Author: Larson Thebe
World champions South Africa have been placed in Pool B alongside Italy, Georgia and Romania for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, a draw that hands the Springboks a realistic chance of progressing deep into the knockout stages as they chase an unprecedented third consecutive title. The Springboks, who lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in Japan (2019) and France (2023), have previously beaten all three of their 2027 pool opponents at World Cup tournaments, but head coach Rassie Erasmus has stressed there will be no complacency. “We’re pleased with the pool, but this is a World Cup – every…
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Deputy Minister Buti Manamela has instructed the Chairperson of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Council to submit a preliminary report by Friday, 5 December 2025, following serious allegations of a degree-selling syndicate operating at the institution. The allegations, which centre on fraudulent qualifications in B.Tech programmes in Marketing and Business Management, primarily involve Congolese nationals – including students who have already graduated. According to the Minister, a whistleblower first raised concerns about senior management’s complicity more than a year ago, yet the university failed to take decisive action against those implicated. “It is unacceptable…
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced his 25-man squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be held in Morocco from 21 December – 18 January 2026. The squad features a mix of old and youngsters like Shandre Campbell and Tyron Smit, who both distinguished themself Player at the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. The team includes ten survivors from the 2024 AFCON squad, which finished third in the tournament held in Ivory Coast. Notable absentees include Mamelodi Sundowns’ Themba Zwane, Iqraam Rayners and Thembinkosi Lorch. The squad however includes most of the…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the G20, rejecting threats by US President Donald Trump to exclude the country from next year’s summit scheduled to take place in Florida, USA. In a national address on Sunday evening, following what he described as a “successful” G20 Summit hosted by South Africa, Ramaphosa said the country’s participation in the group is non-negotiable. “South Africa is one of the founding members of the G20 and is therefore a member in its own name and right. We will continue to participate as a full, active, and constructive member of the G20,”…
Four men suspected of being recruited to join the Russian military were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport while attempting to travel to Russia via Dubai. The Hawks say the arrests followed a tip-off from SAPS at the airport, with the individuals intercepted at the boarding gate and handed over to the Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit. A preliminary investigation revealed that a South African woman had allegedly facilitated the recruitment and travel of the suspects. A further search and seizure operation led to the arrest of additional suspects and the seizure of electronic devices and backpacks for analysis.…
Springbok Sevens coach Philip Snyman said the team is eager to start the new HSBC SVNS season on a high note in Dubai, when it clashes with France in its first game on Saturday. Snyman said the mood has been high in the team since arriving in Dubai this week, as they’re ready to deliver another memorable Emirates Dubai 7s performance. The team’s confidence is boosted by featuring their sensational captain Impi Visser and the most experienced squad member, Ryan Oosthuizen. “I am very happy with our preparations. Our pre-season went well and in our training session with Great Britain…
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) arrested four individuals late Tuesday evening. The suspects include a sitting Pretoria High Court judge, her son, the leader of a prominent church, and another unidentified individual, all facing charges of corruption and money laundering. This operation, led by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), has exposed an alleged scheme to tamper with a high-stakes civil case.The Allegations at the Heart of the CaseThe arrests stem from a protracted succession dispute within the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC), one of South Africa’s largest and most…
Springbok scrum coach Daan Human says the team remains unfazed by the absence of several key players ahead of Saturday’s penultimate European Tour fixture against Wales in Cardiff. This comes as a number of players have returned to their clubs, with the match falling outside the official international window. As a result, the Boks will be without Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Boan Venter, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Grant Williams, Handré Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe and Edwill van der Merwe. Human, however, views this as an opportunity for fringe players to step up.…
The Midvaal Local Municipality said it has embarked on an R8 million new construction project of new trading stalls aimed at empowering informal traders and restoring dignity to their daily operations. According to the municipality, which is located Situated within the Sedibeng District Municipality, the development will include the construction of 34 fully equipped trading stalls, an ablution facility, and an administrative office. Each stall features water and electricity access and can be securely locked after working hours to protect trader goods. According to Midvaal mayoral spokesperson Idah Satikhe, this initiative marks a significant milestone for informal trade in the…
The North West’s permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) have expressed concern over the retention of an unoccupied and dilapidating Mayoral House in Mogwase for a decade by the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. This emerged during the oversight visit to various sites by the delegation at the municipality, The delegation, led by the Provincial Whip, Sylvia Sithole, highlighted pressing issues that included mismanagement of resources and infrastructure challenges as part of the NCOP’s flagship Provincial Week programme, “It is shocking that the municipality continues to retain a depreciating asset that serves no purpose and which adds no…