News as at
October 26, 2026, 10:07 am
How to Thaw a Health System Frozen in Fear
- [spotlight] South Africa's public healthcare system finds itself caught between two incomplete revolutions - the democratic dream of a decentralised District Health System, and the march toward National Health Insurance. Health systems experts argue that structural changes won't save a system that is scared stiff. The most urgent task facing the system, they say, is to help frontline doctors and nurses reimagine what is possible.
Big Murder Trials and Zuma Daughter Back in Court On Monday
- [Scrolla] Businessman Katiso Molefe and three co-accused face 35 charges linked to several killings, including the murder of popular musician DJ Sumbody. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla faces charges linked to the July 2021 unrest, while Eugene de Kock is expected to testify about apartheid crimes.
Social Grant Officials Fired As Death Threats Rock Fraud Investigations
- [Scrolla] The South African Social Security Agency has dismissed 65 workers for misconduct since April 2025, with the Eastern Cape recording 19 dismissals. Chief executive Themba Matlou has condemned death threats against officials investigating wrongdoing and warned that staff who abuse their positions will face consequences.
Gayton Mckenzie's Blu Label Visits Raise Fresh Questions Over Ticketpro Sale
- [Daily Maverick] Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie made repeated visits to JSE-listed technology group Blu Label before it sold its Ticketpro subsidiary to a consortium linked to his political party, fuelling suspicions about his influence on the controversial deal.
Elections 2026 - Polokwane Is Pouring Sewage Into Two Rivers
- [GroundUp] Finances are mostly in order but the sewage treatment plants in Limpopo's capital are among the worst in the country
Abathembu Chief Slams High Petrol Prices As Botswana Pays Less
- [Scrolla] Inkosi Zanothando Mtirara has questioned South Africa's high fuel prices after reports showed Botswana sells petrol for about R8 less per litre. The abaThembu leader wants African countries to process their own minerals, create jobs and use their natural wealth to improve people's lives.
Health Minister to Lead Health Screening in Northern Cape
- [SAnews.gov.za] Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, together with Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul and Northern Cape Health MEC Nontobeko Vilakazi, will on Monday lead an integrated community health screening programme in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
Presidential Ethekwini Working Group Marks 'Significant Progress' in Service Delivery
- [SAnews.gov.za] Deputy President Paul Mashatile has commended the progress made by the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) in advancing service delivery and strengthening economic development.
DA Within 1.2% of Overtaking ANC As South Africa's Largest Party
- [DA] South Africa is on the brink of a historic political breakthrough.
Whose Vision of Development Counts? South Africa's Amadiba Communities Made Maps of What Matters
- [The Conversation Africa] South Africa's Mpondoland, on the east coast, is known for its red sand dunes and coastal forests. Here, the Amadiba people have lived sustainably as farmers, herders and fishers for centuries, since before European colonisation.
How Nurses Are Learning to Administer the New HIV Prevention Injection
- [spotlight] South Africa's rollout of lenacapavir, a six-monthly HIV prevention injection, requires nurses to learn, adapt and find ways to make it work for patients.
All of Africa Today - October 23, 2026
- [allAfrica]
Nigerian National Arrested in Ermelo for Commercial Sexual Exploitation
- [SAnews.gov.za] The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has arrested a 46-year-old Nigerian national, following an operation targeting premises allegedly linked to commercial sexual exploitation in the Ermelo Central Business District (CBD).
We Need More Public Sector Doctors, Yet Many Newly Qualified Doctors Can't Get Work
- [spotlight] South Africa has a healthcare worker crisis. Those in power need to face it and think bigger about how to address it.
Immigrant Drivers Too Scared to Enter Gauteng Townships
- [GroundUp] "Independent contractors" for delivery services are being targeted by vigilantes
Man Beaten to Death in Central Durban
- [GroundUp] 50 people murdered the man in broad daylight on Thursday morning
Public Protector to Investigate Bronkhorstspruit Water Crisis
- [SAnews.gov.za] The Public Protector of South Africa (PPSA) will investigate allegations of maladministration, improper conduct and prejudice against the City of Tshwane (CoT) in relation to the water crisis in Bronkhorstspruit.
Mandela Bay Welcomes Progress On Proposed Nuclear Power Plant
- [SAnews.gov.za] Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Babalwa Lobishe has welcomed the acceptance of the final scoping report for Eskom's proposed 5 200-megawatt nuclear power plant at Thyspunt in the Kouga Local Municipality, Eastern Cape.
Additional Fraud and Theft Charges for Former Cop
- [SAnews.gov.za] A former South African Police Service (SAPS) constable, already behind bars on separate stock theft charges, is facing additional charges of fraud and theft after allegedly misappropriating police fleet card funds for personal use.
Maize Meal and Fruit Are Cheaper but Transport Costs Keep Rising
- [Scrolla] Prices are 4.5% higher than a year ago, says Statistics South Africa. Maize meal is 8.6% cheaper and fruit and nuts 4.8% cheaper, but transport costs are up 10.8%. Economist Johann Els expects inflation to go above 5% in October and November, and the fuel levy cut from 4 November will cover only about a quarter of the petrol price rise since January.
'I Am Tired of Living in Pain' - Woman With PMOS Struggles to Access Specialist Care
- [Health-e] Young Gauteng woman's decade-long struggle with PMOS and endometriosis. Despite repeated clinic visits, she battles to get a gynaecologist referral. Years of chronic pain have affected her physically and mentally.
Fresh Fears for Migrants After Fatal Mob Attack in South Africa
- [263Chat] A foreign national has been beaten to death by a group of about 50 people in South Africa's port city of Durban, police say amid heightened tensions over immigration.
Sassa to Spend R290-Billion On Social Grants This Year
- [GroundUp] Grants make up 11% of government spending, the same as 20 years ago
Raw Sewage Floods This Durban Main Road
- [GroundUp] Residents of Enkanini informal settlement say they have waited more than three months for repairs
President Unveils Sweeping Reforms to Fix Local Government
- [SAnews.gov.za] President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled far-reaching reforms to South Africa's local government system, proposing a differentiated model of municipal powers and functions, stricter regulation of water and electricity services and stronger financial controls to address persistent service delivery failures.
Government Investigates Gastrointestinal Illness Cases in the Eastern Cape
- [SAnews.gov.za] Government has launched an investigation into reported cases of gastrointestinal illness affecting 111 people at Rhodes University in Makhanda and 23 inmates at St Albans Correctional Centre in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Black Market Weight-Loss Drug Sellers Are Moving Fast. South Africa's Regulators Are Struggling To Keep Up
- [Bhekisisa] South African regulators have won an important court battle against a pharmacy making its own versions of popular weight-loss injections. But illegal and experimental drugs are still being sold openly, while new rules to crack down on the trade are months away. Why is the country struggling to stop the sellers -- and how can consumers tell whether the medicines they're buying are safe?
