'No shutdown will infringe on anyone’s right to vote' – Cele

Police Minister Bheki Cele wants to assure South Africans that shutdowns will not infringe on any citizen's right to vote in the May 2019 elections.

• LIVE: I have seen with my own eyes sewage spilling over Alex streets, Ramaphosa tells residents
• Alex protests an ANC campaign – Malema charges
• Tshwane shutdown causes chaos in Pretoria

WATCH: Hero gym staff given red carpet treatment after saving swimmer's life

Two quick-thinking employees at Planet Fitness in Johannesburg have been lauded for their bravery. Watch.

• Hero gym staff to be honoured for pool rescue
• WATCH: Hero gym cleaner saves swimmer from drowning
• 2 drown at KZN beach, 1 recovering in hospital

Zuma to get R200K for 'struggle songs' for eThekweni democracy celebrations

The eThekwini Municipality has set aside a budget of R1m towards activities to celebrate 25 years of democracy, and former president Jacob Zuma is reportedly expected to receive more than R200 000.

• Zuma's lawyer not aware of intention to sue Sunday Times over Gaddafi millions report
• Why the Fifth Parliament was little more than Luthuli House-by-the-sea
• Only four of the Zuma years were a problem - Gwede Mantashe

Public Protector subpoenas Gordhan over 'rogue unit'

Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan has been subpoenaed by the Public Protector to submit an affidavit related to the so-called SARS 'rogue unit', the minister's spokesperson confirmed on Thursday evening.

• Judge Nugent: 'So-called rogue unit has nothing to do with us'
• Nugent handed new evidence on SARS 'rogue unit'
• Rogue unit allegations hogwash, former SARS enforcement head tells inquiry

WATCH: Ramaphosa says Mashaba is 'scared' of protesting Alex residents

President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Alexandra in Johannesburg in his capacity as ANC president, following last week's #TotalShutdown in the area. Watch.

• Ramaphosa's battle against the rogues in the ANC will define both the party and his leadership
• WATCH: First look at Cape Town's new trains
• President Ramaphosa asks Nomgcobo Jiba and Lawrence Mrwebi to respond to Mokgoro inquiry report by Tuesday

Man turns himself in over alleged R1.3m Eskom fraud

Michael Chimazi, 56, who was being sought by the Hawks in Mpumalanga for alleged theft to the tune of R1.3m, has handed himself over to the unit.

Eldorado Park pupils throw rocks at police during school raid

Two police officers are injured after pupils at Freedom Park Secondary School in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg threw rocks at them during a search operation.

• Cop attack: Pretoria police officer, who chased suspected drug dealer on foot, recovering in hospital
• West Coast farmer stabbed to death
• Police employ action plan against crime

WATCH: Pieter-Louis Myburgh encouraged by discussions around 'Gangster State' book

Author Pieter-Louis Myburgh says he is encouraged by the conversations people are having about the issues unpacked in the book, Gangster State: Unravelling Ace Magashule's web of capture.

• BOOK REVIEW: The anatomy of capture and corruption in King Ace's world
• Gangster State: V&A; Waterfront book launch cancelled amid security fears, venue changed
• Plans to burn Magashule 'puke' book called off after ANC leadership steps in

AS IT HAPPENED: Nathi Nhleko acted on wrong report to suspend, pursue prosecution against Dramat - McBride tells #StateCaptureInquiry

The judicial commission of inquiry into state capture heard testimony from former IPID head Robert McBride, which could implicate up to 50 people, according to the commission's legal team.

• McBride to testify at Zondo commission while Msimanga leads picket outside
• Who will head the state capture prosecution directorate?
• Gupta associates wanted to 'milk Free State dry', former MEC tells Zondo commission

ANCYL in Free State stuck with copies of Magashule book it can't burn - report

Although the ANC Youth League in the Free State has cancelled its plans to burn piles of a newly-released book, a report suggests that the league is stuck with loads of copies. ANCYL in Free State stuck with copies of Magashule book it can't burn - report

• Gangster State: V&A; Waterfront book launch cancelled amid security fears, venue changed
• Publisher of damning Magashule book: 'We will not be silenced'
• ANC cannot 'distance itself' and avoid responsibility for members' attack on Gangster State

More than 60 arrested as Post Office, municipal vehicles torched in Free State

More than 60 people have been arrested after a Post Office and municipal vehicles were torched during protests in Maokeng and Phomolong in Kroonstad, Free State police say.

