Scientists in China have discovered 240-million-year-old trace fossils of a giant horseshoe crab measuring up to 70cm long, revealing surprising evidence that ancient species swam differently than modern ones and offering vital clues about ocean recovery after Earth’s most severe mass extinction.

Fuel prices are at record highs and calls for tax relief are growing, but economists warn that reviving the earlier cuts would put further pressure on South Africa’s finances.

Proud Bulls coach Johan Ackermann praised the efforts of his side after their thumping runaway 57-15 win over the Lions in their United Rugby Championship (URC) cross-Jukskei derby at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. The Bulls, boosted by the return of 10 Springbok stars, produced a statement performance as they bounced back from a loss against Munster in Ireland a week ago, to completely outplay an in-form Lions team, who were looking to upset the hosts on their home turf again. The Lions had stunned the Bulls at Loftus last season, and went into the match in good form after home wins over defending champs Leinster and Ospreys to get their season off to a great start. Gulf in class But the gulf in class between the two teams was heavily exposed, as the Bulls’ Bok stars stepped up to the plate on their return from international duty, to show just how good they can be when firing on all cylinders. Ackermann, who in the build-up was worried due to his team suffering from travel fatigue and sickness, was a very pleased man after the match, and claimed that his side were still not at their very best and can be even better. “I am just proud of the guys. We knew we had to be at our best to beat a side that is in form. The focus was to make sure that we started well, that our set piece was sorted out and everything,” said Ackermann. “So just credit to the players and the mentality and maturity they showed out there today, especially to stay in the fight. Not everything went our way. We had some opportunities where we lost a few balls. But we stayed on task, so I am very proud of the guys and their effort.” Hanekom impact Returning Bok eighthman Cameron Hanekom produced a man-of-the-match performance in his first game of the season for the Bulls and Ackermann hailed his effort. “Cameron has shown his strengths, and that stood out in some of the phases today. He hasn’t played with us for a long time, but came in and slotted in nicely, and I’m just proud of his effort, and everybody’s effort. Cameron is a quality player.” Hanekom himself was proud of the team’s performance and was particularly happy that the Bulls managed to match the Lions’ high intensity game style. “It was a tough game. The Lions are a big team and have been coming up over the past few years. They are a team that plays at a high tempo, so it was a fast-paced game, so I am proud of the boys that we could match it,” said Hanekom. “We controlled things well and executed when we needed. We put a big emphasis on our first game back at home, so it was a special performance and I am very happy to be back with the boys.”

State arms manufacturer Denel’s efforts to rebuild its depleted engineering and technical workforce are raising questions about whether the entity has recovered enough critical skills to safeguard the country’s defence independence. In Denel’s 2025/26 annual report to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans on Friday, 9 October, the entity acknowledged that it had lost a significant number of engineers, technologists, scientists and technicians. Denel in rebuilding phase The company said recruitment of technical personnel had resumed during the financial year, but the rebuilding process was still underway. “The societal demands and rapid growth in innovation and artificial intelligence are accelerating the changes in defence and technology industry offerings. Denel lost a lot of engineers, technologists, scientists and technicians,” Denel’s annual report states. According to the report, during the financial year under review, the company recruited technical skills in different areas and that the rebuilding process has started. The report notes that the shareholder recognises the evolving threat environment and the need for new products and capabilities. “…the friend today can be an enemy tomorrow. The geopolitics have become very fluid,” the report warns. Questions about Denel’s abilities The disclosure raises questions about the extent to which the loss of specialised expertise has affected Denel’s ability to execute defence contracts, maintain complex systems, develop new technologies and meet the operational requirements of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Denel’s turnaround is not just a question of restoring profitability. Its mandate includes upholding sovereign defence capabilities and technologies that SA may need to maintain national security without excessive dependence on foreign suppliers. The entity’s latest report identifies research and development, technical recruitment, innovation and the execution of new and legacy contracts as priorities for its recovery. “We are committed to applying our expertise and professionalism to uphold South Africa’s national security interests,” the report states. The company reported that production had resumed at its Pretoria Metal Pressings facility, which manufactures short- and medium-calibre ammunition for the SANDF, the South African Police Service (Saps) and other customers. It also said that some longstanding contracts had been delivered during the year, while others remained under execution. Financial challenges Denel’s challenge is deepened by financial pressures, with the entity reporting revenue of R1.473 billion for 2025/26 but recorded an operating loss of R364 million. Management also warned that its liquidity position had deteriorated, while the company continued to work on reducing costs and securing sustainable contract revenue. The company’s ability to continue operating as a going concern remains under pressure due to persistent operating losses, solvency challenges and deteriorating liquidity. Its cash position turned negative in September 2026, while liquidity ratios remain below required benchmarks and could worsen once outstanding balance-sheet adjustments are completed. Denel has not fully settled legacy debt and is considering cost-cutting measures at its Dynamics and Landwards divisions. Some project advances are not fully supported by available cash, including Hoefyster funds, while access to a $21.3 million deposit for the G6 upgrade contract remains pending.

