South Africa

Rand Water will be conducting maintenance on the Palmiet Pump station from the 2nd to the 16th of May.

The maintenance will affect water supply in several Johannesburg Water systems including Sandton, Alexandra, South Hills, Midrand and Linksfield.

Johannesburg Water Spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala, says Johannesburg Water will make arrangements for alternative water supply, but says residents are encouraged to store water in preparation for the maintenance.

The Gauteng Department of e-Government has installed an additional 193 CCTV cameras in Townships and Informal Settlements.

The MEC for e-Government, Bonginkosi Dhlamini,
says the expansion of CCTV surveillance in these areas, is a key part of ensuring a safer Gauteng.

The expansion follows the success of the first two phases, which saw 300 cameras deployed.

Afro-soul icon Lira is making a major return to the spotlight at the upcoming Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025 — her first major festival performance since suffering a stroke in 2022.
The stroke left her unable to read, write, or speak, but through sheer determination and therapy, she’s slowly reclaimed her voice.

Lira says performing again feels strange and that the love from fans has helped her healing journey.
Although she’s been singing since May last year, this moment marks a milestone in her comeback.

She’ll be performing crowd favorites like “Feel Good,” “Hamba,” “Believer,” and “Something Inside So Strong.”

The Gauteng Department of e-Government has installed an additional 193 CCTV cameras in Townships and Informal Settlements.

The MEC for e-Government, Bonginkosi Dhlamini,
says the expansion of CCTV surveillance in these areas, is a key part of ensuring a safer Gauteng.

The expansion follows the success of the first two phases, which saw 300 cameras deployed.

The Department of Basic Education together with the Sport, Arts and Culture Department hosted the 2025 National School Sports Championships Autumn Games, at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.


The championships are aimed at ensuring that all South African Primary and High school learners are provided with access to participate in an organized sport programme and an opportunity to partake in at least one sporting code through their schooling lives.

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee is currently undergoing a consultative process to bid for the 2036 and 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The International Olympic Committee welcomed a proposal from South Africa, in November last year, to begin outlining discussions over hosting the Olympic Games.

Rand Water will be conducting maintenance on the Palmiet Pump station from the 2nd to the 16th of May.

The maintenance will affect water supply in several Johannesburg Water systems including Sandton, Alexandra, South Hills, Midrand and Linksfield.

Johannesburg Water Spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala, says Johannesburg Water will make arrangements for alternative water supply, but says residents are encouraged to store water in preparation for the maintenance.

Three young cyclists from the Gauta BMX club in Limpopo have gained popularity as they embarked on a cross-country cycling adventure from Burgersfort to Cape Town.

Gauta Mahlakoane, Karabo Mokoo, and Maxwell Ndou arrived in Cape Town after embarking on a 1,700 km journey to the mother city, in efforts to raise funds and sponsorship for their bike club.

Their campaign is dedicated to raising awareness on social ills that are affecting South African communities.

The 21st of April marks world innovation and creativity day.
Designated by the United Nations, the day aims to highlight the importance of creativity and innovation in various aspects of human development, including economic growth and social progress.

The initiative raises awareness on the need to strengthen creative industries and to promote artistic freedom.

The Johannesburg Development Agency, has announced Lorenzo Nassimbeni as the winner of the Joburg City Library Public Art Competition.

Nassimbeni's winning concept invites pupils from selected township communities to become co-creators in a process that connects memory, design, and storytelling.

The public art initiative is part of the broader renovations and fire compliance upgrades, that are currently underway at the Johannesburg City Library.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the Eastern Cape for the investment projects that have been initiated by the province, in order to boost its economy.

The President was speaking during a two day oversight visit to the Nelson Mandela Bay metro, where he visited the Coega Special Economic Zone, which is one of the best performing economic zones in the country, having employed over 300 000 people since its inception in 1999.

The President says there is much potential for economic growth in the Eastern Cape.

South Africa’s Border Management Authority says it is ready for the responsibilities it will face when the country plays host to the G20 summit for the first time in the African continent, later this year.

Speaking at a Colloquium on Migration and Border Security earlier this month, BMA commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato, said it would be expected of the BMA to be “up to the task” to ensure border security and to secure entry into the country, for heads of state and associate dignitaries.

Lions Cricket confirmed that the country’s biggest T20 winter club cricket competition, The Jozi Cup, will kick off with Season 4 on May 11th.The officially endorsed Lions Cricket community-based competition includes more than 25 clubs spanning 10 age group categories and more than 130 participating teams from U11 right through to over 40s.The brainchild of Lions Cricket, the Jozi Cup was developed to foster community club cricket, which ultimately serves as a continuation of the Pride’s pipeline feeder system.

South African afro-soul icon Lira is set to make a grand comeback at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. This will be her first major performance since suffering a stroke in 2022. After years of recovery, she is ready to reconnect with fans at the prestigious event. Despite the challenges, Lira has gradually reclaimed her voice and passion for performing, expressing deep gratitude for the love and support she has received.

