Northern Cape Premier and ANC provincial chairperson Zamani Saul has denied allegations of political interference in his administration following the shock resignation of Roads and Public Works MEC Fufe Makatong.
Saul moved swiftly to reshuffle his Cabinet after Makatong’s resignation, fuelling spe...
Fifth Suspect Arrested After Murder of North West Couple in Butchery
A fifth suspect has been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a business couple from Mahikeng, who were shot dead during a robbery at their butchery last week.
According to police, the 32-year-old suspect was arrested on Thursday (30 April) in Itsoseng. He is expected to appear in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 4 May, facing charges of murder, business robbery, and the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The incident took place on Friday (24 April), when Sergio and Marlene Gomes were shot during a robbery at their butchery. Marlene died at the scene, while Sergio later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
Police spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh said the couple had reportedly rushed to the butchery after receiving information that their son was being robbed there. Upon arrival, they were allegedly forced inside the premises by armed suspects.
The suspects reportedly stole cellphones, cash, a laptop, and vehicle keys before fleeing the scene.
The couple’s stolen Ford Ranger was later found abandoned in Magogwe, while some of the stolen cellphones were recovered in a nearby field.
Four other suspects, aged between 21 and 37, were arrested earlier on Wednesday (29 April) during intelligence-driven operations in a settlement near Mmabatho.
Police recovered four firearms during the arrests, including a pistol linked to one of the victims.
The four accused appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and remain in custody. They are expected to return to court on Wednesday, 6 May, for a formal bail application.
Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that further arrests cannot be ruled out.
R1 Million Lawsuit Threat Looms as 24-Hour Retraction Deadline Issued
PRETORIA – Julius Malema has moved swiftly to defend his reputation, threatening legal action against cultural activist and former radio presenter Ngizwe Mchunu over remarks allegedly made during a recent media interview.
Through his legal representatives at England Slabbert Attorneys, Malema is demanding R1 million in damages and has issued Mchunu with a 24-hour deadline to retract the statements.
The dispute centres on claims made during an interview with content creator King Zoso in Pretoria, where Mchunu allegedly accused Malema of receiving money from Nigerian drug dealers — an allegation his legal team has strongly denied.
Malema’s attorney, Angelike Charalambous, described the remarks as “false, malicious and defamatory,” arguing that they create the impression that the Economic Freedom Fighters leader is involved in criminal conduct.
She emphasised that Malema’s reputation is central to his role as both a Member of Parliament and leader of the EFF, and that the statements could cause significant harm to his public standing.
The legal letter further alleges that Mchunu’s comments were made with political intent ahead of the November local government elections, suggesting they were aimed at damaging both Malema’s image and the EFF’s electoral prospects. Mchunu is said to be aligned with the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MK Party).
Mchunu has been instructed to issue a public apology and withdraw the statements across all platforms where they were made — including his own social media accounts and the platform where the interview was broadcast.
Failure to comply within the 24-hour window, the letter warns, will trigger formal legal proceedings, which could include not only the R1 million damages claim but also a punitive costs order.
The case adds to a growing list of legal battles involving Malema, who has recently taken action against several public figures over alleged defamation, as political tensions continue to escalate ahead of the elections.
This article was originally posted by The South African
Loftus Showdown Could Decide the Betway Premiership — Pirates Watching Closely
The 2025/26 Betway Premiership title race is heading for a dramatic turning point as Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to host Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld next week — a clash that could ultimately determine who lifts the trophy.
Kick-off is set for 19:30 on Wednesday, 6 May, with the match broadcast live on SuperSport channel 202.
But this is more than just another fixture — it’s a potential title decider.
Sundowns currently sit at the top of the standings with 61 points from 26 matches, holding a narrow advantage over Orlando Pirates, who trail by just two points on 59, having played the same number of games.
With only four matches remaining — and a maximum of 12 points still up for grabs — the margin for error has all but disappeared.
For Sundowns, the mission is straightforward: win all remaining games and secure the title. But the pressure is mounting, and any slip-up could swing momentum dramatically.
That’s where Chiefs enter the picture.
Although Amakhosi are no longer in contention for the title, they now find themselves in the role of kingmakers. A draw or victory against Sundowns would blow the race wide open — handing Pirates a lifeline and shifting control of the title battle.
And make no mistake, the Buccaneers will be watching every minute.
For Pirates supporters, this fixture carries enormous weight. A Sundowns stumble could put the title back within reach — but only if Pirates deliver a flawless finish in their remaining matches.
As anticipation builds, all eyes turn to Loftus Versfeld.
Because in a season defined by fine margins, this midweek clash could be the moment everything changes.
This article was originally posted by The South African
Duty-Free Access to World’s Biggest Market Signals Opportunity — But With Conditions
South Africa is poised for a major export uplift following China’s decision to introduce a temporary zero-tariff preference scheme for selected African economies — a move that could reshape trade flows and unlock new growth opportunities.
Announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the policy allows qualifying South African goods to enter China without customs duties from 1 May 2026 until 30 April 2028, giving local exporters unprecedented access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
At the centre of this breakthrough is the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (CAEPA), which formalises duty-free access for 20 non-least developed African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing. The agreement complements existing trade frameworks under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
The impact is already visible.
