South Africa’s historic bid to host the 2036 or 2040 Olympic Games faces an awkward international paradox, as Athletics South Africa faces a six-month ban deadline from World Athletics following the mandated sacking of disgraced president James Moloi and mounting scrutiny of its caretaker leadership.

President Cyril Ramaphosa takes the ANC’s election campaign to KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday, seeking to rebuild support in eThekwini ahead of the November 4 local government elections.

North West businessman Suliman Carrim will be released from custody after the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court ruled in favour of his application for bail. In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, Magistrate Curlewis found that Carrim had provided sufficient grounds to warrant his release, subject to stringent conditions. Suliman Carrim arrested Carrim was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 15 October while preparing to board a flight to Saudi Arabia via the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He faces a charge of failing to appear before the commission after a criminal complaint was lodged against him over alleged contempt of court. The businessman last appeared before the commission on 9 and 10 March 2026 when he was questioned about his various dealings 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. Attempted theft Carrim is facing a separate case before the Musina Magistrate’s Court, involving charges of attempted theft of motor vehicles, fraud and uttering. The charges relate to an incident on 22 July 2026, when police officers stationed at the Beitbridge border post in Musina intercepted two vehicles allegedly being moved across the border en-route to Zimbabwe, before their intended onward transportation to Malawi. Two suspects, reportedly employed by Carrim, were arrested following the interception. Investigations allegedly revealed that the necessary authorisation for the vehicles to be transported across the border had not been obtained. Fraudulent bank documents were subsequently arranged, according to the South African Police Service (Saps). Carrim was later arrested on allegations that he had colluded with his employees in an attempt to steal the two vehicles. He made his first court appearance last week and is expected to return to the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 30 October 2026. Fraud and corruption probe Additionally, Carrim could face further charges linked to alleged fraud and corruption involving the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in North West. The matter remains under investigation by its cold case unit, which has been handling it since 2025, according to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. Mathe previously indicated that the investigation was at an advanced stage. In September, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate claims of maladministration, corruption, and irregular expenditure at the North West Transport Investments (NTI). Among the tender being examined is a contract worth R168 million awarded to a joint venture comprising Carrim’s company, Ziggy Investments and Tansnat Coachlines.

Salaries rose slightly in September, but rising fuel prices and persistent inflation continue to weigh on household purchasing power in South Africa. The PayInc Net Salary Index released on Wednesday showed that the average nominal net salary rose to R21 689, up 0.3% from August and 1.8% year on year. In real terms, the PayInc Net Salary Index rose marginally in September 2026 to R20 178, up 0.1% from August but still 2.6% lower than a year ago, reflecting the erosion of South Africans’ purchasing power. PayInc Net Salary Index is a monthly economic indicator that tracks average nominal and real net salaries. The core difference between average nominal and real net salaries lies in how inflation and purchasing power are measured: nominal net salary is the literal monetary amount you take home after deductions, while real net salary is that same amount adjusted for inflation to show what you can actually buy. Can salaries stand the pressure? Elize Kruger, an independent economist, noted that nominal net salaries are gradually trending higher, with the year-to-date average up 1.7% versus a 3.7% increase in 2025. Despite this marginal increase in take-home pay, the country’s economic outlook has worsened after renewed tensions in the Middle East. “Since April, significant fuel price increases following the outbreak of the Middle East conflict have driven up operating and transport costs across the economy, affecting households, businesses and energy-intensive industries such as mining and manufacturing.” Fuel prices Kruger said higher transport costs have become the dominant driver of both producer and consumer inflation and have triggered two interest rate increases and weaker confidence. “Transport costs have been a major contributor to rising producer and consumer inflation, with elevated international oil prices continuing to place pressure on the domestic economy.” This is as Brent crude oil was trading at $115 on Wednesday midmorning, with the ongoing Middle East conflict creating further uncertainty around the outlook for fuel prices. National Treasury has provided temporary fuel price relief for November and December through a partial reduction in fuel levies. Risk to businesses Kruger cautioned that businesses may struggle to fully absorb fuel price increases, raising the risk of further price adjustments across the economy. The country continues to face longer-term challenges with productivity growth continuing to lag behind salary growth. According to the latest South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) statistics, labour productivity growth in the formal non-agricultural sector accelerated during the first quarter of 2026. However, this improvement largely reflected a sharper contraction in employment alongside stronger output growth, rather than a broad-based increase in productive capacity. At the same time, growth in formal non-agricultural nominal unit labour costs moderated slightly to 3.5% in the first quarter, while economy-wide unit labour cost growth increased marginally to 3.2% in the second quarter. “These trends highlight the importance of improving productivity alongside salary growth to strengthen business competitiveness and create opportunities for sustainable economic expansion,” said Kruger.