• Police, protesters face off in Somerset West over land invasion attempt
• Tshwane shutdown causes chaos in Pretoria
• WATCH: Alexandra shutdown over service delivery

'We want a fresh start', say #KhayelitshaShutdown picketers over water woes

Protesters' shutdown strategy spread to a suburb of Khayelitsha, Cape Town where residents are unhappy about high water bills and disconnections.

• Tshwane shutdown causes chaos in Pretoria
• WATCH: Alexandra shutdown over service delivery
• Somerset West: Shops looted, bar emptied overnight

Strand protests: First shacks demolished in land occupation

The Red Ants have demolished the first structures of a new land occupation near the N2 close to Reddam House school in Strand

• Police, protesters face off in Somerset West over land invasion attempt
• City of Johannesburg to cough up for destroying possessions of homeless
• Residents burn down Alra Park police station in Nigel housing protest

Auntie Pat makes good in Salt River as she targets Western Cape

It is 06.37 when the former mayor of Cape Town arrives at the Salt River train station. Ever practical, Patricia de Lille wears jeans, sneakers, a shocking-orange T-shirt with the GOOD logo and a black cap.

• Patricia de Lille: Access to water is a human right
• Patricia de Lille: Be good. Do good. Fix South Africa
• Patricia De Lille: DA is just a hollow lie

African nations could lose $420m in a no-deal Brexit - but SA could be among the winners, says study

According to a UN agency study, total export losses from 20 African countries could be as much as $420m - but SA, Mauritius and Botswana could boost their exports.

• Brexit shifts to Halloween - and Twitter users can't believe their luck
• Brexit will be delayed to end October after French President Macron plays hardball
• European stocks steady before EU summit, ECB rate call

Volkswagen Financial Services won't refund car owners - for now

This week, the credit tribunal ordered VWFS to repay fees which have been levied on financing contracts.

• We compared advanced driving course prices in South Africa - and found that one carmaker offers it for free
• Volkswagen is discontinuing the iconic Beetle after 80 years on the market
• Bought a Volkswagen in SA since 2007? You may be owed thousands - here’s how to claim

Eldorado Park learners arrested for allegedly selling live ammunition at school

Three learners have allegedly been arrested for selling live ammunition on school premises in Eldorado Park.

• Learners caught with knife, dagga
• City pupil stabs schoolmate during violent altercation
• Pupil stabs classmate to death after being called into principal's office

Nathi Mankayi breaks his silence on arrest: 'I didn't rob anyone ... I was robbed'

Nathi Nkayi made headlines on Wednesday after he appeared at Alexandra Magistrate court on provisional charges of theft and assault.

• Nathi Mankayi spends a night behind bars after robbery arrest
• Nathi Mankayi has already found his Nomvula
• Babes Wodumo found guilty of contempt of court, fined R1 000 or 30 days in prison

Feathers fly over Watson wind farm plan

The Watsons planned to shoot protected Black Eagles in a bid to get approval for their Inyanda-Roodeplaat wind farm project, says a Bosasa employee.

• Steinhoff, Bosasa et al: When bad business is bad for business
• Accounting body to investigate two members implicated by Agrizzi
• Scandal-ridden prison services firm Bosasa gets new name

Gangster State: V&A; Waterfront book launch cancelled amid security fears, venue changed

The V&A; Waterfront has cancelled the Cape Town leg of Pieter-Louis Myburgh's book launch for Gangster State: Unravelling Ace Magashule's Web of Capture at its Exclusive Books branch.

• Publisher of damning Magashule book: 'We will not be silenced'
• ANC cannot 'distance itself' and avoid responsibility for members' attack on Gangster State
• 'People cannot oppose freedom of expression' - ANC distances itself from Magashule book launch chaos

PICS: Prieska man's bakkie hit by lightning as he hides during hailstorm

A man from Prieska in the Northern Cape had a close escape when the bakkie he was hiding in during a severe hailstorm was struck by lightning.

