AKA’s photographer, Thotloetso “TK” Mogotsi, has described finding the rapper and chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane after they were shot outside a Durban restaurant in February 2023.

The Sharks have departed for a three-match European tour without their Springboks but welcome back several key players.

Thriving business and property sectors are not far removed from the political choices made by the electorate. South Africa’s two most popular cities have had differing fortunes over the last decades, with the coming elections providing another marker in the relationship between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Johannesburg may seem to have lost the property war to its far-south rival, and may too be clutching to its identity as the economic capital of the country. Data shows the earnings gap between professionals has all but closed, as one city embraces the future of employment and the other’s municipal decay leaves businesses seeking alternatives. Those with their fingers on the pulse of their respective industries illustrate how business and property sentiment hinges on the outcomes of 4 November. ‘Major shift’ in employment trends Jacques Moolman, President of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, explained why Cape Town had caught up to Johannesburg as an employment and business destination. The most recent unemployment figures from StatsSA showed the Western Cape had an unemployment rate of 21.9%, compared to Johannesburg’s 35.9%. Moolman said this created a tighter market for skilled labour and competitive compensation, especially in high-value, knowledge-intensive industries such as technology, software, financial services, and the creative industry. “The shift is best understood through net disposable income, job security, and total compensation growth. “Cape Town has solidified its position as the continent’s technology capital, hosting a disproportionate share of South Africa’s software engineering, e-commerce, and venture-capital-backed scale-ups,” Moolman told The Citizen. He highlighted that while Johannesburg had historically led Cape Town in taxable earnings, recent tax statistics show Cape Town had surpassed Johannesburg’s number of assessed taxpayers for the first time. “This reflects a major shift in formal income generation. In specialised knowledge sectors, the pay gap has completely reversed. “Industry benchmark data shows that intermediate and senior tech talent in Cape Town now earn roughly 7.9% more than their counterparts in Johannesburg. Cape Town companies are increasing their competitiveness by “deploying specific talent strategies”, most notably setting pay benchmarks at national and international rates. “While Johannesburg may still hold a slight edge in traditional C-suite base salaries for massive industrial corporate headquarters, Cape Town-based firms are closing the executive total compensation gap rapidly using equity, performance incentives, and global market rate matching,” explained Moolman. Aging Johannesburg property owners While younger professionals flock south, the older generation of homeowners in Johannesburg may be watching the election result the closest. Pam Golding Properties CEO Andrew Golding notes that Lightstone property data shows that 63% – almost two out of every three homes – in Johannesburg are owned by people over 50 years old, with 25% of home owners being 65 or older. Golding said that while buyers are motivated by price and location over political climate, sellers are more cautious. “Some sellers are holding back on listing their properties until after the elections, hoping that an outcome they view as positive for the city will enable them to achieve a higher price. “Mature sellers naturally seek to protect the value of what is often their largest asset, and the quality and reliability of municipal services can play an important role in maintaining that value,” Golding told The Citizen. Demand for well-located property in Cape Town has driven up property prices, but Golding stressed that stock on Johannesburg’s established suburbs were still highly sought after, especially by new entrants into the market. “In Johannesburg, the first-time buyer market is also active, with average purchase prices up 7% year on year to R1.29 million in the first nine months of 2026 as per ooba Home Loans. “Homeownership remains a strong aspiration, and demand from buyers, especially first-time purchasers and families, continues to drive activity across the city,” said Golding. The ‘ideal scenario for South Africa’ Cape Town has traditionally held the monopoly on aesthetics, but Moolman says it is growing as a strategic business location thanks to “risk mitigation and institutional reliability”. This was characterised by perceptions of “energy resilience, global connectivity and clean governance” identified by firms and business owners. “Consequently, businesses expanding into or relocating to Cape Town are not just seeking lifestyle benefits; they are strategically placing themselves in an environment where basic municipal service delivery actively protects their bottom line and operational continuity,” Moolman said Golding added that the property market will have eyes on the results, and more importantly, the tone set by whoever leads the new administration. “In Johannesburg, there is considerable work to be done, and this will take time, with momentum expected to build gradually over the following years. “We saw a similar pattern in Cape Town after the change in local government in the 2006 municipal elections, when confidence and property values strengthened steadily over the years that followed, rather than changing overnight,” Golding advised. The cities may forever be intertwined in an economic and cultural rivalry, but Moolman said Cape Town needed a healthy and competitive Johannesburg. “From a macroeconomic standpoint, a struggling Johannesburg is not in Cape Town’s interest, nor is it something the business community welcomes. “South Africa requires a multi-engine economy; one region cannot prosper long-term on the systemic decline of another. “The ideal scenario for South Africa is for Gauteng’s commercial engine and the Western Cape’s trade and innovation hub to perform at full capacity, simultaneously,” Moolman concluded.

