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09/10/2026

Sports: Cricket

Legends and young guns light up Betway SA20 Season 5 Player Auction

The Betway SA20 Season 5 Player Auction produced a captivating blend of proven international pedigree and exciting young talent as the four remaining franchises finalised their squads on Wednesday evening in Johannesburg.

Leading the list of headline signings was former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis, who sparked considerable interest before being secured by Joburg Super Kings for R2.7 million, making him one of the biggest buys of the day.

The 42-year-old was at the centre of a bidding war between JSK and rivals MI Cape Town but ultimately returned to the Wanderers where he has spent the past four Betway SA20 seasons.

Du Plessis will be joined at the Bullring by another highly experienced T20 veteran in West Indies superstar Kieron Pollard. The legendary T20 all-rounder, who is the all-time leading run-scorer in men's T20 cricket history, was snapped up by Joburg Super Kings for R1.5 million. Pollard will bring his trademark power-hitting, game management and championship-winning pedigree to the Super Kings.

MI Cape Town were not going to be outdone and invested heavily in Proteas all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, securing his services for R2.6 million, while also adding West Indies power-hitter Shimron Hetmyer for R1.5million in the first purchase of the day.

Former Proteas top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen will meanwhile continue his Betway SA20 journey with the Pretoria Capitals after being secured for R500,000, adding stability and experience to the Capitals' batting unit as they look to go one step further after finishing as runners-up for the second time last season to Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

To help the Capitals get there will be Proteas Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma. The 36-year-old will be enjoying his third stint in Betway SA20 after helping the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to their first two championships.

03/10/2026

Sports: Rugby

Live from King's Park Rugby Stadium in Durban, it is the epic battle between Leinster (Ireland) and Hollywoodbets Sharks (SA) in the URC round-robin stage. The Sharks lead the match at the 67th minute, at 21-15.

03/10/2026

01/10/2026

Pick n Pay W**e & Food Festival details
• Venue: Sugar Rush Park, Ballito
• Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026
• Early access: 12H00 for Pick n Pay W**e Club members
• General access: 13H00
• Tastings: Until 16H30
• W**e and food sales: Until 17H30
• Event closes: 18H00
Every ticket includes a branded festival glass and 20 tasting tokens.
Tickets:
• General Access and Pick n Pay W**e Club Early Access: R350
• Tasting Room add-on: R150
• Mixology Theatre add-on: R150
• Picnic Bag add-on: R350 (serves two; pre-sold and ready to enjoy on the lawns)
• Designated Driver ticket: R200, including a voucher redeemable for cooldrinks

30/09/2026

Current Affairs
Travel and Tourism

Durban's iconic ICC nominated for WSTH Awards

Its prime, city-centred location, world-class standards, host to national and international conferences: The iconic Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) has been nominated for the World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards 2026 in the World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation category.

The nomination marks another significant milestone for the Durban ICC, which was named Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre for the 21st time at the World Travel Awards.

Now in its third year, the awards feature 19 competitive categories, in addition to the Outstanding Contribution honour, bringing the total number of award categories to 20.

More than 90 nominees from over 35 countries and territories are competing for recognition. The Durban ICC is competing against Accor from France, Forte Village from Italy, GR-F from Armenia, Metropolitan Touring from Ecuador, and Six Senses from India.

Speaking following the announcement, Durban ICC Chief Executive Officer Lindiwe Rakharebe described the nomination as a proud moment for the entire Durban ICC team and a celebration of nearly three decades of commitment, teamwork, and excellence.

She said the nomination was also an opportunity to acknowledge the many partners who have contributed to the Durban ICC’s journey since it opened its doors in 1997.

Rakharebe said: "This nomination belongs to our entire ecosystem. We are incredibly grateful to our clients, event organisers, government, industry partners, and the tourism sector for their trust, collaboration, and continued support. Together, we have helped position Durban on the international business events map."

She added: "For us, this nomination is not only about where we have been, but also about where we are going. It inspires us to continue raising the bar, creating memorable experiences, and showcasing the very best of Durban to the world."

30/09/2026

Science and Technology

NASA to participate in IAC

NASA will participate in the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Antalya, Türkiye, from Monday, Oct. 5, to Friday, Oct. 9, highlighting America’s leadership in human exploration to the Moon and Mars, advancing responsible exploration under the Artemis Accords, world-changing science, and support for the commercial space sector.

The IAC, organised by the International Astronautical Federation, is hosted this year by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA).

The NASA delegation, led by NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson, will take part in plenary sessions, technical discussions, and media engagements throughout the week.

