South African coaches Rulani Mokwena and Steve Barker have guided Pyramids FC and Simba SC into the CAF Champions League group stages after commanding aggregate victories.

From Maali’s three-track EP to FKA Mash’s debut album, these four South African releases explore toxic relationships, growth, identity and creative freedom.

Tributes are continuing to pour in for actress and screenwriter Sibusisiwe Gugu Manqele following her death at the age of 35. Manqele’s family announced her passing in a statement on Friday, 23 October. According to the family, the actress died on 22 October after spending more than a week in hospital due to a cardiac condition. “It is with deep sadness that her family announces the passing of Sibusisiwe Gugu Manqele, aged 35, on 22 October 2026, after more than a week in hospital due to a cardiac condition,” the statement read. Manqele’s commitment to education and the creative arts Manqele’s family also highlighted her commitment to education and the creative industries through her research, mentorship and advocacy work. Born in Ulundi, northern KwaZulu-Natal, Manqele was a SAFTA-winning screenwriter, actress, voice artist and multidisciplinary artist. She was also the CEO of ContentWood. She contributed to several South African television productions, including Skeem Saam, Gomora, House of Zwide and Umkhokha. She also starred in Intersexions 2 and worked as an assistant director on Pass Over at the Market Theatre. Manqele was also involved in academia. She held qualifications in dramatic arts, creative writing, film and television from Wits University. At the time of her death, she was a Mellon-funded doctoral candidate in Culture, Communication and Media Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. According to her family, the university received her PhD examiners’ reports a few hours before her death. “A few hours before her passing, the University received her PhD examiners’ reports, which found that she had satisfied all requirements for her PhD, making her eligible for the degree upon attending to the recommended corrections,” the statement read. “Above all, Sibusisiwe loved God, and her faith was at the heart of everything she did,” the statement added. Tributes have since been shared on social media, with many reflecting on her work and influence. “So sad, followed her, she was such an inspiration,” Phakamile wrote on X. Condolences to family, friends and colleagues. May her soul rest peacefully — Kaluši (@LesibaLaBokgomo) October 24, 2026

Big Brother Mzansi All Stars winner Liema Pantsi has been showered with an unforgettable gift from her fans. Reality television star Liema Pantsi has been gifted a brand-new white Renault Kiger SUV by her devoted fanbase, the Lillies. The surprise left her emotional. Picture: Instagram The former Big Brother Mzansi All Stars winner received the vehicle as a combined birthday and homecoming present. Supporters celebrated her milestone with a gift worth far more than a bouquet. Posting on her social media, she wrote, ” I don’t even know where to begin.” “To be loved this loudly, this genuinely and this intentionally is something I will never take for granted. My supporters really came together and bought me a CAR! “What did I ever do to deserve a love like this? You guys have carried my dreams, celebrated my victories and believed in me even when I was still trying to figure life out. “I pray that God blesses each and every one of you beyond measure. May the love you continuously pour into me return to you a thousand times over.” Pictures and videos of the surprise have circulated on social media. They show the white SUV decorated with a massive pink ribbon on its bonnet and black balloons. Additionally, the reveal was captured during a TikTok livestream, with her visibly overwhelmed as she took in the unexpected gesture. The reality star was seen crying and laughing as the enormity of the gift sank in. Before that, she joked that “Uber officially lost a customer today”. Her reaction prompted excitement among supporters. Many of them celebrated the moment as a reflection of the close relationship she has built with her fanbase. Liema’s fans go all out The Lillies, also known as Liemies, have shown their commitment to the star beyond social media engagement. Previously, they rallied to raise substantial sums to support her ambitions. Reports say the fanbase previously pooled more than R600 000 through crowdfunding, plus another R100 000 for a birthday celebration. Their financial contributions have been linked to supporting Liema’s music career and perfume business. This highlights how fan communities can extend their influence beyond reality television. The latest gift adds a new chapter to that relationship. Once again, the supporters found a way to celebrate the star through a significant gesture. For Liema, the vehicle represents more than a new set of wheels. In addition, it is also a reminder of the community that has continued to back her since her time in the Big Brother house. Memorable moment for the reality star Fan-funded gifts and fundraising drives have become a visible part of celebrity culture, particularly among reality television personalities. This is especially true for Big Brother contestants whose supporters remain invested in their lives long after the show ends.