Veteran NASA astronaut Don Pettit has returned to Earth after completing his fourth mission aboard the International Space Station. Known for his scientific contributions, Pettit invented the Capillary Beverage better known as the Space Cup which helps astronauts drink fluids in microgravity. SOUND

South African afro-soul icon Lira is set to make a grand comeback at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. This will be her first major performance since suffering a stroke in 2022. After years of recovery, she is ready to reconnect with fans at the prestigious event.Despite the challenges, Lira has gradually reclaimed her voice and passion for performing, expressing deep gratitude for the love and support she has received.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department's By-Law Management Unit is demolishing illegal structures at the M1/M2 freeway split in Johannesburg. This operation is part of a broader initiative to ensure public safety and maintain order along key transport routes. These unauthorised structures, often linked to vagrancy, are considered hazardous and in violation of municipal regulations. The BMU stresses that lawlessness will not be tolerated. This enforcement action aims to create a safer and well-regulated environment for Johannesburg residents.

Teens in the UK are testing a new augmented reality app designed to help with anxiety and school challenges. Developed by Cardiff Youth Service, the app uses interactive features to support emotional wellbeing and has shown early signs of reducing anxiety and boosting social connection. The app lets users design a digital flower and project it into their real environment, encouraging reflection and conversation. It’s especially helpful for young people with social anxiety, offering a creative way to explore emotions and communicate more easily with support staff.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says road deaths and accidents are on the decline as motorists return home after the Easter long weekend. Creecy, accompanied by her deputy Mkhuleko Hlengwa, held a media briefing along the N1 in Limpopo yesterday to provide an update on road safety operations conducted during the Easter period.

A 13-year-old soccer wonderkid from Benoni is on the radar of some of England’s biggest football clubs. Camden Schaper currently plays for Blackburn Rovers in England. His younger brother, Astin, is already part of the Premier League champions’ academy. Manchester City are now ready to sign Camden. Camden first came to South Africa’s attention when he captained the SuperSport United Under-11 team on a successful tour of Spain in 2021. Following the tour, Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon kept tabs on the youngster.

Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church and passed away yesterday at the age of 88, is remembered for trying to bring about change. He spoke out about past scandals and showed care for migrants, the poor, and gay and lesbian people. His journey was unique: from working as a nightclub bouncer in Buenos Aires to leading the Vatican. As pope, he challenged traditions, called for justice for the poor, and spoke strongly against unchecked capitalism and climate change, which upset some conservative Catholics.

Gauteng traffic authorities say law enforcement operations will be heightened across the region, as holiday makers return to the province.

Toll gates across Gauteng have seen high volumes of vehicles, as thousands of South Africans traveled to various destinations, for religious observances and family gatherings during the long weekend.

Traffic officers will conduct roadblocks on key roads, to ensure the safety of all road users.
The Automobile Association of South Africa's Spokesperson, Eleanor Mavimbela, says both drivers and pedestrians can contribute to safer roads during the busy travel period.

Hospitals in the Freestate welcomed 15 newborn babies on Easter morning, bringing joy to families and communities across the province.

Spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health, Mondli Mvambi, says the first baby was born at Nala Hospital at 01:15 am.

The MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi congratulated the mothers and praised the dedication of staff members and midwives and has emphasized the importance of safe deliveries during the special season.

South African entrepreneur and innovation leader, Jamie Thurston Wyngaard, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Global Forty Under 40 Award, which was held in Dubai recently.

Wyngaard's company Loop, has grown to a valuation of over R187 million in just two years, delivering cutting-edge payment technologies such as Chat-to-Pay, Tap-to-Pay, and the recently launched Pay with Palm system.

Loop has facilitated the distribution of more than 50-million rand into the informal market, advancing economic participation and financial inclusion.

The 40 under 40 Awards aims to recognize and celebrate a select group of the most influential and accomplished young business leaders under the age of forty.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Ponte Tower in Johannesburg was a fun-filled activity for local kids this long weekend.

Organised by non-profit organisation Dlala Nje, the event has been running for over a decade, at one of Joburg's iconic landmarks.

The egg hunt presents the opportunity to give back to underprivileged children, in support of the Kids programme.

President Ramaphosa met with the Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and the Provincial Executive Council at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last week, to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration and opportunities in the province.

The President reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthen intergovernmental relations.

The engagement marked the fifth formal meeting between the national and provincial executives since November last year.

G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors will convene for a two-day meeting from the 23rd to the 24th of April, in Washington DC, in the United States.

The meeting will gather finance ministers and central bank governors of G20 member countries, as well as international organizations to discuss financial stability, and policies aimed at fostering economic growth.

South Africa’s biggest family entertainment showcase has returned to the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, this long weekend.

With a legacy spanning more than 130 years, the Rand Show stands as the country's biggest and most iconic event, offering families a safe and fun-filled Easter weekend experience.

Thousands of people attended the five-day event, which draws large crowds to the south of Johannesburg's city center, with highlights including a dedicated kids’ zone, bustling shopping halls, food trucks, and live entertainment.

The 33rd edition of the Splash Festival kicked off in Qgeberha on Friday.
Mayoral Committee Member for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Sinebhongo Kwatsha, says the event includes a variety of attractions that promote local economic activity and community engagement.

The festival attracts hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors to the Friendly City each year.

Dozens of humanoid robots took to the streets of Beijing on Saturday, joining thousands of runners in a world-first, half marathon.

The 21-kilometre event, which was held in the Chinese capital's E-Town, was billed as a groundbreaking effort to test the limits of bipedal robots in real-world conditions.



20 teams from across China participated in the competition, with robots ranging from 75 to 180 centimetres tall and weighing up to 88 kilograms.

China says the marathon is a showcase of the country’s drive to lead the global race in cutting-edge technology.