• Lightning deters search for 3 toddlers who went missing while playing in PE park
• Hundreds in Tshwane left in the dark after substation struck by lightning
• WATCH: Friends describe the moment they were struck by lightning at Loskop Dam

Financial regulator clears 3 accounts for Steinhoff insider trading

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority says it will continue probing other accounts for potential insider trading prior to the retailer's share price collapse in December 2017.

• Steinhoff was a 'good buy' for PIC at the time, witness tells inquiry
• Steinhoff delays publication of audited financial statements
• European investors suspend class action against Steinhoff for another six weeks

Tshwane shutdown causes chaos in Pretoria

Protesters have taken to the streets in the City of Tshwane as part of a shutdown, says social media reports.

• JMPD not aware of any shutdown in Orange Grove on Wednesday, but ready to deploy officers
• Rain might thwart Alex protests, but JMPD remains ready
• Alex shutdown: DA, ANC in blame-game as protest set to spread to Sandton

Hero gym staff to be honoured for pool rescue

Two gym employees who saved a swimmer's life are to be honoured in a special ceremony.

• WATCH: Hero gym cleaner saves swimmer from drowning
• WATCH: Rescuers save newborn baby girl in three-hour operation
• PICS: Rescue swimmers, police save Durban teen stabbed at Umgeni River

Paarl Boys' High: SAHRC starts probe into corporal punishment claims

Have you been a victim of corporal punishment at Paarl Boys' High School? The SA Human Rights Commission wants to hear from you as it probes recent claims.

• SAHRC to probe Paarl school's corporal punishment claims
• EXCLUSIVE: Corporal punishment claims rock Paarl Boys' High School
• You can say no to corporal punishment

Blind NMU students beat the odds

Obstacles during his undergraduate studies hasn't deterred Mount Frere-born blind student Avukile Jeke, and his fellow blind student, Ntsikelelo Williams hasn't let anything get in the way of his dream.

• Visually-impaired woman, 51, passes matric
• Partially blind SA athlete graduates with master’s degree
• PICS: Visually impaired photographer shares some of his work

Who will head the state capture prosecution directorate?

A shortlist of candidates who will potentially head up a new investigative directorate within the National Prosecuting Authority, is currently being vetted for approval.

• Willie Hofmeyr to head Asset Forfeiture Unit - report
• NPA boss Batohi demands answers from KZN prosecutors working on Sindiso Magaqa murder case
• 2 teens accused of killing Mondeor High School pupil are 'accepting responsibility' - NPA

Family of missing Germiston woman, 26, appeals for help

The family was struggling with the situation and were urging anyone who may assist in finding her to come forward.

• One-month-old baby missing after mom leaves her with 'kind' woman in shopping mall
• Missing Muizenberg woman found unharmed
• Irishman, 66, who went missing after flying to SA to allegedly meet woman, found safe in Joburg

Legit tobacco companies’ tax records are squeaky clean, association insists

Tobacco Institute South Africa chair Francois van der Merwe told Fin24 none of its member companies had fallen foul of the law.

• Tobacco companies to SARS: help us help you by tackling illegal smokes
• Philip Morris Scores an A for Climate Change

Gift of Givers aids drought-stricken Amathole municipality with bottled water in truckloads

Disaster relief organisation Gift of the Givers is lending a helping hand to the Amathole District Municipality, providing four truckloads of bottled water to ease the drought that has impacted the region since 2015.

• Drought relief donations made easier
• Gift of the Givers called to rescue another Western Cape municipality as it awaits funding
• Makhanda water crisis: Fresh hope as Gift of the Givers strikes water

Alex protests an ANC campaign – Malema charges

The EFF is the latest political party to label Alexandra protests an ANC creation.

• Malema to sue Rawula, offers journalists access to EFF's financial records
• Defiant Rawula resigns, calls on EFF to produce financial audits
• IEC dismisses objections against ANC, DA, EFF, BLF candidates, upholds one against ex-PAC leader

Ramaphosa, interfaith leaders sign declaration for societal renewal

President Cyril Ramaphosa and interfaith leaders have signed a presidential declaration for societal renewal, aimed at healing social ills that plague the country.

