MK Party Expels Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela

Staff Writer — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:58:12 +0000

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has terminated the memberships of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and former national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela with immediate effect. The announcement was made by the party’s Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo during a media briefing in Sandton on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Nomvalo stated that the party’s national officials invoked specific constitutional powers vested in party president Jacob Zuma to execute the expulsions. According to the statement read by Nomvalo, the decision followed a review of public statements, social media publications, and activities by both individuals that the party determined violated its constitutional obligations. The party cited specific misconduct charges for each individual: Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla: The party stated she repeatedly published social media posts and made public comments that promoted factional narratives, challenged official party decisions, and discredited established leadership structures. Nomvalo added that the termination would counter public narratives regarding family-based influence within the organization. Nhlamulo Ndhlela: The party

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen Demoted to Deputy Trade Minister

Staff Writer — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:10:19 +0000

Former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has been stripped of his position as South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture and reassigned to serve as the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition. The decision, announced on Wednesday by new DA Federal Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, marks a dramatic fall from grace for the man who just two years prior successfully brokered the historic Government of National Unity (GNU) coalition deal. It is said that Steenhuisen’s removal was catalyzed by acute policy failures. His tenure at the Department of Agriculture was heavily marred by his handling of South Africa’s severe Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. The highly contagious viral disease, which affects livestock, devastated farmers and triggered massive disruptions across the agricultural sector. Mounting pressure from farming groups and unresolved legal proceedings regarding FMD vaccine policies eroded confidence in his leadership. Hill-Lewis gave Steenhuisen a strict two-month window following the DA’s leadership transition

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Tongaat Hulett Saved from Liquidation in Last-Minute Rescue Deal with IDC and Vision Group

Staff Writer — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:18:30 +0000

Tongaat Hulett has narrowly avoided liquidation after the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Vision Group struck a binding agreement that will inject fresh capital, restructure debt, and secure thousands of jobs across Southern Africa. On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the day a high-stakes provisional liquidation hearing was set to begin in the Durban High Court, business rescue practitioners, the IDC, and Vision Group (led by businessman Robert Gumede) finalised a tripartite deal. This halts the winding-up proceedings and keeps the company in business rescue while unlocking a sustainable path forward. Tongaat Hulett has been in business rescue since 2022 following severe financial distress, including a major accounting scandal that eroded billions in shareholder value. Mounting debts exceeded R12 billion at points, compounded by challenging industry conditions such as cheap imports, drought impacts, and operational pressures. Earlier rescue efforts with Vision Group faced hurdles, leading business rescue practitioners to apply for

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Jub Jub Granted R5000 Bail Following Urgent Application

Staff Writer — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:18:56 +0000

Media personality Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye has been released from custody after the Johannesburg High Court granted him bail following an urgent application on Youth Day. According to Sunday World, the Uyajola 9/9 presenter approached the court over delays relating to his first appearance in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court and sought bail pending the continuation of the matter. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mabokeke Mohlatlole confirmed that Maarohanye was granted b ail of R5,000. The case has been postponed to 22 June. Mohlatlole said Maarohanye was arrested on 14 June and faces a charge of pointing an object that could lead a person to believe it was a firearm. The charge stems from an incident involving an e-hailing driver in Edenvale. It was previously reported that the confrontation allegedly began after Maarohanye accused the driver of having a romantic relationship with his girlfriend. The situation reportedly escalated when the driver was

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Strait of Hormuz Reopens as US-Iran Ceasefire Triggers Oil Crash

Staff Writer — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:28:17 +0000

Global energy markets have been upended following a historic, late-night diplomatic breakthrough that has officially brought an end to the 100-day war between the United States and Iran. Mediated by Pakistan and Qatar after a grueling 15-hour marathon negotiation session, the two adversaries finalized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to permanently terminate military operations on all fronts. US President Donald Trump confirmed the completion of the deal via social media, ordering an immediate halt to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and authorizing the “toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz.” The landmark truce, which is scheduled to be officially signed in Switzerland this coming Friday, has sent shockwaves through international commodity desks and triggered a massive sell-off in energy-linked equities. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—a choke point responsible for the transit of nearly one-fifth of the world’s daily petroleum supply, has single-handedly defused the global energy

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Jub Jub Arrested on Charges of Kidnapping and Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm

Staff Writer — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 06:08:22 +0000

