# The deputy director of Investigations of KwaZulu-Natal’s Independent Police Investigative Directorate, Len John, has told the Madlanga commission some police officials are closely linked to the tow-truck industry, describing it as a free rein to crime. He alleges tow trucks are being used to transport drugs, with police members involved in the operation. John […]
# The SKA Observatory has released a new book outlining the scientific research expected from the Square Kilometre Array as construction progresses. The book titled, “Advancing Astrophysics II,” contains 221 peer-reviewed papers from more than one-thousand-500 scientists in 51 countries. South Africa hosts the SKA-Mid instrument, which will eventually comprise 197 dishes, including MeerKAT. Australia […]
# The Benchmarks Foundation says proposed changes to South Africa’s mining laws may fail to target the masterminds behind illegal mining syndicates. The General Mining Laws Amendment Bill proposes making illicit mining and related activities criminal offences, with fines of up to 100-million-rand and prison terms of up to 30 years. Foundation researcher David van […]
# Agriculture experts have revealed that near-record food inventories, improved farming technology and stronger exporters are expected to cushion the global food systems against potential severe El Niño. In addition, advances in drought-tolerant crops, irrigation, precision agriculture and weather forecasting have strengthened resilience. However, experts warn that drought, fertilizer shortages and geopolitical disruptions could still […]
# The draft updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 2026 to 2035 has been published for public comment. Forestry, Fisheries and Environment minister David Maynier says the plan will guide South Africa’s efforts to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity. The strategy aligns with the global Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework adopted in 2022. The government […]
# The Presidency has rebuked Eskom chairperson Mteto Nyati for publicly questioning plans to restructure the power utility. He has warned transferring transmission assets could affect lending agreements, accounting and bondholders. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says government is committed to ensuring Eskom does not emerge financially weaker from the unbundling process. He says Eskom’s concerns […]
# Investigating Directorate Against Corruption prosecutor Drushantha Ramsamy has told the Madlanga Commission that former IDAC head Andrea Johnson instructed her to target SAPS Brigadier Ashnie Krishnadatta. Krishnadatta took over from Khan in an acting position in the Vetting Department following his suspension. Responding to evidence leader Lee Segeels-Ncube, Ramsamy said the instruction was allegedly […]
# The Congress of the People is calling on the Government of National Unity to declare unemployment a national disaster and introduce an urgent jobs and youth employment programme. The call follows a rise in South Africa’s official unemployment rate to 33.6-percent in the second quarter of 2026, up from 32.7-percent. COPE wants the government […]
# Investigating Directorate Against Corruption advocate Drushantha Ramsamy says claims were made that SAPS Brigadier Dineo Mokwele’s father, senior Hawks member, Brigadier Mapome Mohajane, had faced bribery charges. Ramsamy told the Madlanga Commission that this fueled perceptions that Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo appointed Mokwele as a favour to her father. Ramsamy says former IDAC […]
