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15/01/2026

Current Affairs
Environmental Affairs

Massive flooding closes Kruger National Park

Minister Willie Aucamp, MP and Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), has expressed deep concern over the severe weather conditions and flooding currently affecting sections of the Kruger National Park.

Persistent heavy rainfall across Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces in SA, has caused river levels to rise significantly, with overflows reported in the Crocodile, Sabie, Letaba, Sand, Luvuvhu, and Limpopo rivers. Northern areas such as Pafuri have been particularly impacted, leading to road closures, bridge overflows, and restrictions at several gates, including Crocodile Bridge and Pafuri. Access between key regions such as Skukuza, Lower Sabie, and Crocodile Bridge has also been limited.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has indicated that rainfall is expected to continue intermittently over the coming days, with further localised flooding possible in low-lying areas. While conditions may ease in some southern regions, northern sections of the park remain vulnerable, and visitors are urged to exercise caution and follow official advisories.

In response to Level 6 severe weather warnings, SANParks has activated its crisis management protocols. These include precautionary evacuations at vulnerable northern camps such as Shingwedzi, Sirheni, and Bateleur, the deployment of emergency response teams to monitor river levels and infrastructure, and close coordination with local authorities, disaster management centres, and emergency services. Continuous assessments of roads, bridges, and camp facilities are being undertaken to safeguard visitors and staff.

The safety of visitors, staff members, surrounding communities, and wildlife remains the highest priority. No fatalities have been reported, thanks to swift and co-ordinated action by SANParks officials and partners. Minister Aucamp has commended SANParks staff members for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts in managing this crisis under difficult conditions. Their swift action has ensured the safety of thousands of visitors and protected critical infrastructure.

15/01/2026

Current Affairs
Business and Economics

Hollywoodbets scores goal with Michael Owen

During the launch of Hollywoodbets' new Brand Ambassador, Mr Devin Heffer: Brand and Communications Manager Manager of Hollywoodbets, introduced legendary Liverpool footballer, Mr Michael Owen, as Hollywoodbets' new Brand Ambassador.
Video interview: Metaverse Network Media spoke to Mr Devin Heffer.

Current Affairs Embattled IDT CEO resigns - without golden handshake Public Works and Infrastructure minister, Mr Dean M...
15/01/2026

Current Affairs

Embattled IDT CEO resigns - without golden handshake

Public Works and Infrastructure minister, Mr Dean Macpherson, has welcomed the resignation of IDT CEO, Ms Tebogo Malaka - effective 31 January 2026, noting that it is without any exit compensation.
• The Minister further noted that Malaka resigned ahead of a scheduled disciplinary hearing in February 2026, following her suspension linked to findings of an independent PwC report into the R836-million PSA oxygen plant project.
• Minister Macpherson reaffirmed that Ms Malaka’s resignation from the IDT does not affect the ongoing criminal investigation into her.

Ms Malaka was suspended from the IDT in August last year following the release of an independent PwC report into the botched R836-million PSA oxygen plant project, which recommended disciplinary action against her for failing to prevent or act on violations that may have cost the State hundreds of millions of rands. Minister Macpherson thanked the IDT Board for the work undertaken since the findings of the report were made public and noted that Ms Malaka’s resignation comes ahead of a disciplinary hearing scheduled for February 2026.
“While Ms Malaka resigned before the disciplinary process could be concluded, I welcome the fact that her resignation comes without a golden handshake. Importantly, her resignation does not immunise her from criminal investigations or any civil proceedings that may arise. This reaffirms our position that no individual in the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure, or any of its entities, is above ethical governance, the law, or accountability - and that accountability does not fall away simply because someone resigns", stated Minister Mcpherson.
(Photo credit: IDT)

14/01/2026

Sports: Cricket

How the SA20 Season 4 Playoff matches work

SA's premier T20 league series, the Betway SA20 has fired into full throttle as the series enters the last stages of the round-robin matches. Added to the pulsating drama is the race for the top four playoff spots - intensification spelled with a C.
Statistically, all six teams are currently still in contention for a playoff position. A junction of strategies and secrets!

