow grievances can quickly escalate when citizens already feel ignored. “South Africa has the same ingredients,” he says, pointing to rising diesel costs, interest rate hikes and stagnant GDP per capita. “The first warning signs will appear in municipalities, where people see failures every day.” Ballots versus streets Because France’s protests were galvanised by students, attention naturally turns to South Africa’s rich history of youth-led resistance, from Sharpeville and Soweto to #FeesMustFall. Yet analysts are divided on how today’s youth will channel their frustration. Breakfast argues that youth participation signals a rejection of apathy: “If protests are led by the youth, it means young people are not politically apathetic. But we should not confuse protests with voter apathy, because withdrawing from elections can also be a form of protest.” Hattingh is less optimistic. He believes joblessness, the primary grievance among young South Africans, will keep many away from the polls. “Most young people will stay home on 4 November, because they are the group least likely to register,” he says. He warns that unaddressed economic pain risks spilling into violence: “Since October, anti-immigrant attacks in Durban, Soweto and Gqeberha have already forced government policy changes. That shows what economic pain can produce.” Political analyst Daniel Silke cautions that extremist or populist elements could hijack legitimate anger if job creation remains stagnant. “You’ve got to get your house in order,” he says. “Clean governance, responsible leadership and economic policies that encourage growth rather than hinder investment are essential.” Local elections and municipal accountability With voters heading to the polls, local government will bear the brunt of dissatisfaction. South Africans face mounting pressure from electricity tariff hikes, rate increases, and widespread infrastructure decay, from unbilled water losses to failing sewage treatment works. Martin van Staden, head of policy at the Free Market Foundation (FMF), argues that parties must focus on what municipalities can control rather than blaming global shocks. “Municipalities have policymaking authority that can lessen the burden on ordinary South Africans, including rate cuts and creating a safe environment for business,” he says. “This must go beyond slogans and delaying tactics. Politicians must make sacrifices, not just expect them from ratepayers.” Van Staden adds that while the ANC’s majorities have dwindled, many citizens have opted out of the electoral process entirely, sometimes expressing disillusionment through destructive riots. “We cannot blame citizens for opting out of a mechanism that has not delivered for decades,” he notes. Looking ahead International headlines show that governments can no longer take public patience for granted. Local experts agree that South African leadership must act before discontent boils over. Municipalities must ensure that funds collected from utility bills are reinvested into fixing electrical and water networks rather than lost to administrative failure. As the FMF and CRA argue, South Africa must pursue genuine deregulation, protect property rights, lower state spending and encourage private-sector investment to tackle mass unemployment. Ultimately, leaders must provide transparent targets and timelines. Hattingh notes that citizens are far more forgiving of slow progress than of silence. If leaders fail to address economic pain openly, vulnerable communities risk falling prey to scapegoating and unrest. As the clock ticks down to 4 November, Europe’s burning streets serve as an urgent reminder to Johannesburg and municipal councils alike: sustainable governance and economic opportunity are no longer optional; they are the only safeguard against domestic upheaval.

Rising loose forward star Paul de Villiers will captain the Stormers for the second time when they welcome Wesh side Llanelli Scarlets to the Cape Town Stadium for their United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter on Saturday afternoon. The Springbok flank stepped up last week when regular captain Ruhan Nel was a late injury withdrawal from the squad for their Champions Cup clash with Bristol Bears, and he will now continue in that role with Nel being rested as a precaution. De Villiers is joined by fellow former Junior Springbok captains Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in a match 23 which features an exciting blend of youth and experience. Markus Muller makes his first start for the Stormers at inside centre and is joined in midfield by Wandisile Simelane, who stepped in for Nel and put in a strong performance against Bristol. Warrick Gelant starts at fullback and Haashim Pead makes his first start at scrumhalf in the two other changes to the backline. Cobus Reinach and Yaqeen Ahmed are set to be unleashed from the replacements bench in the second half. Dayimani back In the loose trio Hacjivah Dayimani makes his return at the back of the scrum, having missed out last week due to concussion, which sees Evan Roos shift to blindside flank. There is an all-new lock pairing as Norton and Connor Evans start this week, with JD Schickerling and Adré Smith set to feature after half-time. The all-Springbok front row of Porthen, André-Hugo Venter and Ntuthuko Mchunu is backed up by Olly Reid, Lukhanyo Vokozela and Neethling Fouché. Director of Rugby John Dobson said that this will be an exciting team to watch as they look to continue their unbeaten run against the Scarlets. “We have four players in Markus Muller, Riley Norton, Olly Reid and Yaqeen Ahmed who are young enough to be playing for the Stormers Bolts, along with the likes of Deon Fourie who is the second most-capped player of all time for this club. “There are some really dynamic combinations both in the starting line-up and the replacements bench and they will all be tested against a Scarlets team that has made an impressive start to the season. “We have enjoyed some great support this month and everyone is looking forward to an electric atmosphere at DHL Stadium once again.” Stormers starting XV Warrick Gelant, Seabelo Senatla, Wandisile Simelane, Markus Muller, Leolin Zas, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Haashim Pead, Hacjivah Dayimani, Evan Roos, Paul de Villiers (c), Connor Evans, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, André-Hugo Venter, Ntuthuko Mchunu Bench: Lukhanyo Vokozela, Olly Reid, Neethling Fouché, Adré Smith, JD Schickerling, Deon Fourie, Cobus Reinach, Yaqeen Ahmed