• Stay in SA - Ramaphosa urges young white people
• Public Protector report on Ramaphosa's Bosasa donation will only be ready after the elections
• Ramaphosa 'happy' after two new Prasa trains unveiled

Thursday's weather: Warm to hot weather for most of SA

Partly cloudy and warm to hot conditions are expected across most of the country on Thursday.

• Ekurhuleni residents warned of possible flooding, City on high alert
• Tuesday's weather: Partly cloudy and warm across most of SA
• Monday's weather: Cloudy and wet conditions for SA

Stratcom labels for journalists are 'incredibly dangerous' - Sanef

The South African National Editors' Forum is concerned about the increasing use of the term "Stratcom" to describe journalists.

• Publisher of damning Magashule book: 'We will not be silenced'
• ANC cannot 'distance itself' and avoid responsibility for members' attack on Gangster State
• POLITICS PODCAST: Can the ANC afford the Ace and Jessie debacles?

Two killed in clashes between Rus-ter-Vaal land invaders, Red Ants

Two people have been killed in clashes between land invaders and the Red Ants in Rus-ter-Vaal, outside Vereeniging.

• Violent N3 protest in KZN sparked by land invasion-related arrests
• Land invasion suspect caught
• Settlers shot in eviction
• City of Cape Town destroys shacks rebuilt by fire victims
• Stellenbosch wine farm owners' 'land invasion' eviction case postponed

Public Protector, Human Rights Commission join forces to investigate Alex protests

The Public Protector and the SA Human Rights Commission will work together to get to the bottom of service delivery complaints that have led to protests in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg.

• City of Joburg probes Alexandra Renewal Project
• Mashaba willing to join Ramaphosa during visit to Alex
• #AlexTotalShutdown: Protesters want Cyril and not Mashaba

Malema to sue Rawula, offers journalists access to EFF's financial records

EFF leader Julius Malema has given permission for journalist to scrutinise party financial records.

• Malema to sue Rawula, offers journalists access to EFF's financial records
• Defiant Rawula resigns, calls on EFF to produce financial audits
• Former EFF leader accuses Malema, Shivambu of taking VBS donation, party denies claims

Businessman Roux Shabangu welcomes Bheki Cele judgment

Business tycoon Roux Shabangu has welcomed the ruling of the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria which set aside a 2012 decision to fire then national police commissioner Bheki Cele, the current police minister.

• City police under-resourced, Cele told
• Court sets aside 2012 decision to fire Bheki Cele as police commissioner
• 22 children killed while at school in 2018 - Bheki Cele

Redelinghuys church blaze: Cell companies restoring town's connectivity

Cell companies are trying to get Redelinghuys reconnected after a church fire cut connectivity to the Western Cape Town.

• WATCH: Century-old Dutch Reformed church on West Coast destroyed in fire
• Several injured, shops damaged after Durban CBD building catches fire
• UPDATE: Tembisa substation fire extinguished

UNVEILED: See the first-ever image of a black hole and its fiery halo

Scientists have managed to capture the first-ever image of a black hole by correlating data from a global network of radio telescopes.

• WATCH: Scientists set to reveal first true image of black hole
• SA celebrates MeerKAT launch with dramatic Milky Way black hole image
• Desert telescope stakes out huge black hole

Maimane wants SA's 'porous' borders tightened

DA leader Mmusi Maimane has reiterated his call upon national government to tighten the country's borders and ensure it has a database of every person living in the country.

• Public Protector report on Ramaphosa's Bosasa donation will only be ready after the elections
• Maimane claims borders have become a 'complete free-for-all'
• Maimane to meet with Public Protector over Ramaphosa, Bosasa controversy

WRAP: The burning issue - Who said what about Magashule book debacle

Political parties, as well as organisations and individuals, have reacted to the disruption of the launch of a damning book about ANC secretary general Ace Magashule, as well as threats to burn copies of the book.

• Book burning 'not in my name', says Ace Magashule
• Sanef: 'There can never be an excuse to intimidate an author'
• 'People cannot oppose freedom of expression' - ANC distances itself from Magashule book launch chaos