A musician earned millions through an unprecedented streaming fraud scheme by using AI to generate hundreds of thousands of fake songs and operating an army of bots to stream them across major platforms.

UKZN graduate Sbonelo Masoka attended the MTN8 final in his graduation gown and carried a job-seeking poster, prompting public support and several employment leads.

The Motor Industry Staff Association (Misa) is calling on the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport to withdraw its proposal to increase the provincial licence disc renewal and vehicle registration fee. This comes after Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said her department would not be applying to National Treasury for a hike in the Road Accident Fund (RAF), as South Africans are already facing significant financial pressure. Misa Operations CEO Martlé Keyter opposes the hikes on the same grounds as the minister; South Africans are already financially overburdened. “Misa calls on government to think very carefully before placing another cost on workers who need a car to get to work.” Here’s how much motorists might pay The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has since published draft amendments to increase provincial vehicle registration and licence disc renewal fees earlier in the year. The department proposes a R12 increase to the provincial vehicle registration fee, bringing it to R240. Licence disc renewal fees would increase by between R24 and R156, depending on the vehicle’s weight. According to Keyter, if the hikes are approved, Gauteng will charge the highest licence disc fees in the country for every vehicle weighing less than 3 500kg. Hikes to hurt motorists further Keyter said the proposed hikes look small on paper; however, when put together with petrol price hikes and other costs to maintain a vehicle, they are expensive for motorists. “Every one of these fees is presented as small and reasonable, but our members pay all of them, out of the same pay slip, in the same month.” Her comments come after petrol prices crossed the R30 per litre mark for October. Motorists now pay R29.88 per litre for 93 unleaded petrol, R30.25 per litre for 95 unleaded petrol, R31.95 per litre for 0.05% diesel, and R33.29 per litre for 0.005% diesel. “Last week petrol crossed R30 a litre in Gauteng, adding R133 to the cost of filling a 40-litre tank. Electricity, food and transport costs have outrun household budgets for most of this year,” she added. Will Gauteng deliver another blow? It is currently unclear when the increases for provincial licence disc renewal and vehicle registration fees will kick in, or whether they will be implemented at all. The department accepted public comment until 23 September 2026 and is now reviewing the submissions. “Misa calls on the MEC [of Roads and Transport] to withhold approval of the proposed fee increases.” Cut fuel levies Calls have been made to temporarily cut fuel levies to give motorists breathing room after the October fuel hike. Finance minister Enoch Godongwana previously suspended part of the fuel levy till 1 July 2026. Misa and the Automobile Association (AA) have been among the organisations at the forefront of asking for the temporary fuel levy relief to be brought back. However, Mineral Resources and Petroleum minister Gwede Mantashe said that there is currently no plan to offer relief to motorists.

The 2026/27 United Rugby Championship season is in full swing and this weekend the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup competitions get underway. But it’s not long to go before the Springboks are back in action again. Rassie Erasmus and his coaches are currently on a break, but no doubt keeping an eye on all the players in action in the URC and from this weekend the Europe-based cup competitions. The last time the Boks were in action was on 27 September when they lost 42-38 to Australia in Perth. Before that they beat the All Blacks in their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series 3-1, with the last match taking place in Baltimore, USA. Nations Championship The Boks will next be in action in the second part of the inaugural Nations Championship competition, this time in Europe in November. In part one, in South Africa in July, the Boks beat England 45-21, Scotland 42-28 and Wales 43-0. Next month the Boks take on Italy in Turin (7 November, 1.40pm), France in Paris (13 November, 10.10pm) and Ireland in Dublin (21 November, 6.40pm). Depending on these results and those of the other teams involved in the Nations Championship, the South Africans will also play on the weekend of 27, 28 and 29 November in the Finals Weekend of the competition to determine log places and the ultimate champion team of the hemispheres. As thing stand, the Boks top the “Southern Hemisphere” pool, followed by New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, with Japan and Fiji bringing up the rear. In the “Northern Hemisphere” pool, France lead the way, followed by Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales and Italy. For all the results, fixtures and standings in the Nations Championship click here.