Rhodes University is working with public health authorities to investigate a cluster of gastrointestinal illnesses reported among members of its community in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape. The university said it reported the cluster on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, after a number of cases were identified among its students and community. Subsequent enquiries with local medical practitioners indicated that similar illnesses were also being reported elsewhere in Makhanda, suggesting that the situation may not be limited to the university campus. “Subsequent enquiries with local medical practitioners indicate that similar cases are being reported elsewhere in Makhanda,” the university said. The university is now working with local health authorities and environmental health practitioners to establish the possible cause and scope of the illnesses. Rhodes University says water testing under way While the investigation continues, Rhodes University has introduced several precautionary measures on campus. These include urgent water-quality testing at university residences, providing safe drinking water in dining halls and introducing additional precautions around food preparation. The university said reported cases are being monitored and that medical support has been coordinated for affected students. It has also urged staff and students to take extra care with water, food and hygiene both on and off campus. Students and staff have been advised to: Drink boiled and cooled or bottled water. Use safe water when preparing food and brushing their teeth. Avoid ice made from untreated water. Avoid uncooked food that may have been washed with untreated water. Wash their hands regularly with soap and water. Symptoms to watch for Gastrointestinal illnesses can cause symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever. Rhodes University has advised anyone experiencing these symptoms to stay hydrated by drinking safe fluids and to seek medical advice. Those experiencing severe symptoms should seek urgent medical attention. The university said it would continue monitoring the situation and provide further updates as verified information becomes available. “Rhodes University takes the health and well-being of its community seriously and remains committed to responding swiftly and responsibly as the investigation continues,” it said. Government responds to separate water-related illness outbreak The developments at Rhodes University come as government is also responding to a separate gastrointestinal illness outbreak in Bronkhorstspruit, in the City of Tshwane. A total of 408 cases were reported between 7 and 18 October 2026, prompting government to establish a multi-pronged response team. Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said at a media briefing that the illness was believed to be linked to contaminated water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works. The City of Tshwane subsequently warned residents supplied by the Bronkhorstspruit water system not to use tap water for human consumption after laboratory testing found serious bacterial contamination. Water samples collected from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant, as well as the Zithobeni and Ekandustria reservoirs, on 14 October reportedly showed serious bacterial contamination. However, there is currently no indication that the Rhodes University illnesses are linked to the Bronkhorstspruit outbreak. The university is still investigating the possible cause of the illnesses in Makhanda. Rhodes University contact details Students who require medical assistance can contact the Rhodes University Health Care Centre on 046 603 8523 or email healthcarecentre@ru.ac.za. After-hours emergencies can be reported to the RU ER24 emergency number on 010 205 3068. Students are also encouraged to notify their warden or sub-warden if they become ill.

South African National Parks (SANParks) will officially increase entry prices to all its parks on Sunday, 1 November 2026. SANParks changes its conservation fees every year on 1 November. The new tariffs apply from 1 November 2026 until 31 October 2027, according to SANParks. The current pricing for gate entry to the Kruger National Park is: South African citizen R134 per adult and R67 per child SADC nationals R275 per adult and R137 per child International visitors R602 per adult and R300 per child NEW PRICES Local residents only see a 4.5% increase, while international visitors have a 15% increase. South African citizen R140 per adult and R70 per child SADC nationals R296 per adult and R147 per child International visitors R692 per adult and R345 per child SADC countries include: Angola Botswana Comoros Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Eswatini (Swaziland) Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Seychelles Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe ADDITIONAL COSTS Kruger National Park conservation fees cover entry only. They are paid at rest camp reception when you check in. There is also a 1% mandatory community levy that is not included in the daily rates. On SANParks’ website, this 1% is added to accommodation and activity reservations. Accommodation, food, fuel and guided drives are all extra costs to consider as well. Can you avoid the daily fee? Yes, with a Wild Card. Members of SANParks’ loyalty programme do not pay conservation fees if they show ID and their card on arrival. For longer trips or visits to several parks, it can work out cheaper than paying daily. READ | How much does it cost to: Take your family to the Blyde River Canyon? READ | How much does it cost to: Take your family to visit Robben Island? READ | How much does it cost to: Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium? READ | How much does it cost to: Take your family to Johannesburg Zoo? READ | How much does it cost to: Take your family to Gold Reef City? READ | How much does it cost to: Take the family to uShaka Marine World? READ | How much does it cost to: Attend the Nedbank Golf Challenge? READ | How much does it cost to: Visit Kirstenbosch Gardens? READ | How much does it cost to: Attend St Stithians? READ | How much does it cost to: Catch the Cape Town Red Bus? READ | How much does it cost to: Visit Cape Point? READ | How much does it cost to: Buy a Kaizer Chiefs season ticket? READ | How much does it cost to: Take the cable car up Table Mountain? READ | How much does it cost to: Take the family to watch the Springboks?

PHP is rushing out fixes for two critical flaws, and Cloudflare says early attacks have already begun.

The telecoms group wants one body to coordinate AI rules, with existing sector regulators doing the enforcing.