CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has warned that about 41 million people across Southern Africa could be exposed to climate-related disasters during the 2026/27 rainfall season, as the region faces a significant funding shortfall for emergency preparedness and response.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has condemned the killing of a South African Police Service (SAPS) station commander who was shot while responding to a business robbery in Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal.

Four people accused of robbery, attempted murder and firearm-related offences linked to an alleged farm attack in Ventersdorp have abandoned their bail application, with the matter postponed to February 2027 for further investigations.

Fifty university students will develop technology-driven solutions aimed at connecting township and rural tourism operators with new markets as the Department of Tourism and UCT launch the Tourism Hackathon Challenge in Cape Town.

The ANC has begun engaging political parties, civic movements and independent candidates over possible coalition agreements following the 2026 Local Government Elections, which produced an unprecedented number of hung municipalities.

Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has welcomed R3.8 billion in new funding to recruit 3 552 social workers as government strengthens its response to gender-based violence and femicide, with billions more earmarked for courts, forensic services and survivor support.

The IEC has gazetted the names of councillors elected in the 2026 Local Government Elections, setting in motion preparations for the first municipal council meetings, which must be convened within 14 days of councillors being declared elected.

A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to two life terms of imprisonment for raping his 12-year-old biological daughter on two occasions in 2024. The Bityi Regional Court ordered the sentences to run concurrently.

Gospel artist Ndumiso Zungu has withdrawn from the Best Song category at the 2026 Icebolethu Crown Gospel Music Awards, citing unresolved voting-code problems that prevented some supporters from casting their votes.

The case involving expelled EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and three former Ekurhuleni municipal officials has been postponed to February 2027, with the matter expected to move to the Regional Court as the defence prepares for trial

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Faith Mazibuko will lead South Africa’s World Diabetes Day commemoration in Tembisa, highlighting the importance of early detection, prevention and access to quality diabetes care.

South Africa and China are deepening cooperation in artificial intelligence, with plans to establish an AI Talent Development and Innovation Centre aimed at closing digital skills gaps and strengthening innovation capacity.

The ANC termed the 2024 decline a “strategic setback”, meaning that the decline posed a serious structural and strategic threat to the intensification of the prosecution of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) for fundamental transformation in South Africa.

The National Prosecuting Authority is looking into allegations of harassment, intimidation and threats of violence involving senior advocate Garth Hulley SC, while police investigate the matter and a protection order remains in place.

Lekompo musician Lehlogonolo “Shebe Maburna” Chauke is back in the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court on Thursday as his bail hearing resumes, with the musician facing 21 charges, including four counts of attempted murder.