30/09/2026

Medical and Health

Reducing preventable blindness as Gauteng Health bolsters eyecare services

In celebration of Eye Care Awareness Month from 23 September-18 October 2026, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is reaffirming its
commitment to protecting the vision of communities by expanding access to quality, accessible and specialised eye care services across the province.
Through its network of primary healthcare facilities, district, regional, tertiary and
academic hospitals, the Department continues to bring essential eyecare closer to communities. Services include eye screening and vision testing, optometry and ophthalmology consultations, diagnosis and management of eye conditions,
as well as the provision of spectacles and other optical assistive devices.

The Department’s continued investment in eye health is delivering tangible benefits to communities in need of these much-needed services. Between April and August 2026, 17 347 patients received spectacles through public health facilities, including 2 841 children. By providing children with the visual support they need, these services contribute to better learning, participation in school and improved quality of life, while ensuring that adults are able to carry out their daily activities with greater independence.

Gauteng is also making significant progress in expanding access to sightrestoring surgery. Between April and August 2026, public hospitals in the province performed more than 4 588 cataract surgeries. With 14 hospitals currently providing cataract surgery, Gauteng has the highest number of cataract surgery centres in South Africa. This expanded capacity is helping to address surgical backlogs, restore sight and reduce avoidable blindness.
In addition, the Department’s approach extends beyond services delivered inside communities.

28/09/2026

Business and Economics
Current Affairs

Financial exclusion fuels illegal lending, millions left vulnerable


Flung into the very distant commercial lending outlets and the millions that do not meet regulatory standards, the Credit Association of SA (CASA) emphasised that expanding access to responsible, regulated credit is essential to protecting consumers and supporting small-business growth

Financial exclusion is leaving millions of South Africans vulnerable to illegal lenders who operate beyond the protections of the National Credit Act, the Credit Association of South Africa (CASA) has warned.

In the first quarter of 2025 alone, South Africans submitted 18 million credit applications, of which 13 million were declined. CASA stated that these figures reveal the scale of demand for credit, but also the growing number of people who are unable to obtain finance through regulated channels.

“When a consumer is declined by a regulated credit provider, the need for money does not disappear,” says Leonie van Pletzen, CEO of CASA. “Families still face emergencies, workers still need transport, and small traders still need stock. If responsible credit is unavailable, many consumers are left exposed to illegal lenders who offer quick money without meaningful protection.”


Research commissioned by CASA found that formal lending to consumers earning below R10 000 per month contracted by 71.6% in real terms between 2013 and 2025. The study estimates an annual formal credit gap of R79.4 billion among these consumers. CASA’s research further found that 59% of rejected borrowers subsequently turn to illegal lenders.

Illegal lenders may charge interest of up to 600% a year and frequently operate without proper affordability assessments, transparent pricing, or fair collection processes. Consumers may also face intimidation or the unlawful retention of bank cards, identity documents, and social grant cards.

25/09/2026

Current Affairs

Minister Lamola addresses 81st UN GA

SA's minister in the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO), Ronald Lamola, expressed at the 81st United Nations General Assembly the theme of Heritage Day in SA.

National Heritage is a national day that holds immense significance in South Africa.

"We call it Heritage Day. It is a day upon which recommit to not just a United but also a diverse nation. A day where we re-assert that diversity is not a cause for division but celebration. Our strength is in our diversity. On behalf of the Republic of South Africa, I congratulate you on your election to preside over the 81st General Assembly. I assure you of our full support as you discharge your important responsibilities. At the same time, Mr. President, with this being the valedictory UN General Assembly session for Secretary-General Antonio Guteress, permit me to salute him for his numerous accomplishments at a time of unprecedented global challenges", stated Minister Lamola.

"Sixty years ago, in the chambers of this Assembly, the United Nations adopted a resolution condemning apartheid as a crime against humanity. The demise of apartheid freed the people of South Africa from racial segregation and slaughter, domination and deprivation, humiliation and exploitation. But it was not only the people of South Africa who were unchained when apartheid collapsed.
The end of apartheid also marked the end of a system that exported violence and instability across southern Africa.
Indeed, the fall of apartheid is a glorious story that attests to what multilateralism can deliver.
Since democratic South Africa took its place in this Assembly, we have pursued a foreign policy anchored in Ubuntu and international law, dialogue and multilateralism, and in the understanding that our fate is tied to the fortunes of our region and continent".

24/09/2026

Sports: Cricket

That moment when Australian cricketer Mitchell Marsh's cracking runs chase to SA's 297/8 fell to the bowling of Keshav Maharaj (caught by Matthew Breetzke) - 60 off 36.