IOL
Proteas ready to overcome Travis Head and go the distance for victory, says Marco Jansen
Star all-rounder Marco Jansen says the Proteas will take it deep into the fifth day if they need to complete victory in the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park.
IOL
National Media Group condemns Gayton McKenzie’s attack on press freedom
NMG has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to act against Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie after remarks directed at IOL during a Black Wednesday broadcast.
The Citizen
24 hours in pictures: Gaza destruction, David Tlale’s fashion comeback, a giant pink duck and more
We bring you a visual snapshot of the day’s news events, featuring the destruction left by Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, South African fashion designer David Tlale showcasing his new collection at Johannesburg City Library, a giant pink rubber duck arriving on the Brisbane River in Australia, and capybaras at a Scottish zoo interacting with pumpkins ahead of Halloween. These are some of the compelling images from South Africa and around the world. (For best view, click on image for fullscreen) A man stands in a destroyed building in the Jabalia camp for Palestinian refugees in the northern Gaza Strip on October 20, 2026. Israel’s military offensive against Hamas after the October 7, 2023 attack has displaced nearly all the population of Gaza and killed more than 74,450 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which is under Hamas authority and whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations. (Photo by Bashar Taleb / AFP) Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman’s 15-metre-tall pink Rubber Duck is seen during a media call for the opening of Melt Festival 2026 at New Farm Park on October 21, 2026 in Brisbane, Australia. The pink Rubber Duck is on display on the Brisbane River from October 21 to November 8, 2026, as part of Melt Festival. (Photo by Polina Levina/Getty Images) Nuns wait under an umbrella before the weekly general audience of Pope Leo XIV at St Peter’s Square in The Vatican on October 21, 2026. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP) The team from the Ministry of Finance arrive at the Good Hope Chamber for the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement on October 21, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. The statement updates national economic forecasts, adjusts spending plans, and sets the fiscal framework for the upcoming budget cycle. (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams) People hold posters as they gather to protest against the proposed austerity measures and social spending cuts, as the South African finance minister (not pictured) is due to deliver the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement in Cape Town, on October 21, 2026. (Photo by RODGER BOSCH / AFP) Wami (right) looks towards another white rhinoceros in their pen at the Paris Zoological Park on October 20, 2026. With a “lump in their throats”, the staff at the Paris Zoological Park bid farewell to the iconic white rhinoceros Wami, who has flown to Mexico to help ensure the genetic diversity of this endangered species. (Photo by Simon WOHLFAHRT / AFP) An Iranian actor wearing a mask depicting US President Donald Trump is seen inside a mock prison cell installed onto a street billboard at Tajrish Square in Tehran on October 21, 2026. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) South African fashion designer David Tlale (not pictured) poses for photographs with models after showcasing his new collection, titled “Restoration”, at the Johannesburg City Library, 20 October 2026, marking his comeback at South African Fashion Week (SAFW). Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The Citizen A man on a motorcycle pulls a cart loaded with bags of waste in Hanoi on October 21, 2026. (Photo by Nhac NGUYEN / AFP) Farmers harvest traditional log-hive honey in the highlands of Hizan district known for their rich vegetation, as the honey harvest season begins in Bitlis, Turkiye, on October 20, 2026. (Photo by Orhan Alca/Anadolu via Getty Images) Capybaras at Five Sisters Zoo interact with pumpkins in their enclosure ahead of Halloween on October 21, 2026 in West Calder, Scotland. The Five Sisters Zoo outside Edinburgh is home to more than 160 different species from around the world, including rescued animals. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Workers prune plants at Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore on October 21, 2026. (Photo by Roslan RAHMAN / AFP) A woman carries bags of cans as she walks along a street in Chinatown in the Manhattan borough of New York, on October 20, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) Soldier silhouettes are pictured in the grounds of Waddesdon Manor in Aylesbury, Southern England on October 21, 2026. National Trust property Waddesdon Manor is hosting a display featuring 1476 silhouettes commemorating those who gave their lives during the D-Day landings (6 June 1944).”D-Day 1476 – For Your Tomorrow”. Each life size silhouette, represents a life lost under British command on D-Day, is on display until November 29. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) Children interact with a panda robot during the 140th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) on October 20, 2026 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of China.The robot exhibition area at the Canton Fair is a specialized section focusing on intelligent manufacturing and embodied intelligence. It showcases a wide range of domestic intelligent equipment, including humanoid robots, industrial collaborative robots, household service robots, and specialized robots for specific tasks. Through live demonstrations, it demonstrates China’s technological prowess in intelligent manufacturing and its competitiveness in the global market. (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images) Camille Piantoni riding After Summer (L) and Jacinta Jenkins riding Miss Dividend during a recovery session at Altona Beach on October 21, 2026 in Altona North, Australia. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images) Workers replace one of the German national flags atop the roof of the Bundestag (Federal Parliament) building in Berlin, Germany, on October 21, 2026. Staff hoisted the tricolor flag of black, red, and gold as part of routine maintenance on the historic Reichstag building. (Photo by Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images) This aerial photograph shows French skipper Violette Dorange abroad her monohull Imoca Initiative Coeur arriving in the harbour of Saint-Malo, northwestern France, with other Imoca class monohull, with other Imoca class monohull, a few days prior to the start of the Route du Rhum solo sailing race from Saint-Malo, to Pointe-a-Pitre in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe. (Photo by Lou BENOIST / AFP)
The Citizen
South Africa v Australia second Test: Day four highlights
At the close of play on day four, after being forced to follow on, Australia had reached 156/4, trailing South Africa by 170 runs in the second Test in Gqeberha on Tuesday. Travis Head was on 87 not out off 138 and Scott Boland was unbeaten on two off 23. Jansen strengthens Proteas control After resuming their first innings at 3/1 in the morning session, Australia were completely dismantled by the Proteas attack. All-rounder Marco Jansen, who had hit a superb half-century in the SA team’s first innings, continued to shine with the ball by taking 5/33. Jansen returned his best figures in a Test innings, wrapping up his second career five-wicket haul in a five-day innings. All-round effort from Proteas bowlers While much has been said about the Australian team’s powerful attack, the SA side’s bowlers proved they had just as much firepower. Backing up Jansen, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada returned 2/33 in his first match after being sidelined by a hamstring injury. All-rounder Wiaan Mulder also took 2/14, playing a key role in restricting Australia’s batters. After sending the Baggy Greens straight back in to bat, Rabada took 2/30 and spinner Simon Harmer grabbed 2/47 before stumps were drawn. Head hangs on With their backs against the wall, Australia’s top order struggled to put up a fight in their second innings, chasing a massive total of 326 just to make South Africa bat again. With almost zero chance of winning the match, the best option the tourists had was to stick their heels in at the crease and attempt to play out a draw. The top half of their batting line-up crumbled, however, and opener Travis Head was left to pick up the pieces. If he was to pull off a miracle and save his team from a likely defeat on day four, he needed to hope that he received a tremendous amount of support from Australia’s tail.
