Illustrative image, from left: President Cyril Ramaphosa. (Photo: Gallo Images / Misha Jordaan) | KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. (Photo: Gallo Images / Darren Stewart) | Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu. (Photo: Gallo Images / Volksblad / Mlungisi Louw) 
The Weekend Wrap
Ramaphosa faces a trio of crises; the strange campaign around Senzo Mchunu; and how to survive SA’s annual tax return season.
Ramaphosa returns to a trio of crises — and then there’s Helen Zille waiting in the wings
President Cyril Ramaphosa returned from the BRICS meeting in Brazil to face multiple crises: new US tariffs, a police minister under fire, and another challenge to the Budget.
By John Matisonn
Senzo Mchunu crafted a clean image — KZN’s top cop has blown it up
KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is seen as a hero in a province ravaged by crime and political killings. His sights are set on Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, with Mchunu’s presidential ambitions – and the ANC’s electoral fortunes – on the line.
Five key takeaways from Minister Motsoaledi’s budget vote address
Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi’s budget vote address laid out spending priorities for the 2025/26 financial year, including infrastructure, National Health Insurance, and gaps left by Donald Trump’s canning of Pepfar funding.
By Tamsin Metelerkamp
The Weekend Wrap
Ramaphosa faces a trio of crises; the strange campaign around Senzo Mchunu; and how to survive SA’s annual tax return season.
Ramaphosa returns to a trio of crises — and then there’s Helen Zille waiting in the wings
President Cyril Ramaphosa returned from the BRICS meeting in Brazil to face multiple crises: new US tariffs, a police minister under fire, and another challenge to the Budget.
By John Matisonn
Senzo Mchunu crafted a clean image — KZN’s top cop has blown it up
KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is seen as a hero in a province ravaged by crime and political killings. His sights are set on Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, with Mchunu’s presidential ambitions – and the ANC’s electoral fortunes – on the line.
By Cyril Madlala
Five key takeaways from Minister Motsoaledi’s budget vote address
Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi’s budget vote address laid out spending priorities for the 2025/26 financial year, including infrastructure, National Health Insurance, and gaps left by Donald Trump’s canning of Pepfar funding.
By Tamsin Metelerkamp
The clicks, the scans, the scams – how to survive SA’s annual tax return season
As Sars prepares to unleash its auto-assessment magic, don’t forget to double-check those pesky discrepancies and dodge the scammers lurking in the shadows.
By Neesa Moodley
Thanks for the letter, Donald. We’ll think about it
While South Africa must deal with the fallout from Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs, we might have some strengths to play with.
By Stephen Grootes
Damned if you do, dismissed if you don’t – when the (labour) law is an ass
A recent Labour Court ruling should serve as a wake-up call for lawmakers and judges alike, and sends a chilling message to employees throughout the country — you are on your own when faced with impossible choices between competing duties.
By Marthinus van Staden
Springbok Women inspire Zwide pupils in touching homecoming visit
The Springbok Women’s team visited Ndzondelelo High in Zwide, inspiring young players. Local stars Byrhandrè Dolf and Sanelisiwe Charlie returned home, sharing their journeys from township dreams to national pride – proving to pupils that greatness can rise from familiar ground.
By Nkosazana Ngwadla
strange campaign around Senzo Mchunu
Senior journalist Rebecca Davis highlights a disturbing trend on South African social media: fake accounts, copy-paste tweets, and manufactured praise for politicians. From the ANC to ActionSA, online manipulation is simulating public support and it’s already impacting political discourse. With the 2026 elections around the corner, this could be a threat to democracy.
Reporting by: Rebecca Davis
