A new Mistra study of 80 municipalities finds that coalitions excluding the largest party collapsed at roughly four times the rate of those that included it.

The Real Housewives of Durban star Nonku Williams is engaged to Lungani Rammaledi after a surprise dinner proposal. The couple, who have been together for about a year, shared photos of the engagement on social media.

Lawyers for Carnilinx CEO Adriano Mazzotti and director Mohammadh Sayed have denied reports that police raided their homes or properties. Reports emerged that the South African Police Service (Saps) allegedly raided the tobacco tycoons’ homes on Monday 12 October 2026. Speculation about the raid followed months of intense public scrutiny of the two businessmen during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. ‘No raid’ The commission has been investigating a web of communications, alleged tax evasion, and tender dealings involving Carnilinx, senior Saps Crime Intelligence officer Major-General Feroz Khan and EFF leader Julius Malema. However, the duo, through their lawyers, have denied that police raided their homes. “We note the speculation concerning alleged police raids on the homes of our clients, Mr Mohammadh Sayed and Mr Adriano Mazzotti. “We state unequivocally that no such raid took place at either client’s home today or any time recently at any property owned by them,” the lawyers said. Misleading The lawyers added that the raid claims are “false and misleading”. “We are consulting with our clients regarding any false or misleading posts and articles that have been published. We reserve their rights in the strongest terms, including the right to institute legal proceedings against those responsible for any false or misleading posts and/or articles,” the lawyers said. Illicit tobacco In July, allegations of illicit tobacco trading involving Carnilinx came under renewed scrutiny at the Madlanga commission following alleged admissions made by Mazzotti. Evidence leader Adila Hassim introduced a “voluntary submission” from Mazzotti, which the commission’s legal team received. Objections In his letter, Mazzotti raised objections to claims made in an affidavit by commission investigator Tshepo Nyatlo, arguing that they were damaging to Carnilinx. The Madlanga commission heard that Mazzotti’s admissions formed part of a confidential 2014 settlement with the South African Revenue Service (Sars). In the affidavit presented to the commission, Mazzotti admitted to unlawful tobacco imports, manufacturing cigarettes “off the books”, conducting illegal surveillance of Sars officials and paying R800 000 in cash to a legal adviser believed to have influence over Sars officials.

The Jacob Zuma Foundation has denied reports that former South African president and MK party leader Jacob Zuma has been discharged from hospital. The 84-year-old Zuma has been receiving treatment at Netcare St Anne’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), since arriving by ambulance last week. Sources close to the MK party leader claim his health has deteriorated significantly and remains at a “very concerning stage”. Not discharged Reports emerged that the former president had been discharged and will return to his Nkandla homestead. However, Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi has denied reports that Zuma has been discharged from hospital. “Reports that H.E. President Zuma has been discharged are not true,” Manyi said. Zuma’s health Speculation about Zuma’s health dominated the headlines last week, with reports emerging that he was critical. Zuma’s MK party said he was in for a routine health check and was “healthy and in good spirits.” Earlier this week, Manyi hit back at speculation surrounding Zuma’s health, condemning what it called a “media frenzy” fuelled by rumours, misinformation and relentless public scrutiny. When it comes to H.E. President Zuma, the media appears unable to resist turning every development into a matter of intense national speculation. One is left wondering: Is this really about concern for his health, or is there something else driving this disproportionate level of interest?” Manyi also questioned the sincerity of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s concern for the well-being and dignity of Zuma. Manyi said Ramaphosa’s commitment should show in practical, meaningful action, citing proper maintenance of Zuma’s Nkandla homestead through the relevant public works structures, including replacing Zuma’s ageing vehicle fleet, as matters that warrant serious consideration. On X, Manyi also compared how late former president Nelson Mandela was treated compared to Zuma. “This is how a caring government treated a former head of state,” Manyi said, posting a series of pictures showing how the government looked after Mandela after his term ended. ‘Irresponsible’ However, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya hit back. “You are being irresponsible and you are creating conflict where none exist. This is not the time for petty politics, Chief,” Magwenya said. Ramaphosa has said Zuma has “not been well” and the military’s surgeon-general “has been well briefed”. *This is a developing story.

Kaizer Chiefs have only won a single Betway Premiership match since 15 August. Is coach Da Cruz getting the best out of his new team? Kaizer Chiefs can’t afford to keep dropping points Heading into a lengthy break for internationals, the Glamour Boys produced a sequence of indifferent results. They’ve drawn four of five Betway Premiership matches and only won a single match since August 15th. The only win in that streak was a 3-2 success over Siwelele. Next up is a clash with bogey team Stellenbosch, with ex-Stellies man Thabo Moloisane now lining up for the Glamour Boys. Stellenbosch have beaten Chiefs in each of the last three meetings between the sides, so Chiefs fans are right to dread this match. Already crunch time for Da Cruz? Fernando Da Cruz’s side now trails newly-crowned MTN8 champions Sundowns by seven points, so they can’t drop too many more before Christmas to stay in the title race. Chiefs vs Stellenbosch on Tuesday, 13 October kicks off at 19:30. Latest injury news Chiefs midfield maestro Lebo Maboe pulled up with an injury in Chiefs’ 0-0 draw with Golden Arrows, a match in which he also missed a penalty. The injury ruled him out of Bafana’s AFCON qualifying wins over Guinea and Eritrea. Now, there’s no certainty as to how long that thigh issue will keep him out of action. After such a strong start to the campaign, these past few weeks have brought the 32-year-old back down to earth. Maboe has contributed two goals and two assists in seven Betway Premiership matches this term as their primary playmaker. Will Chiefs contest for the title? Click the red comments banner below and have your say 🙂

Over the last couple of seasons, Jasper Wiese has established himself as the Springboks’ unequivocal first-choice No 8, having proven to be an ideal successor to Duane Vermeulen. It is a position, however, where there has been a need to develop some depth, and the good news is that there has been some real progress made in this regard. It wasn’t all that long ago that the likes of Kwagga Smith and even Siya Kolisi had to fill in at No 8, but in recent times Cameron Hanekom has emphatically put up his hand for more consistent game time. Cameron Hanekom firmly on the Springbok road map After overcoming a devastating hamstring injury, the 24-year-old has already featured in five Tests this year, and he has consistently impressed when receiving this exposure. Just this past weekend, Hanekom put in a standout, man-of-the-match performance for the Bulls in their 57-15 demolition of the Lions in the United Rugby Championship at Loftus Versfeld. The burly No 8 was a dominant physical presence, scoring two crucial tries during a blistering period when the Bulls capitalised on a numerical advantage. His standout moment included a powerful hand-off to canter in for a score after a stunning run from the halfway line. In total, he made 76 metres with ball in hand and completed nine tackles in another performance that will certainly have caught the eye of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus. Key Tests ahead The Springboks will soon head off on a new-look end-of-year tour as part of the Nations Championship tournament, which will see them face Italy, France and Ireland as well as one final opponent at the end of November. It could provide a perfect opportunity for Hanekom to receive more game time, while also affording Wiese some rest as the Springboks continue to manage their squad carefully in the lead up to the 2027 World Cup title defence.

The trial doubles as a pitch for spectrum that mobile operators and Wi-Fi advocates have fought over.

US and European bank regulators are stepping up their scrutiny of AI risks to financial stability.