South African superstar Tyla has launched her A*POP World Tour in Paris. At the same time, she is investing in the next generation of female music talent. South African singer Tyla has taken her A*POP era to Europe, kicking off her 34-date world tour in Paris on Monday, 12 October 2026. Meanwhile, she is announcing a scholarship initiative aimed at helping young women pursue music careers. The Grammy-winning star launched the European leg of her tour at Zénith Paris-La Villette. South African DJ and producer Royal MusiQ and Nigerian singer Bloody Civilian joined the line-up as special guests for the European dates. However, the tour launch was about more than the music. Tyla also unveiled the That Girl Music Scholarship, an initiative designed to support female students pursuing music degrees. Tyla launches $5 000 (R83 000) music scholarships Named after her song “That Girl” from her *A*POP* album, the scholarship programme is a partnership between Tyla, Sony Music and the Institute of International Education. The initiative will award $5 000 each to 10 female students studying towards music degrees. Recipients will include students from locations on the tour’s United States leg. There will also be four students from South Africa. The initiative gives young women in Mzansi the opportunity to receive financial support as they pursue their musical ambitions. Beyond the financial assistance, scholarship recipients will also receive exclusive concert tickets and the opportunity to meet Tyla. The initiative adds an educational dimension to the singer’s growing international profile. It does so by using the momentum of her latest album and global tour to create opportunities for aspiring musicians. For South African fans, the inclusion of four local students is particularly significant. This brings the initiative closer to home as she continues to build her international career. When is Tyla coming back to South Africa? Following the European dates, Tyla’s A*POP World Tour will move to North America. That leg is scheduled to begin in California on 12 November 2026. The tour will eventually return to South Africa for two homecoming performances in January 2027. Cape Town is scheduled to welcome the singer on 4 January, followed by a Johannesburg show on 9 January. The Mzansi dates will allow local fans to experience the live production behind her latest musical chapter. This comes after the international run. With new music, a global tour and a scholarship programme supporting aspiring female musicians, Tyla’s A*POP era is extending beyond the stage. Her Paris launch marks the beginning of another major international chapter for the South African star. Meanwhile, the scholarship announcement offers a glimpse of how her growing platform could benefit the next generation of women pursuing music careers.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a heatwave advisory for north-western parts of the province. Persistently high temperatures could increase the risk of heat-related illness. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), prolonged exposure to extreme heat can put pressure on the body, particularly when it struggles to maintain a normal temperature. The heat can affect anyone, but older people, young children, outdoor workers and people with existing health conditions face greater risks. Tips for keeping cool during a heatwave Keep your home cool Close curtains, blinds and windows during the hottest parts of the day if the air outside is warmer than inside. Open windows in the evening or at night when outdoor temperatures drop below indoor temperatures. Switch off electrical appliances that generate unnecessary heat and spend time in the coolest room available. If possible, spend a few hours in a cooler public space or an air-conditioned building. Drink water regularly Make it a trend to drink water throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty. If you work outdoors, make sure to carry a water bottle and take regular water breaks. Avoid excessive alcohol as it increase the risk of dehydration. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from direct sunlight. Also apply sunscreen when spending time outdoors. Look out for children and older people Never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles, even for a short time. Check regularly on older relatives, neighbours and anyone who lives alone, particularly those with existing health conditions. Keep babies and young children in cool, shaded places. Know the signs of heat illness Extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Watch for symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, weakness and heavy sweating. One should follow the latest SAWS advisories and take extra precautions while high temperatures persist.