For the full release and all permutations, log onto: https://sa20.mobi/Season-4-Playoffs-Explained
🔗Remaining fixtures:
https://www.sa20.co.za/matches
(Credit:Betway SA20)

12/01/2026

Environmental Affairs

Long-lost grasshopper discovered

Scientific discoveries can ve as crazy as luvk ir as serendipitous as penicillin.
In a remarkable stroke of luck and scientific persistence, a tiny, long-lost resident of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has sprung back into view. The granulate bladder grasshopper (Prostalia granulata), an endangered insect not recorded by scientists since 1980, has been rediscovered alive and well in the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, highlighting the critical biodiversity value of smaller protected areas managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Ezemvelo).

Previously, the granulate bladder grasshopper was known from only three imprecise historical locations in Mpumalanga, the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, and the Eastern Cape. Its rediscovery at Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, which is located on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, significantly improves scientific understanding of the species’ range and reinforces the conservation importance of the reserve.

“This discovery highlights how even relatively small protected areas play a vital role in conserving South Africa’s biodiversity, including species that are rarely seen and
poorly understood, findings like this reaffirm the importance of ongoing research, monitoring, and effective management of our protected areas.” said Dr Adrian Armstrong, Ezemvelo’s Animal Scientist (Herpetofauna and invertebrates) photographed the species on 1 December 2025 at the Beacon Hill office within the reserve.

Umtamvuna Nature Reserve is internationally recognised for conserving the Critically Endangered Pondoland-Ugu Sandstone Coastal Sourveld grassland, as well as endangered plant species such as the Pondo ghostbush (Brunia trigyna) and the Pondo silkybark tree (Maytenus abbottii).

12/01/2026

Travel and Tourism

Flooding hits part of KNP

As severe weather conditions persist across parts of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, including sections of the Kruger National Park, guests currently staying at Lower Sabie Rest Camp and Crocodile Bridge Rest Camps will not have access to Skukuza.

At present, the only available exit route is via the Crocodile River bridge; however, rising water levels pose a risk that this access may become impassable, potentially leaving guests temporarily cut off until water levels recede.

This decision follows forecasts and observations indicating that water levels in the Crocodile River are rising rapidly, with the Crocodile River bridge expected to become inaccessible, posing a real risk of guests being trapped inside the park.

SANParks is actively contacting all guests with imminent arrivals to the Kruger National Park to reschedule their visits, particularly those planning to enter through affected gates or travel to impacted camps.

The following operational updates are confirmed:

Crocodile Bridge Gate is being monitored and will only be closed as the Crocodile River bridge gets flooded.
Pafuri Gate remains closed due to flooding and unsafe conditions.
Punda Maria Gate is also closed, meaning the only access to the northern region of the park is via Phalaborwa Gate.
All roads leading from Lower Sabie to Skukuza and Satara are closed.
Mopani Restaurant is closed as a precautionary measure.

Guests are strongly urged to adhere strictly to all road closures, no-entry signs, and instructions from Park officials. Under no circumstances should barricades, logs or safety barriers be removed, as these are placed to prevent access to flooded or structurally compromised areas.

SANParks continues to monitor weather conditions closely in collaboration with the South African Weather Service and relevant authorities. Further updates will be communicated as the situation evolves.

11/01/2026

Environmemtal Affairs
Business and Economics

Companies abandon the Soy Moratorium

The announcement made by ABIOVE (the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries) that its member companies will leave the Soy Moratorium and stop honouring the commitment not to purchase soy originating from deforested areas in the Amazon represents a serious and unjustifiable setback for the private sector and for Brazil. The decision by these companies weakens one of the most effective instruments to combat deforestation in the country and exposes agribusiness itself to growing risks by compromising the integrity of forests on which climate stability and rainfall regimes essential to agricultural production depend.

It is essential to clarify that the Soy Moratorium was not terminated by legal imposition: it still exists but has been deliberately hollowed out by the voluntary decision of companies to withdraw, despite having full legal ability to remain. In doing so, these companies chose to distance themselves from a solution widely recognized internationally as a benchmark in the climate agenda and signalled a willingness to prioritize access to tax incentives funded with public resources, to the detriment of confronting deforestation and assuming responsibility in the face of the climate crisis.

The companies’ exit occurs under the validity of State Law No. 12,709/2024 of Mato Grosso, currently challenged through a Direct Action of Unconstitutionality before the Federal Supreme Court. The rule sets criteria for granting tax and asset incentives and explicitly authorizes restricting these benefits to companies that adhere to private commitments such as the Soy Moratorium.