A 25-minute audio recording sparked fresh controversy during former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya’s bail hearing at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 13 October. The recording captured businessman Serge Cabonge making allegations about his dealings with Sibiya, several prominent figures and an alleged criminal cover-up. The court played the conversation between Cabonge and a man identified as Mr M, who has accused Sibiya of threatening him and his family. Cabonge claimed he maintained close ties with Sibiya and implicated several individuals, including businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi and businessman Hangwani Maumela. He also alleged that Sibiya conducted several dealings through Sergeant Fannie Nkosi. The claims have not been independently verified, and the recording does not establish wrongdoing by those named. SIBIYA BAIL | The Randburg Magistrate's Court hears an audio clip in which businessman Serge Cabonge alleges that Shadrack Sibiya has close links to Shamila Batohi, Vusimuzi Matlala and Hangwani Maumela. Tune in to SABC News and SABC Plus. pic.twitter.com/0TbYlaQZV3— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 13, 2026 COURT HEARS ALLEGATIONS OF CRIMINAL COVER-UP In the recording, Cabonge described how he allegedly intervened in a police investigation following a road accident in Sandton. He claimed that an individual linked to the Madlanga Commissionapproached him for assistance after the incident. Cabonge alleged that he contacted someone who could access police records and established that an investigator he knew was handling the case. He further claimed that the complainant later received instructions to withdraw the matter. According to Cabonge, the same individual subsequently advised him to leave South Africa after witnesses mentioned his name during proceedings before the Madlanga Commission. He alleged that he travelled abroad and remained outside the country for several months. The recording did not establish the identity of the individual, and the court has not verified Cabonge’s allegations. SIBIYA ACCUSED OF THREATENING WITNESS AND HIS FAMILY The court also heard an affidavit from Mr M, who accused Sibiya of threatening him and his family. Mr M claimed that Sibiya had previously warned him that he knew his family and could harm them. He told the court that the alleged threats left him fearing for his safety. “I know what General Sibiya is capable of,” he said. The State raised concerns about possible witness intimidation as prosecutors continued opposing Sibiya’s release on bail. Sibiya has denied the criminal allegations against him. DEFENCE CHALLENGES AUDIO RECORDING Sibiya’s defence sought to withdraw an audio recording that Mr M had submitted as part of his wife’s affidavit. However, the State argued that the recording remained relevant to the bail proceedings. Investigating officer Noah Kayandla also took the stand to confirm the origin of the recorded conversation between Cabonge and Mr M. The court heard the recording before allowing Sibiya’s legal team to consult with him. Sibiya faces criminal charges including rape, human trafficking and the sexual grooming of a minor. The matter has been postponed to Wednesday, 14 October. Sibiya remains in custody.

Finding a home for R200 000 is rare, let alone one that has the potential to become a holiday home. But in a small beach town on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast, you’ll find some of the most affordable property. You Can Retire in this Holiday Town for R200 000 In the Ugu District Municipality along the South Coast, you’ll find Mtwalume. If you want to retire close to the coast, this is where to do it. A listing on Private Property shows a 2-bedroom townhouse available for R200 000. Other properties in the same security complex are listed for R240 000 and R265 000. These and other listings are why Mtwalume is one of a handful of South Coast towns where pensioners can live comfortably on R6 000 a month. Part of the reason pensioners can live on a budget in these towns is the many affordable properties. Inexpensive levies and rates also play a part. For this property, levies are R 1 491 a month, and rates are R329. However, properties below R300 000 are only available to cash buyers. Cash buyers can also get land in the area for as little as R85 000. This plot is one of the cheapest in the region, at 1 589 square metres. Mtwalume is a hub of affordable property. Another listing advertises one acre of beachfront property for only R550 000. According to the KwaZulu-Natal Deeds Office, the average sale price of the 21 sales this year is R500 000. Living in Mtwalume Pensioners choosing to settle down in the town will appreciate how many like-minded residents there are. Recent data from the KwaZulu-Natal Deeds Office shows roughly 80% of residents are over 50. Beyond the community and affordable property, living in a town like Mtwalume has health benefits. A 2025 study revealed coastal residents tend to live longer. In that study, those living within a few kilometres of the ocean lived about one year longer than those living inland or near rivers. But these health benefits might not take effect the further you live from emergency services, especially in your golden years. The nearest hospital is the Mfundo Arnold Lushaba Community Health Centre, within the town limits. Mtwalume residents can also travel to the G J Crookes Hospital in Scottsburgh, about a 30-minute drive along the N2.

Sun International has launched a gambling charter and warned government against taxes that favour offshore sites.

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