Halloween falls on Saturday, 31 October this year, and South Africans have plenty of options for where to celebrate. From haunted forests and ghost tours to family-friendly trick-or-treating, themed markets, and late-night raves, Halloween events are happening across the country! Here are some of the events to put on your calendar for Halloween 2026. Johannesburg Johannesburg has one of the biggest selections of Halloween events this year, with something for families, horror fans and partygoers. The Haunted Forest 10th anniversary The Haunted Forest is marking its 10th anniversary with a Halloween event at Prison Break Market in Glenferness on Saturday, 31 October. The experience includes a fog-filled forest with life-size scenes and scare actors, while younger visitors can take part in trick-or-treating. There will also be films, food and entertainment. The event runs from 15:00 to 23:00, with adult tickets starting at R150. Halloween at Johannesburg Zoo Johannesburg Zoo is also bringing back its Halloween experience on 31 October from 17:00. Visitors can expect themed zones, trick-or-treating, costume competitions and live entertainment. Tickets range from R81 to R135. Halloween Rave 2026 For something considerably less family-friendly, Halloween Rave takes over AND Night Club and CARFAX in Newtown. The event brings together Teknotribe, Science Frikshun, Psyology and The Temple for an electronic music night running from 21:00. Tickets are priced from R200 to R300. Edenvale Halloween Night Market Families can also head to the Edenvale German Club on Friday, 30 October for a Halloween night market. The event runs from 18:00 to 23:00, with spooky stalls, food, drinks, trick-or-treating, live music and a best-dressed competition. Entry is R30 per person. Cape Town Cape Town has also embraced the spooky season, with events ranging from large music parties to ghost tours and community celebrations. The city was even ranked among the world’s top 50 Halloween destinations for 2026. Halloween 2026 at 20 Harrington Street One of the bigger Halloween parties in Cape Town takes place at 20 Harrington Street from Friday, 30 October into Saturday morning. The line-up includes Silverstein, Fokofpolisiekar, Jack Parow, Sunken State and Doomtrigger, among others. The event is strictly for over-18s, with general admission tickets starting at R349. Halloween at the Royal Cape Yacht Club For something a little more sophisticated, the Royal Cape Yacht Club is hosting a Halloween party on 31 October. The evening includes themed food, cocktails, music and a costume competition. Non-members pay a R100 cover charge, while members can attend with their membership cards. Bookings are essential. Soul Society Halloween Edition The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel is hosting a rooftop Halloween celebration from 12:00 to 21:30 on 31 October. The event focuses on soulful house and R&B, with DJs including Ready D, Will ST and DJ Arch, along with food, drinks and city views. Tickets start at R100, and the event is aimed at adults. Halloween in the Hof Families looking for something more relaxed can head to Kirstenhof on Halloween evening. Halloween in the Hof runs from 18:00 to 21:00 and includes a community trick-or-treat walk, ghost tunnel, fire dancers and food. Tickets start at R25. Cape Town Halloween Ghost Tour For a more genuinely spooky experience, Mystery Ghost Productions is running Halloween ghost tours through Cape Town on both 30 and 31 October. The tours run from 19:00 to 23:00, starting at Prestwich Memorial, and combine historic locations with local ghost stories and legends. Tickets cost R449 per person. Durban and KwaZulu-Natal Durban and surrounding KZN also have a surprisingly busy Halloween calendar this year too. Ballito Halloween Horrors Ballito Halloween Horrors returns to La Montagne Resort on 30 and 31 October. The full horror experience takes visitors through four themed areas, including the Twisted Woods, Maze of Horrors, Dark Hollow and Realm of the Unknown. There is also a family-friendly option featuring face painting, carnival games and Halloween activities. Tickets start at R150 for the family-friendly experience and R250 for the full horror experience. Halloween After Dark at Gibaland Gibaland in Shongweni is going with a jungle theme this year. The daytime JumanGi Family Adventure is aimed at families, while JumanGi After Dark offers a darker version of the experience for those looking for more of a scare. The After Dark experience runs from 18:30 to 21:30 on 31 October and includes entry to a Halloween after-party. Tickets start at R200. Riverside Massacre Adults can head to Riverside Hops at The Riverside Hotel in Durban North on Halloween night for Riverside Massacre. The event starts at 18:00 and includes DJs, Halloween-themed food and drink specials, live entertainment and a best-dressed competition. Tickets start at R150, and the event is strictly for over-21s. Barket by Night Halloween isn’t just for humans. Barket by Night takes place at Ridley Park in Malvern on 24 October, bringing together dogs, families and local vendors for a Halloween-themed evening. There will be trick-or-treating, best-dressed competitions, live music, games, a photo booth and other activities. The event also raises funds for KZN Doghouse. Halloween at the KZN Museum Pietermaritzburg’s KwaZulu-Natal Museum is hosting a family Halloween evening on 31 October. The event includes a reptile show, magic show, Halloween scare area and a best-dressed competition. It runs from 17:00 to 20:00, with tickets priced between R65 and R80. Pretoria Pretoria has its own large-scale Halloween music event at Heartfelt Gardens on 31 October. The Halloween 2026 festival runs from 13:00 until midnight and features acts including Silverstein, Ruff Majik, PHFAT, The Tazers, Fuzigish and Human Nebula. The event is strictly over-18s. General admission starts at R349, while VIP tickets are R899. For something more atmospheric, a Halloween Mystery Ghost Tour is also taking place in Pretoria on 31 October. The tour runs from 19:00 to 23:00 and starts at Huckleberry’s Restaurant, with participants travelling in their own cars as part of a convoy. Tickets start at R329. Gqeberha Halloween celebrations aren’t limited to the country’s biggest cities. The Music Kitchen in Gqeberha is hosting Halloweekend Part II on 31 October, with local acts including Rejects, Twiza, Boiling Point and Mezzanine Floor. Doors open at 19:00, with tickets costing R100 online or R150 at the door. For something less frightening, The Beach Hotel in Summerstrand is hosting a Halloween-themed afternoon tea on 31 October. It starts at 14:30 and costs R185 per person. Bloemfontein Bloemfontein is also getting in on the Halloween action with Common Ground: The Orange Experience at Du Monye Art Gallery in Bayswater. Running from 14:00 on 31 October into midnight, the event combines art, music, creative activities and an after-dark experience with spooky vibes. Tickets start at R100, and the event is family-friendly. The biggest events are likely to draw crowds, so it’s worth checking ticket availability and age restrictions before heading out, particularly for the larger Halloween parties on 30 and 31 October.

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