Simba SC star attacker Keletso Makgalwa has South African football fans talking following the comment he made about the Soweto Derby. Makgalwa was with his Simba teammates for their 10-day training camp in Polokwane ahead of their clash with arch-rivals Yanga SC. And speaking to iDiski Times about what it meant to play in the Kariakoo Derby, Makgalwa said it is just unexplainable. Where the 29-year-old infuriated South African fans was when he placed the Kariakoo Derby ahead of the Soweto Derby. It is worth mentioning that Makgalwa has never played a Soweto Derby as he was at Mamelodi Sundowns before moving to Sekhukhune United. EX-SUNDOWNS STAR MAKGALWA PUTS KARIAKOO DERBY AHEAD OF SOWETO DERBY “The atmosphere of that derby is wow, I can’t explain it,” said Makgalwa. “That game is tough, to be honest, because it’s a Tanzanian Derby, and the fans demand a lot. “I think, to be honest, it’s a better derby than the one we have in South Africa, the Soweto Derby,” he added. SIMBA BEAT YANGA IN KARIAKOO DERBY The two teams – Simba and Yanga – met in the Kariakoo Derby on Saturday, and for the first time in history, this titanic clash involved two South African coaches in Steve Barker and Manqoba Mngqithi. Simba got the better of Yanga on the day, beating them 2-1, thanks to goals from Neo Maema and Elie Mpanzu who was assisted by Makgalwa himself. Yanga had opened the scoring in the 6th minute through former Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile who left them at the end of last season.

A total of 268 inmates at correctional facilities across South Africa will write their 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, as the Department of Correctional Services continues to promote education as part of rehabilitation. The examinations begin on Tuesday, 13 October, and conclude on Thursday, 26 November. READ | BIG weekend for matric exam candidates The candidates are enrolled at 18 correctional services schools nationwide, with the department confirming that arrangements are in place to support them throughout the examination period. The number of inmate matric candidates has increased by 56.7% compared with the 171 who wrote the examinations in 2025. According to the department, the increase reflects ongoing efforts to expand access to formal education within correctional facilities. Inmates encouraged to remain focused National Commissioner of Correctional Services Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale has wished the candidates well, urging them to remain disciplined and confident as they prepare to complete their matric examinations. “The long hours of studying, attending classes, engaging with educators and collaborating with your fellow inmates will be rewarded through your results,” Thobakgale said. “Remain disciplined, believe in your abilities and give your best throughout the examination period.” The department regards education as an important part of rehabilitation and personal development, helping inmates improve their prospects of pursuing further studies, securing employment and reintegrating into society after their release. Thobakgale also praised teachers, school principals and correctional services officials for their contribution to education programmes within correctional facilities. He said their work played a meaningful role in improving lives and creating opportunities for inmates to develop their potential. Department targets more 100% pass rates The Department of Correctional Services achieved an overall pass rate of 94.4% in the 2025 NSC examinations. For the 2026 examinations, it hopes to see more of its correctional services schools achieve a 100% pass rate when the results are announced in January 2027. Beyond formal schooling, the department offers vocational training and other rehabilitation programmes designed to equip inmates with practical skills that could improve their employment prospects after release. The programmes form part of broader efforts to prepare incarcerated people for life beyond correctional facilities and support their successful reintegration into their communities. The 2026 matric examinations will therefore provide another opportunity for the department to assess its progress in expanding educational opportunities and supporting rehabilitation through learning.

Cybersecurity is Shoprite’s top-ranked risk, and the only one whose controls it rates as partially effective.

Standard Bank will buy as much as 4.99% of Nigeria-focused fintech OPay as it files to list in New York.