South African television presenter and musician Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye has once again found himself in severe legal jeopardy following a dramatic arrest in Edenvale on Sunday morning. The 45-year-old Uyajola 9/9 host is facing serious criminal allegations, including kidnapping, the unlawful discharge of a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice. According to South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the incident unfolded around 7:30 AM on Sunday, June 14, 2026, when an e-hailing driver dropped off a female passenger at a residence in Edenvale, on the East Rand. Police allege that Maarohanye confronted the driver at the scene, accusing him of being romantically involved with his girlfriend. The situation quickly escalated into violence. “The suspect allegedly forced the e-hailing driver into his vehicle and prevented him from leaving. During the incident, the suspect reportedly discharged a firearm in the direction of the driver,” stated Brigadier Mathe.

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George Kusche and Gerda Steyn Crowned 2026 Comrades Marathon Champions

Staff Writer — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 18:11:48 +0000

PIETERMARITZBURG – South African runners dominated the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon on Sunday as George Kusche and Gerda Steyn produced historic performances to claim victory in the world-famous ultra-marathon. In the men’s race, Kusche produced a career-defining performance to win in a blistering 5:15:56, setting a new Up Run record. The former track athlete timed his effort perfectly, gradually moving through the leading group before breaking away in the closing stages to secure a memorable win. He defeated a strong field that included 2025 Comrades Marathon champion Tete Dijana, who finished in 5:23:48, as well as 2024 Up Run winner Piet Wiersma, who entered the race as the defending Up Run champion and went on to finish second in 5:19:36. South Africa’s Mbuti Mollo finished in third place in 5:21:31. In the women’s race, Gerda Steyn further strengthened her legacy with a dominant performance, claiming her fifth Comrades

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MK Party Suspends Nhlamulo Ndhlela’s Membership After Axing Him as MP

Staff Writer — Tue, 19 May 2026 21:35:56 +0000

Durban – In a sudden and dramatic political shake-up, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has formally suspended the membership of its former national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, just a day after stripping him of his seat as a Member of Parliament. The initial announcement of his removal from parliament was delivered during a media briefing led by party president Jacob Zuma and secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo in Durban on Monday, 18 May 2026. While the leadership confirmed that Ndhlela was being removed from his parliamentary and spokesperson duties effective immediately, they did not initially reveal the specific reasons behind his abrupt dismissal. In his place, the MK Party quickly announced the appointment of veteran journalist Sifiso Mahlangu. Mahlangu, a former editor of The Star, is a well-known media figure who previously served as a prominent political analyst and host of the flagship show Straight Talk on ANN7, the now-defunct satellite television

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Khumbudzo Ntshavheni Faces Backlash Over “Language Equality” Remarks Involving Zulu King

Staff Writer — Fri, 08 May 2026 21:22:10 +0000

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni is facing intense criticism following remarks she made during a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday, 7 May 2026. She suggested she would only learn isiZulu once the Zulu King learns her native Tshivenda. The Minister was responding to a question on whether she would learn IsiZulu. This question stemmed from an earlier incident at a protest linked to the “March and March” movement in Vosloorus. During that event, a crowd interrupted Ntshavheni while she was addressing them in Tshivenda and Sepedi, demanding she switch to IsiZulu. When asked about her willingness to learn IsiZulu, the Minister gave her now-controversial response. She said, “Maybe I will wait for the King of the Zulus to learn to speak Tshivenda, Xitsonga, and Sepedi. Then I will also learn to speak IsiZulu. Because no people have the right to demand that I speak their language if they cannot speak

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A Century of Wonder: Sir David Attenborough Celebrates 100th Birthday

Staff Writer — Fri, 08 May 2026 18:47:35 +0000

LONDON – May 8, 2026 marks a historic milestone as the world celebrates the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough, the legendary naturalist whose calm, almost-whispered narrations have served as the soundtrack to our planet for more than seven decades. From the early days of black-and-white television to today’s immersive 4K documentaries, Attenborough has transformed nature programming from a niche interest into a beloved global ritual. In a recorded audio message released ahead of his centenary, Sir David confessed he had hoped for a quiet celebration but was left “completely overwhelmed” by the outpouring of affection. “I’ve been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings, from preschool groups to care home residents and countless individuals and families of all ages,” he said. “I simply can’t reply to each of you all separately, but I would like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages.” Tributes have flooded in from across

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