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An anonymous police officer attached to the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau has told the Madlanga commission that his stay at a property belonging to businessman and alleged Big Five cartel leader Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala was being used to undermine his credibility. (EFF/X)

‘My stay at Matlala’s house is being used to discredit me,’ says Witness I

  • Nkateko Joseph Mabasa
3 min read
FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the opening press conference of the FIFA World Cup. (Screenshot)

Gianni Infantino highlights unity and challenges ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

  • Lelo Mzaca
4 min read
In Johannesburg, the regional executive committee (REC) is understood to have identified regional chairperson Loyiso Masuku as its preferred candidate for the City of Johannesburg’s mayoral position, party insiders familiar with the process say. (X)

Joburg ANC mayoral process faces scrutiny amid claims of flawed nomination process

  • Mandisa Makgakga
  • Lunga Mzangwe
5 min read
MUST READRecommended by us at the M&G
As living costs rise, art buyers are becoming more cautious, forcing galleries and artists to adapt to a changing market

South Africa's art market is slowing down but collectors aren't walking away

The South African art market is in an interesting place. On the one hand, some of the country's most important art…

  • Kibo Ngowi
6 min read
Bafana Bafana’s training session at Estadio Hidalgo. (@Tuzos/X)
OPINION

Bafana Bafana, spying scandals and the erosion of fair play in football

Crossing into private sessions through drones, hidden cameras or leaks violates the spirit of competition

  • Lelo Mzaca
3 min read
Gauteng experienced a notable 15% decrease in murders and a 9.9% drop in rape cases but kidnapping increased by 1.6% and sexual assault by 5.2%
CRIME STATISTICS

Murders in Gauteng decrease while sexual assault and kidnapping trend upwards

Gauteng experienced a notable 15% decrease in murders and a 9.9% drop in rape cases but kidnapping increased by 1.6%…

  • Nkateko Joseph Mabasa
  • Mandisa Makgakga
4 min read
While coal producers stand to benefit from stronger prices and export demand, researchers warn that increased coal production and exports carry significant environmental and social costs, from greenhouse gas emissions to the impacts borne by communities living near mines and coal-fired power stations. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
CLIMATE CHANGE

How the US-Israel-Iran conflict is reshaping South Africa’s coal exports

Middle East tension has pushed up energy prices and boosted demand for South African coal, raising questions about…

  • Shaazia Ebrahim
6 min read
OPINION

Are Africans welcome at the World Cup?

African music megastars Tyla and Rema are scheduled to perform at the World Cup’s opening ceremony in Los Angeles.…

  • Vincent Sima Ole
  • Ahmar Maiga
4 min read
IN THIS WEEK'S PAPER
Non-compliance: The owners of Marble Towers have been given an opportunity to regularise the structures, submit compliant plans, address fire safety concerns and secure the site. Photos: City of Johannesburg
MARBLE TOWERS

Marble Towers part of a bigger story

Unauthorised building alterations, illegal structures, safety violations and neglected compliance requirements are hardly unique to one property in Johannesburg’s city centre

  • Ash Müller
4 min read
Worth the price tag: Built with style, power and a drive-centric experience, the MG Cyberster sits pretty up there with the BMW Z4. Photos: Supplied
ELECTRIC VEHICLE
Video

MG Cyberster: The roadster we never knew we needed

The MG Cyberster — the only electric one on our roads — provides excitement, power and cool features, making it a head-turner

  • Eyaaz Matwadia
3 min read
Captain: President Cyril Ramaphosa will not save the ANC and may instead be presiding over a sinking ship, argues the writer. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy
OPINION

Ramaphosa and the ANC’s sinking ship

There is sufficient evidence to suggest that Ramaphosa will not save the ANC and may instead be presiding over a sinking ship. Under his leadership, the party suffered its most…

  • Siyanda Kate
6 min read
The cost of living does not reward breaks of any nature.
COST OF LIVING

The cost of living does not reward breaks

It does not pause because you have given birth. It does not soften because you are tired. It demands that you keep moving, bruised and battered if necessary.

  • Lesego Chepape
2 min read

WHAT ARE OUR JOURNALISTS SAYING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

THIS WEEK'S CARTOON

BROUGHT TO YOU BY CARLOS

Thought LeaderComment & Analysis
Friday
The cluster of islands off the west coast of Africa, one of the smallest countries ever to qualify for the World Cup, did not arrive at the tournament by accident or magic. It arrived through years of patient, largely invisible construction

What Cape Verde can teach us about teamwork and breakthroughs

  • Michael Brian Lee
8 min read
FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the opening press conference of the FIFA World Cup. (Screenshot)
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Gianni Infantino highlights unity and challenges ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

  • Lelo Mzaca
4 min read
Narratives portraying South Africa as xenophobic are troubling. The claims ignore the reality of our daily interactions, our constitutional values and the extensive regional partnerships that underpin our development agenda
OPINION

South Africa’s future lies in unity, not isolation

  • David Mahlobo
6 min read
Bafana Bafana’s training session at Estadio Hidalgo. (@Tuzos/X)
OPINION

Bafana Bafana, spying scandals and the erosion of fair play in football

  • Lelo Mzaca
3 min read
Low Earth orbit constellations, such as Starlink, promise to connect the unconnected, offering visions of universal access and technological emancipation. Photo: Starlink
OPINION

Starlink in Africa: Breakthrough or backdoor? The continent’s digital future at a critical crossroads

  • Wellington Muzengeza
9 min read
Two of the continent’s premier game reserves – Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve and South Africa’s Kruger National Park – stand on the frontlines of species loss, working tirelessly to protect wildlife under the shadow of rising extinction threats. Yet they also reveal how different leadership approaches to park management can shape conservation success, advance inclusivity, and distribute economic benefit to local communities.
OPINION

Africa’s conservation models struggle to shake colonial yoke

  • Babar Dharani
5 min read