ON SATURDAY, 14 November, Port Natal Bowls’ district sides face NIBA in a test of whether the selectors have successfully blended technical skill, tactical intelligence, mental resilience and team chemistry into winning combinations.

Benjamin Dube, Judith Sephuma, Ntokozo Mbambo and Dumi Mkokstad are among the artists performing at the One Faith Gospel Concert at SunBet Arena in Pretoria on Wednesday, December 16, 2026.

A bomb threat triggered a major security operation at King Phalo Airport after an aircraft carrying 184 passengers landed safely and was isolated while authorities searched for a suspected explosive device. The South African Police Service (Saps) in the Eastern Cape has confirmed that a bomb threat was reported on an aircraft that landed at King Phalo Airport on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. Bomb threat Saps said the incident prompted an extensive emergency response involving multiple security and disaster management agencies. Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said an anonymous caller using a private number contacted authorities and alleged that a bomb was on board the aircraft. “Saps can confirm that a call was received from an unknown caller using a private number, alleging the presence of a bomb on the aircraft.” Security protocols The aircraft was subsequently isolated and secured in line with standard aviation security protocols while emergency teams were deployed to assess the threat. All 184 passengers on board safely disembarked without incident. “The aircraft is currently being held as part of standard security protocols. All 184 passengers on board have safely disembarked.” Investigation Gantana said a multidisciplinary team was activated and dispatched to the airport to secure the scene and conduct investigations. “The operation includes members of the Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 Explosive Detection Dogs, Hostage Negotiators, Disaster Management officials, Airport Security personnel and Emergency Medical Services.” Authorities have established a security perimeter around the aircraft while specialists work to determine the credibility of the threat. “A multidisciplinary response team has been activated and is on scene.” Gantana said investigations into the source of the bomb threat are under way and efforts are being made to trace the anonymous caller responsible for the alert. Avoid speculation While authorities continue their work, the public has been urged not to speculate. “The public is advised not to speculate and to allow security agencies to conduct their work without interference.” Police said no further information was available at this stage and that they would provide updates as the investigation progresses. Gantana added that the scene remains under the control of the relevant authorities as security teams continue to assess the situation.

While the Sharks are hoping to be more physical, fast and “more conditioned than we’ve ever been before” this season, they know lineouts and the kicking game will come to the fore in their immediate next match against Cardiff on Friday night. Forwards coach Warren Whiteley spoke of a growing rivalry with the Welsh side and their South Africa-born head coach, Corniel van Zyl, who was a lock in his playing days. The teams meet in the United Rugby Championship, with Sharks lock Stephan Lewies saying most players would not play on artificial surfaces like the one at Arms Park if they had a choice. Sharks forwards coach Whiteley said the Sharks were affected by the death of Hyron Andrews, who played at the Durban union for a decade from 2014 to 2024. The side’s hard-fought 40-33 win over Lyon in the Challenge Cup in France the day afterwards at the weekend was a fitting response, reflecting the “fight and resilience of the group”. “[Andrews] made a massive impact at the Sharks and we all knew and loved him. He was just an amazing guy. I played against him. I also coached him. Just a wonderful individual,” Whiteley said. Cardiff coach knows Sharks well The Sharks now face Cardiff in Wales in the second week of their tour. Munster follow in Ireland before the November break. “They’re a quality team and we know Corniel has a lot of experience when it comes to the set piece and especially lineout. He’s an astute lineout coach and he’s very smart and I’ve coached against him the last couple of years,” the Sharks coach added. “They are also a very smart team tactically. [Lineouts] will be a huge battle, as is the kicking game from both teams.” Whitely said Van Zyl, who had played Super Rugby for the Cheetahs before Benetton and Italy, knew the Sharks “intimately”. “And I think we have also worked closely with him. So we also know him quite well as coaches and as a group. So it’s a nice challenge for us.” Sharks tick their boxes on tour Whiteley said one of the main positives from the Lyon game was the Sharks’ speed and tenacity in defence. It was part of their three goals from the tour. “One was being faster and quicker and more conditioned than we’ve ever been before, and I think we’ve already seen some unbelievable positives in that area. “The other one was physical. We know that rugby’s a physical game, so in each and every area of the game, we want to be the most physical.” Their third goal was being “relentless”, evidenced by the Sharks snatching the win in Lyon despite the lead changing hands a few times before the hosts equalised with seconds remaining. “What’s pleasing for us is we’re starting to see that, and a lot of that comes from caring for each other, believing in each other. “We just want to keep building on that, keep growing together, connecting with each other.”

