The South African Reserve Bank has left the repo rate unchanged at 7%, citing rising inflation risks, global uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict, and weak domestic economic growth.

South Africans now have access to Smart ID Card services at 541 locations nationwide after the Department of Home Affairs expanded its digital partnership programme and launched the country's first bank-based mobile Home Affairs unit.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has approved R3 million in emergency funding to ensure South Africa's men's and women's national hockey teams can compete at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup without players having to pay their own participation costs.

SAPS Crime Intelligence Colonel Ishmael Dawood has been released on R10,000 bail after the Gauteng High Court granted his urgent bail application. He faces charges of assault and extortion linked to allegations dating back to 2023.

The inaugural Spelling Bee World Cup has concluded in Shanghai, China, with American contestant Faizan Zaki crowned the first-ever world champion. The event also marked the launch of the World Spelling Bee Association, a new international body aimed at promoting literacy and expanding competitive spelling worldwide.

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued a product safety recall affecting hundreds of Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX600 vehicles due to potential fuel system and engine defects that could pose safety risks to motorists.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has transferred seven state plantations to beneficiary communities in the Eastern Cape's Nqadu area, with more transfers planned this financial year as part of efforts to expand community participation in the forestry sector and create sustainable rural livelihoods.

After living with a disability for decades and being forced to crawl around her home, 81-year-old Tshudzu Munyai has received a life-changing electric wheelchair from the Collen Mashawana Foundation.

Authorities have warned students against gambling with bursaries, NSFAS allowances and other education funds, saying the habit could jeopardise their academic future and expose them to debt and fraud.

The Gauteng Traffic Police have urged learner transport and public transport operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and legally compliant as thousands of pupils return to school for the third term, with intensified law enforcement operations set to roll out across the province.

A former Emfuleni Local Municipality fleet manager has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a fraudulent R16 million vehicle fleet tender in which the municipality reportedly paid for 18 vehicles but received only seven.

A Limpopo family whose home was destroyed by devastating floods has been given a fresh start after receiving a fully furnished three-bedroom house on Mandela Day, bringing renewed hope and dignity.

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim has met with NSFAS Administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula to address student concerns over funding delays, outstanding GAP investigations, allowance payments and appeals, with the scheme committing to fast-track thousands of pending cases.

South Africa's Junior Springboks produced a determined defensive display to beat France 16-5 in the World Rugby U20 Championship final in Tbilisi, completing an unbeaten campaign and extending their remarkable winning streak to 18 matches.

Defending champions Banyana Banyana have departed for Morocco to begin their WAFCON title defence, with their sights also set on qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup and driving the Goals 4 Pads campaign to support young girls across South Africa.