Pick n Pay’s results show its turnaround is making progress, but the retailer is still losing money. Its headline loss has narrowed by almost a third. Its biggest rival, meanwhile, keeps growing. So what does it mean for the millions of South Africans who do their weekly shop there? WHAT PICK N PAY’S RESULTS SHOW Pick n Pay released its interim results for the 26 weeks ended 30 August 2026 on Monday, 26 October. The group’s headline loss narrowed by 31.9% to R299 million, down from R439 million a year earlier. Group turnover rose by 2.4% to R60.5 billion, driven largely by its discount chain, Boxer, which grew by 6.3%. But the core Pick n Pay business is still struggling. It recorded a trading loss of R516 million, although that’s an improvement on the R621 million loss a year earlier. The group won’t pay an interim dividend. SIGNS OF PROGRESS There are some positives. Pick n Pay’s company-owned South African supermarkets recorded like-for-like sales growth of 2.4%. The group’s gross margin also improved by 0.7 percentage points, to 18.8%. The group ended the half-year with R10 billion in net cash, boosted by the sale of part of its stake in Boxer in May. On Thursday, 22 October, Pick n Pay also withdrew a restructuring process it announced in May, after reaching an agreement with the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu). The retailer is aiming to break even by 2029, under incoming CEO Spencer Sonn. A MARKET DOMINATED BY ONE GIANT Pick n Pay’s struggles come as its biggest competitor, Shoprite, continues to grow. According to retail research firm Trade Intelligence, Shoprite has extended a seven-year run of market share gains, and its stores are within 5km of 85% of South African households. Shoprite’s market value is now greater than that of Pick n Pay, Boxer, Woolworths and Spar combined. Analysts say Shoprite and Boxer have gained market share from Pick n Pay and Spar, which have faced both market pressure and internal challenges. WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR WALLET For shoppers, healthy competition matters, since it helps keep prices in check. For now, the market remains competitive. Boxer is expanding fast with low prices, while Spar, Woolworths, smaller chains and independent stores all compete for customers. The Competition Commission has also stepped in before. In 2019, its Grocery Retail Market Inquiry found that long-term exclusive lease agreements in shopping centres, which stop competitors from opening nearby, were anti-competitive and harmful to consumers and smaller retailers. Pick n Pay has until 31 December 2026 to phase out its own exclusive leases. If Pick n Pay recovers, shoppers benefit from stronger competition. If it keeps shrinking, more of the market could end up in fewer hands. HOW TO KEEP YOUR GROCERY BILL DOWN Compare prices across stores, since specials differ every week. Try house brands, which are often cheaper than big-name brands. Use loyalty programmes to collect discounts and rewards. Shop with a list, and stick to it. WHERE DO YOU DO MOST OF YOUR GROCERY SHOPPING, AND WHY? Let us know in the comments below…

The eThekwini Municipality has released updated information regarding which Durban beaches and public pools are safe and open for swimming. According to the municipality, as of 22 October, one Durban beach has been closed. The beaches currently closed are: REUNION BEACH “This status of beaches and pools will be updated as and when their status changes. You can still enjoy other recreational activities at closed beaches. You just can’t swim.” the municipality said. Open beaches in Durban as of 22 October The following 22 beaches in Durban are currently open for swimming between the hours of 06:00 and 18:30: POINT BEACH UMGABABA USHAKA WEDGE BEACH BRIGHTON COUNTRY CLUB WESTBROOK MDLOTI MAIN ANSTEY’S BEACH THEKWINI BEACH LAGUNA BEACH UMHLANGA MAIN BRONZE BEACH SOUTH BEACH DOONSIDE BEACH ADDINGTON NORTH BEACH BAY OF PLENTY BATTERY BEACH TOTI MAIN BEACH PIPELINE BEACH WINKLESPRUIT REUNION Open public swimming pools In addition to the open Durban beach updates, eThekwini Municipality also updated its open pool status, revealing that 41 swimming pools across Durban are open to the public. These are: HAMBANATHI BELVEDERE BUFFELSDALE VERULAM STANMORE RAINHAM NTUZUMA E KWAMASHU G DURBAN NORTH UMGABABA PIPELINE TIGER ROCKS UMLAZI D UMLAZI G ISIPHINGO HILLS ANSTEY’S BEACH PADDLING BRIGHTON BEACH PADDLING AUSTERVILLE MEREWENT TESSORIERE TILLS CRESENT LAMONTVILLE ALEX BULLEY CROFTDENE BAYVIEW ARENA PARK BELLAIR WESTVILLE CLERMONT MARIANRIDGE NAGINA CHESTERVILLE CHILDREN AMUSEMENT CENTER SOUTH BEACH RACHEL FINLAYSON LAGUNA PADDLING SUTTON PARK ROCHDALE KWAMASHU D ILLOVU BALKUMAR SINGH Swimming pools are open from 6:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday, and from 9:00 to 17:00 on Sundays and public holidays.

Absa says customers who hand banking credentials to an AI agent may be held liable, as local banks keep outside agents out.

Vox's Natalie van der Merwe explains why omnichannel communication matters for South African SMEs.