Kaizer Chiefs will be desperate to overturn their first-leg deficit when they host Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup second leg on Friday evening. Amakhosi suffered a 1-0 defeat in Zambia and must now deliver a strong home performance to keep their hopes of reaching the group stages alive. Fernando Da Cruz’s side will need to win by at least two clear goals to secure qualification, while failure to overturn the deficit will see them crash out of the competition. With their campaign on the line, Da Cruz is likely to field an attack-minded team as Chiefs look to put pressure on their Zambian opponents from the opening whistle. Here’s how Kaizer Chiefs could line up for the crucial encounter. Goalkeeper and Defence Renaldo Leaner is expected to start in goal, while Reeve Frosler could feature at right-back in the absence of the injured Thabiso Monyane. Miguel Ignacio and Thabo Moloisane could form the central defensive partnership, with Bradley Cross likely to occupy the left-back position. Kaizer Chiefs need a win at home Midfield In midfield, Sibongiseni Mthethwa could partner Lebohang Maboe in a central role, providing a balance between defensive cover and attacking support. Mduduzi Vilakazi could operate as the attacking midfielder, tasked with linking the midfield and attack while creating opportunities for Chiefs’ forwards. Attack Pule Mmodi could get the nod on the left wing, with Duba potentially starting on the opposite flank. Flavio Silva is expected to lead the line as the lone striker, and Kaizer Chiefs will need their attackers to be clinical in front of goal. Da Cruz will hope his side can turn their home advantage into a decisive result and book their place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages. Who makes your team?

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to fiscal consolidation when he delivers the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in Parliament on Wednesday, 21 October at 14:00. The mid-term budget will provide an update on the government’s financial position, including revenue collection and spending in the current 2026/27 financial year, while outlining the National Treasury’s policy direction over the next three years. READ | Petrol is already above R30. Here’s what November’s hike could mean for your wallet Economists say stronger-than-expected tax collections have given the government some breathing room. However, pressure from rising fuel prices, higher inflation and interest rates has renewed questions about whether the state should offer further relief to households. Higher tax revenues offer Treasury some room National Treasury has reportedly benefited from stronger revenue collection over the past six months, with personal income tax, value-added tax (VAT) and corporate income tax among the contributors. Buoyant commodity prices have helped support company tax revenues, giving government departments a better fiscal position than might otherwise have been expected. However, economists are urging Treasury to avoid spending all the additional revenue, arguing that it could help stabilise public finances, reduce the budget deficit and improve South Africa’s credit rating outlook. Fiscal anchor and debt stabilisation in focus Godongwana is also expected to maintain the government’s focus on fiscal consolidation, including efforts to stabilise public debt. There is speculation that Treasury could announce a formal fiscal anchor to strengthen its commitment to managing the country’s finances. Will motorists get further fuel price relief? Rising fuel prices are another issue likely to feature in discussions around the state of the economy. Higher fuel costs can feed through to transport, food and other essential goods, adding to the pressure on households already dealing with a higher cost of living. This has prompted speculation about whether Treasury could again reduce the fuel levy to cushion consumers, following temporary relief introduced earlier in 2026. The challenge for government is to balance short-term cost-of-living pressures against the need to put public finances on a more sustainable footing. COSATU criticises spending cuts and wage restraint The government’s fiscal approach has also drawn criticism from organised labour. At its 15th National Congress, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) criticised what it described as the government’s continued neoliberal policies, arguing that spending cuts and wage restraint have weakened the state’s ability to tackle unemployment, poverty and inequality. COSATU Deputy General Secretary Gerald Twala said these measures were political choices rather than unavoidable economic decisions. The federation’s position highlights the tension facing Treasury: efforts to contain expenditure and stabilise debt must be weighed against demands for stronger public investment and better services. Calls for a wealth tax continue Tax policy is another area where civil society groups want greater engagement, although the MTBPS does not generally focus on detailed changes to individual taxes. Some organisations continue to advocate for a wealth tax, arguing that the tax burden should be shifted away from working-class households facing mounting living costs. What the MTBPS could mean for South Africa Economists believe continued fiscal consolidation could improve investor confidence and strengthen the case for future credit rating upgrades. A lower budget deficit, stabilising debt levels and improved borrowing conditions could eventually reduce the cost of capital for investment and development, supporting economic growth. However, the decisions outlined by Godongwana will also be judged against the immediate pressures facing households, including higher fuel prices, inflation and the cost of living. The MTBPS is therefore expected to test how Treasury balances fiscal discipline with calls for greater support for consumers, workers and public services.

Most imported newsprint now attracts a 5% duty to protect Sappi's Ngodwana machine, the country's last.

South Africa argues about Starlink's ownership, but the bigger question is who controls the switch.