The South African
Triple murder suspect Tshuma ‘not eating or sleeping well’, court hears
Triple murder suspect Ndodana Tshuma has reportedly been struggling to eat and sleep, prompting his lawyer to request a specialist medical assessment during his appearance at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court. According to reports from the court proceedings on Wednesday, 21 October, Tshuma’s lawyer, Chrispin Machingura, raised concerns about his client’s condition as the defence and state attempted to resolve outstanding issues surrounding a plea and sentencing agreement. The proceedings took a turn when Tshuma reportedly told the court that he could not remember pleading guilty or signing the document presented to him. The case was postponed to 29 October to allow further consultations between Tshuma and his legal representative, SABC News reported. lawyer requests sApecialist assessment Machingura reportedly told the court that his client had not been eating and sleeping well. He requested that Tshuma be examined by a specialist for a medical assessment. The request came as the defence sought to clarify Tshuma’s position on the plea agreement, which had been expected to be finalised during Wednesday’s proceedings. According to the reports, Tshuma maintained that he was innocent and said he could not remember pleading guilty. When his lawyer showed him the document he had signed, he reportedly said he could not recall signing it. The development raised further questions about whether the outstanding plea and sentencing arrangements could proceed as planned. The court granted a postponement to allow the defence more time to consult with Tshuma. His reported difficulties sleeping and eating should not, however, be taken as a medical diagnosis, and the request for an assessment does not establish that he has a particular condition. Why Tshuma is appearing in court Tshuma, a British national of Zimbabwean descent, is wanted in the United Kingdom in connection with the alleged murders of his wife, Zandile, and their two daughters, Natalie and Nala. He was arrested in Johannesburg in July following an international manhunt. South African proceedings include charges relating to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as contraventions of the Immigration Act. Tshuma had previously pleaded guilty to firearm-related and immigration offences in South Africa, with the state and defence working towards a plea and sentencing agreement. However, outstanding documentation and discrepancies delayed the finalisation of the agreement. His South African criminal proceedings are separate from the extradition process through which British authorities are seeking his return to face the murder allegations. The next court appearance on 29 October is expected to allow further consultations between Tshuma and his lawyer as the local proceedings continue.
The South African
SAPS wants YOU: Applications open for 5 500 trainees
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened applications for 5 500 entry-level police trainee positions for the 2026/2027 financial year. This is an opportunity for the youth of South Africa to pursue a career in law enforcement. SAPS opened the recruitment on Wednesday, 21 October and applications officially close on 13 November. #sapsHQ [YOUR FUTURE. YOUR COUNTRY. YOUR CALL: SAPS OPENS ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR 5 500 POLICE TRAINEES]The nationwide online recruitment drive opens today, 21 October 2026, and closes on 13 November 2026.Eligible applicants who have no criminal records or pending criminal… pic.twitter.com/wB3mKUXBI2— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 21, 2026 South Africans between the ages of 18-35 are encouraged to apply, with a particular emphasis on those who are fit, disciplined and committed to serving their communities. Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the National SAPS spokesperson, said the recruitment drive aims to attract young people that are passionate about making a difference and contributing to a safer South Africa. #sapsHQ [WATCH: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO SAPS ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR 5 500 POLICE TRAINEES]The nationwide online recruitment drive opens today, 21 October 2026, and closes on 13 November 2026.Watch the video for a step-by-step guide on how to apply online and take the first… pic.twitter.com/gsyuRIac8x— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 21, 2026 HOW TO APPLY If you’re interested in applying, you can do so on the official SAPS recruitment portal here. Applicants are required to create a profile and verify their account. Once the account has been verified, the applicant needs to follow the step-by-step application process to apply for the positions. Applicants must not have a previous criminal record or a pending criminal case. Graduates are encouraged to apply. “Graduates in Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Forensic Investigation and Information Technology may be considered for placement within the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks; Detective and Forensic Services; and Crime Intelligence,” said Van Wyk. “The targeted recruitment process will also seek to identify suitably qualified young people from underrepresented racial groups who meet the prescribed requirements.” SAPS warns against recruitment scams SAPS also emphasised applications are completely free and warned candidates against individuals demanding money in exchange for employment or promising to influence the recruitment process. Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply early and use only official SAPS recruitment channels. During the academy institution phase, all trainees receive a monthly stipend of R5 000. Upon completing basic training and advancing to the probation phase as permanent constables, officers receive a starting salary of R248 175 per annum alongside standard public service benefits. During the previous recruitment drive closing in July 2025, SAPS received 1 021 563 applications for 5 500 roles, including 334 765 tertiary graduates, highlighting severe youth unemployment in South Africa.
TechCentral
Innovex 2026: taking opportunity to where potential lives
Innovex 2026 is a free, two-day summit in Rustenburg for South African entrepreneurs.
TechCentral
Discovery ranks cybercrime as its top risk, citing frontier AI
Discovery has moved cybercrime to the top of its risk register, warning frontier AI models are speeding up attacks.