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Gospel artist Ndumiso Zungu has withdrawn from the Best Song category at the 2026 Icebolethu Crown Gospel Music Awards, citing unresolved voting-code problems that prevented some supporters from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

The Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa will mark 25 years of supporting exporters, investment and industrial development, with Trade Minister Parks Tau set to address the anniversary celebration in Sandton.

Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has denied receiving more than R800,000 in alleged payments from defence contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu as her corruption and money laundering trial continued in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

The Department of Home Affairs has expanded Smart ID replacement services to 753 bank branches nationwide, exceeding its March 2027 target more than four months early and increasing access to the service by more than 350%.

South Africa’s most decorated Olympian Tatjana Smith is set to compete for the Netherlands as she targets the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie defending her decision and wishing the four-time Olympic medallist well in the next chapter of her career.

Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says public consultation on South Africa’s proposed 5,200MW nuclear expansion will be based on scientific evidence and economic merit, as government seeks to strengthen the country’s electricity supply.