Author: Larson Thebe

The Department of Correctional Services says it is ready to take full responsibility for the Mangaung Correctional Centre from the beginning of next month. The facility came under the spotlight after convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester escaped in May 2022 by faking his death during a fire inside a prison cell. Briefing the Portfolio Committee in Parliament, the department confirmed its readiness to assume full operational responsibility for the facility following the conclusion of the 25-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between the Department and Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (BCC). As part of preparations for the transition, the department says it…

Bafana Bafana were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Nicaragua in an international friendly at Orlando Stadium on Friday night.The match served as South Africa’s final send-off before the team departs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Head coach Hugo Broos opted to experiment with new combinations, resting several Mamelodi Sundowns players who only returned to the country on Tuesday following their CAF Champions League triumph over Moroccan side AS FAR in Rabat on Sunday.Nicaragua frustrated the hosts throughout the match with a disciplined defensive display, while Bafana Bafana squandered a number of promising goal-scoring opportunities.Striker Lyle Foster missed a…

The Border Management Authority (BMA) and law enforcement agencies have intercepted a major drug consignment weighing 713,000 grams, with an estimated street value of R998.2 million, at the Beitbridge Port of Entry. Authorities confirmed that the substance was identified as methaqualone (ABBA), commonly used in the production of mandrax, and was discovered inside a truck travelling from Malawi into South Africa. The vehicle was subjected to a non-intrusive inspection using a cargo scanner, which flagged suspicious substances. This led officials to conduct an extensive physical search of the truck, lasting approximately eight hours. The SAPS K-9 Unit, together with the…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announcedhis final 26-member squad of players that will represent the country at the2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made at Sefako MakgathoPresidential Guest House in Pretoria, and was attended by President CyrilRamaphosa, Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie and South AfricanFootball Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan.The squad is dominated by players from BetwayPremiership champions Orlando Pirates and CAF Champions League champions,Mamelodi Sundowns, as the Belgian stuck with the tried and tested players. There was however a surprise inclusion ofKaizer Chiefs left back, Bradley Cross, who is the only Amakhosi playerincluded in the squad.…

South Africa has pledged $5 million to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in support of the continent’s ongoing response to the Ebola outbreak. The contribution was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during an urgent High-Level Briefing on the Ebola outbreak situation in Africa held on Monday. According to the World Health Organization, more than 200 people have died amid continued transmission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, while several neighbouring countries remain at heightened risk. Ramaphosa said the response plan would support outbreak control measures in affected countries while strengthening preparedness in at…

Orlando Pirates were crowned 2025/26 BetwayPremiership champions after defeating Orbit College 2-0 at the Mbombela Stadiumon Saturday afternoon.The win ensured that the Buccaneers finish theleague one point ahead of runners-up Mamelodi Sundowns, to end a 14-year leaguetitle drought. Pirates two goals came as courtesy of MswenkoBoys, after two of their players scored two own goals, a defeat that ensuredthat the North West side is relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championshipnext season after finishing 16th in the log. At the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, KaizerChiefs hopes of ending the league on a high note, were diminished after a 1-0loss against…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the life of former North West Premier Bushy Maape was marked by endurance and sacrifice in the struggle for liberation. Mashatile delivered the eulogy at Maape’s funeral service at the Huhudi Stadium outside Vryburg. The 68-year-old Maape passed away last Saturday at a Johannesburg health facility following a short illness. Maape served as North West Premier between 2021 and 2024. The service was attended by former President Kgalema Motlanthe, former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Lechesa Tsenoli, Sydney Mufamadi, adviser to President Cyril Ramaphosa, and former North West Premier Thandi Modise, among others. Mashatile…

The Special Provincial Official Funeral of former North West Premier Kaobitsa “Bushy” Maape is taking place in Huhudi, outside Vryburg, on Saturday morning, with mourners gathering to honour his life and legacy. Maape passed away last Saturday following a short illness at a Johannesburg hospital. His death continues to prompt widespread tributes from political leaders, government officials and community members across the province and beyond. Deputy President Paul Mashatile is delivering the eulogy at the funeral service, which is attended by members of the Provincial Executive Council, mayors and other dignitaries. Maape served as Premier of the North West and…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced a 32-member preliminary squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the selection heavily dominated by players from Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. The announcement comes as both clubs remain locked in the race for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title. Orlando Pirates need a victory against Orbit College FC on Saturday to secure the championship, while a draw or defeat would see Mamelodi Sundowns retain the league crown. Sundowns are also chasing continental success as they prepare to face Morocco’s ASFAR in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final on…

Pretoria has condemned Israel following the arrest of South Africans aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters. Government has expressed serious concern over what it described as the abduction of South African citizens participating in the humanitarian mission. Officials warned that those detained could now face imprisonment in Israel despite being part of a civilian-led initiative aimed at delivering aid and raising awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the flotilla sought to highlight the urgent humanitarian needs of Palestinians in Gaza and deliver essential assistance to people…