According to Xinhua News Agency, 24 tons of South African apples became the first shipment to enter China under the new regime — a symbolic milestone marking the start of what could be a significant export surge.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau described the development as a strengthening of economic ties between Africa and China, opening the door for South African businesses to scale exports and deepen their participation in global value chains.
Big Opportunity — But Not Automatic
While the incentives are substantial, access to the zero-tariff regime comes with strict compliance requirements.
Exporters must meet detailed rules of origin criteria and provide valid certification to Chinese customs authorities. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, working with the South African Revenue Service, is currently finalising procedures to support implementation.
Tau warned that failure to secure a Certificate of Origin before shipment could result in upfront costs, with importers required to pay deposits until proper documentation is submitted. Retrospective certificates will be allowed but must be clearly marked and will only remain valid for one year.
Additionally, some product categories may still face conditions such as tariff-rate quotas, meaning exporters will need to carefully navigate compliance rules to fully benefit.
What It Means for South Africa
The scheme is expected to deliver tangible economic gains:
Agricultural exports (like fruit, wine, and meat) could expand rapidly
Manufacturing and value-added goods may gain a competitive edge
Job creation could increase as export demand grows
Trade diversification reduces reliance on traditional Western markets
The initiative forms part of South Africa’s broader export strategy — including the so-called “Butterfly Strategy” — aimed at redirecting trade towards high-growth regions such as Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Officials say the deal comes at a critical time, as global trade faces increasing uncertainty driven by protectionism and supply chain disruptions.
To support businesses, the dtic has activated an Export Help Desk and will release detailed guidance to help companies navigate the new system.
A Strategic Shift in Global Trade
Beyond immediate gains, the agreement signals a deeper shift in global economic alignment — with Africa and China strengthening trade ties in a way that could reshape long-term market dynamics.
“This preferential access offers a real opportunity for South African firms to scale up exports,” Tau said.
But the real test will lie in execution.
Because while the door to China is now wide open — only those prepared to meet the requirements will be able to walk through it.
This article was originally posted by the Business Report
From Wall Street Unease to Fuel Pain at Home — What It Means for South Africa
Global markets slipped into a cautious and uneasy rhythm as investors grappled with a powerful mix of economic and geopolitical pressure — from fresh inflation warnings by the Federal Reserve to escalating tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict.
On Wall Street, the mood was subdued. The S&P 500 edged slightly lower, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.6%, reflecting a market struggling to find direction amid uncertainty.
According to Bianca Botes of Citadel Global, the picture briefly shifted after the closing bell as earnings reports from major tech giants began to roll in. While some results offered optimism, Meta Platforms remained under pressure due to weak spending forecasts.
In Asia, markets showed more resilience, with the MSCI Asia Pacific Index on track for strong gains — a rare bright spot in an otherwise tense global outlook.
But the real shockwave came from the energy market.
Oil prices surged past $120 per barrel, driven by supply fears and intensifying geopolitical tensions. The shift follows renewed activity involving former US president Donald Trump and ongoing instability in the Middle East, compounded by the historic exit of the United Arab Emirates from OPEC.
What This Means for South Africa
For South Africa, the impact is immediate — and painful. As a net importer of fuel, the country is highly exposed to global oil price spikes. With oil above $120, analysts warn that local petrol prices could climb sharply in the coming months.
At current exchange rates, this could translate into fuel increases of between R1.50 and R3.00 per litre, depending on currency movements and levies. That would push petrol prices well beyond recent highs, placing additional strain on households already grappling with rising living costs.The knock-on effects extend far beyond the pump:
Transport costs will rise, affecting commuters and logistics
Food prices could increase due to higher distribution costs
Inflation may accelerate, putting pressure on interest rates
Small businesses could face tighter margins
In short, a global oil shock quickly becomes a domestic cost-of-living crisis.
Meanwhile, traditional safe-haven asset gold has fallen 3% this week to around $4,556 per ounce, weighed down by a stronger US dollar — another factor that typically weakens the rand and worsens import costs for South Africa.
Looking ahead, attention is turning to decisions by the Bank of England and the European Central Bank, as well as key inflation data releases.
For global investors, the coming days will shape market direction.
For South Africans, however, the concern is far more immediate: how much more everyday life is about to cost.
This article was originally posted by the Business Report
...Amid a high-stakes leadership battle for regional power
By JN Reporter
BLOEMFONTEIN - The highly anticipated African National Congress (ANC) Mangaung regional elective conference is expected to officially get underway shortly, as delegates converge for a pivotal gathering set to shape the party’s future in the region and across the province.
Delegates from across Mangaung have begun arriving at Bloem Spa Hotel in Bloemfontein, where robust discussions are expected to centre on internal unity, leadership contestation, and the party’s policy direction ahead of upcoming elections.
The conference comes at a critical juncture for the ANC, as it looks to reassert its political footing and confront growing challenges within its structures and on the provincial stage.
Speaking to Journal News ahead of proceedings, regional convenor Lawrence Mathae — who is contesting for re-election as chairperson — confirmed that the conference will commence soon following initial delays.