Cape Town is gearing up for its annual Festive Lights Switch-On, with Nasty C, the reunited Liquideep and award-winning duo Jazzwrld and Thukuthela among the headline acts announced for this year’s free event. The City of Cape Town’s flagship festive celebration will take place at the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street on Sunday, 29 November, with entertainment scheduled from 16:00 to 22:00. The line-up brings together established South African performers, local talent and live entertainment as the Mother City prepares to welcome the festive season. Nasty C, Liquideep and Amapiano stars headline SAMA Award-winning duo Jazzwrld and Thukuthela will bring their Amapiano sound and summer hits to the stage. They will be joined by Liquideep, the electronic music duo behind popular tracks including Fairytale, Still and Alone, who have recently reunited. Multi-award-winning rapper Nasty C is also set to perform at the Grand Parade, while Afrikaans singer and former Idols contestant Monique Steyn will add another musical flavour to the event. Cape Town talent takes centre stage The event will also showcase homegrown performers, including Woodstock-born artist Ricky Vani Frontline, leader of Amafront, who returns after performing at the event in 2023. Khayelitsha rapper Dee Koala will bring her distinctive hip-hop sound to the festivities. Other performers include singer Ben Rodrigues, known for his pop anthems, and Cape Town-based singer and guitarist Vernon White, whose music blends soulful vocals with African influences in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa. DJ Dre, known for his Heart FM breakfast show feature Thank Heart It’s FriDre, will keep the music going with high-energy mixes. Neon Pulse will deliver an LED drumming performance, while the West London All Stars will also join the entertainment line-up. Radio personality Tyrone Paulsen and award-winning comedian Dalin Oliver will host the event. Dance competition returns for 2026 The annual Move with Melody Dance Competition will once again give aspiring dancers the opportunity to perform at one of Cape Town’s biggest festive events. Ten dance crews will compete at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre on 21 November 2026, with the top three finalists earning a place on the main Festive Lights stage. Entries are open until 9 November 2026. Aspiring contestants can submit a video entry by tagging @CTfestivelights and using the hashtag #FLSODance2026 on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook. Entries can also be sent via WhatsApp to 076 179 7047. City invites residents to celebrate The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, said the event was about celebrating the city’s culture and creativity while bringing communities together. “The Festive Lights Switch-On is not only about ushering in the festive season, but also about celebrating the year that has passed while looking forward to a new one,” Smith said. He added that the line-up would offer something for different audiences, from established performers to local artists. The free event is open to residents and visitors, with live music, dance and entertainment planned throughout the afternoon and evening. Event details Date: Sunday, 29 November 2026 Time: 16:00 to 22:00 Location: Grand Parade and Adderley Street, Cape Town Cost: Free

Heavy rain has affected several parts of the Eastern Cape, with Port St Johns recording one of the highest rainfall totals as thunderstorms and widespread showers swept across the province. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) had warned that a deepening surface trough and an upper trough could trigger thunderstorms across the eastern half of the province, with some becoming severe in the north-east. Which areas received the most rain? Rainfall measurements show that Port St Johns received particularly heavy rain during the recent severe weather. Rainfall figures published by Cape Town Data, using data attributed to the South African Weather Service, show that Port St Johns recorded 98mm of rain in the 24 hours ending at 08:00 on Tuesday, 27 October. Peddie recorded 37mm, while Mthatha received 32mm. The figures cover a 24-hour reporting period ending at 08:00 South African time. Port St Johns recorded the highest rainfall total among the stations listed nationally in that bulletin. According to SAWS, a deepening surface trough and an upper trough created conditions favourable for thunderstorms across the eastern half of the Eastern Cape,bringing heavy downpours, strong winds and hail. A surface trough is an area of relatively low atmospheric pressure. It can encourage warm, moist air to rise, allowing clouds and thunderstorms to develop. Which communities were affected? The heavy rainfall also affected communities across the OR Tambo District Municipality. According to SABC News, the municipality identified Mqanduli, Ngqeleni, Port St Johns, Qumbu and Tsolo among the areas experiencing flooding and travel disruptions. The municipality dispatched disaster management teams to assess the situation and identify households needing assistance. SAWS had warned that heavy rainfall could flood roads, bridges and low-lying settlements, while severe thunderstorms could disrupt electricity and communication services. Residents should continue checking official weather updates and avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and swollen rivers.

Energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa wants bilateral traders to pay a wheeling fee that funds free electricity for the poor.

Karen Nelson-Field brings global insight on large language models, human attention and brand discovery to South Africa.