11/01/2026

Current Affairs

"SA entitled to NDPP report": DA

The special panel appointed by SA president, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, to interview and appoint a new director for the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) was returned with no suitable candidate appointed. No suitable candidate was deemed, stated the panel. President Ramaphosa appointed Mr Andy Mothibi as the new director, effective from 1 February 2026.

In a rebuttal to this, the Democratic Alliance submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application after President Cyril Ramaphosa refused to release the report used to inform his decision on the appointment of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).

While the DA has cautiously welcomed the appointment of Advocate Andy Mothibi and expressed hope that it will stabilise and strengthen the National Prosecuting Authority, serious concerns remain about the deeply-flawed appointment process and President Ramaphosa's handling thereof.

The Presidency has now confirmed that it will not make the NDPP panel report public, claiming it was intended only to guide the President and that there is no obligation to release it.

"This position undermines transparency in a process that was already marred by delays, an ill-equipped panel, and a failure to properly discharge its mandate. President (Ramaphosa) cannot exercise such sweeping constitutional powers behind a veil of secrecy. This report goes to the heart of whether the NDPP appointment process was lawful, rational, and fair. South Africans are entitled to see it", stated the DA in a statement.

10/01/2026

Sports: Cricket

Explosive action as SA20 rounds up round robin

Pretoria Capitals have rallied on the back of some outstanding bowling to defend their below-par total to pull off a Betway SA20 heist against Paarl Royals at a steaming Boland Park.

Capitals' 138/9 looked about 20 runs short on Saturday afternoon where temperatures hovered close to 40-degrees Celsius, but Lungi Ngidi (1/35), Lizaad Williams (1/21), Gideon Peters (1/11), Keshav Maharaj (2/14) all contributed with the ball to restrict the Royals to 117/6 to earn a 21-run victory.

On a sluggish surface that assisted both bowling units throughout, the contest was ultimately decided by the battle of the two big-hitting southpaws Sherfane Rutherford and David Miller.

Rutherford has been excellent throughout the competition for Capitals, and once again took the responsibility upon his shoulders to push his team up to a competitive total.

With only Shai Hope contributing 22 off 21 balls upfront, Rutherford was content to bide his time initially before exploding at the death with two sixes off Hardus Viljoen’s last over to finish unbeaten on 42 off 35 balls (3x4, 3x6).

Royals’ chase was pegged back immediately when Ngidi picked up Lhuan-dre Pretorius with the second ball of the innings. This left the door ajar for Capitals to chip away before Rubin Hermann tried to consolidate the home team’s chase by forming partnerships with Asa Tribe and Miller.

But Hermann’s dismissal for 35 off 37 balls left the Royals at 67/4 and still needing 72 off 47 balls.

The four Player of the Match candidates were Rubin Hermann, Dan Lawrence, Sikandar Raza, Sherfane Rutherford with the West Indian winning 60.6% of the fan vote.

10/01/2026

Sports: Cricket

Log table as of 10 January.

10/01/2026

Sports: Cricket
Commentary

Variables can change based on wins in SA20

Promises of secret strategies are about to be revealed as the Betway SA20 Season 4 fires up to the playoffs

The double-header on 10 January at Boland Park (13H00) and Wanderers (17H30) will explode its impactive on the log table.

Durban's Super Giants can turn the table with a win on 17 January - placing them in 4th if the Pretoria Capitals lose today. Paarl Royals (on 15 points) and Pretoria Capitals (on 11) are separated by only four points and a bonus point victory for the visitors could potentially see them overtake their Winelands rivals in second place, although Royals do have a game in hand.

David Miller’s Royals, meanwhile, have an opportunity to leap to the top of the table should they claim a bonus point victory of their own ahead of the evening clash at the Bullring, where Joburg Super Kings meet MI Cape Town in the second instalment of ‘El Clasico’.

JSK will be hoping to exact revenge after losing a 12-over shootout to MI Cape Town at Newlands, while Rashid Khan’s side will be desperate to maintain their winning momentum after finally getting over the line.

10/01/2026

Sports: Cricket

Another rained-out SA20 match for DSG

Sports fans' comments ranged from, "The rain gods do not want to see us (DSG) lose again", to "The tournament authorities should look at moving the matches to a non-rainy season".
No matter how the reviews are spun, there was no denying the disappointment in the Durban fans - with a combination of losses and rained-out matches. Force majeure!
DSG has one round-robin match scheduled for 17 January and a playoff on 21 January. Pray, stated one fan in our interviews, that we can watch the matches without rain.

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