Author: Larson Thebe

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has withdrawn the country’s 90-day visa exemption for 153 Palestinian passport holders.The group arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport last month from Kenya, on a chartered flight, and were stuck in the plane for several hours before they were granted entry into the country. Following investigations and recommendations by national intelligence structures and consultations conducted within the Security Cluster – which confirmed the deliberate and ongoing abuse of the 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian ordinary passport holders by Israeli actors linked to “voluntary emigration” efforts for residents of the Gaza Strip – the Department…

Orlando Pirates has been crowned the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup champions.This after a hard fought 1-0 victory against a stubborn Marumo Gallants at the sold-out Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Saturday evening. The Buccaneers solitary goal was scored by Relebohile Mofokeng, in the dying stage of extra-time, after the match ended 0-0 all at regulation time. The match started on a high note for Pirates, who almost scored in the fifth minute, when Gallants goalkeeper and captain, Washington Arubi, mis controlled a back pass, allowing a golden opportunity for Pirates striker, Evidence Makgopa. Makgopa’s strike beat Arubi, but…

Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth has been handed a 12-week ban by the Quilter Nations Series disciplinary committee after being found guilty of making intentional contact with the eye of Wales flanker Alex Mann during South Africa’s 73–0 win two weeks ago. The incident occurred in the final minutes of the match, resulting in Etzebeth being shown a red card on the field. Following a post-match review, match officials referred the matter to a disciplinary panel. After analysing video footage and submissions made during Etzebeth’s virtual appearance, the committee ruled that the action constituted foul play under Law 9.12. They determined…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected calls to mobilise other G20 countries to boycott next year’s Leaders’ Summit in the United States, after Washington confirmed it has excluded South Africa from the first preparatory Sherpas meeting of its 2026 presidency. Speaking on the sidelines of the Cosatu Charity Golf Challenge at Johannesburg Country Club on Wednesday, Ramaphosa said South Africa would not pressure fellow members to take sides. “We will not mobilise countries; we’re not wired like that as South Africa. Every country must take its own decisions,” the president said. “We don’t have enemies, we just have friends. All we…

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…