Fadiel Adams’ explosive admission on the mystery Idac affidavit, implicating Andrea Johnson

Idac used an affidavit from National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams to charge top Crime Intelligence members, yet two investigators didn’t know where it came from. On Friday, Adams explained what happened.

ANC’s apartheid indemnity deal, AI tags itself, and rattled Boks or ready Boks?

This edition of the Weekend Wrap covers a 1994 political power play revealed by recently declassified documents, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s telling testimony to the Madlanga Commission and where Rassie Erasmus’s head is at ahead of the Greatest Rivalry Test.

Murder trial reveals how you can be insured without knowing it — and killed for the money

The growing trend of funeral policies being taken out by criminal operations for profit has found a home in Nelson Mandela Bay, and the trial of four alleged syndicate members raised serious concerns with the judge presiding over the matter.

Fever trees felled, fencing destroyed near iSimangaliso — 52 people arrested

Traffic was halted for several hours on the road between Hluhluwe and Sodwana Bay this week, and at least 52 people were arrested after they hacked down trees. Wildlife fencing was torn down, and larger patches of fever trees were chopped down with chainsaws in the adjoining iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Eskom paid hundreds of millions for diesel that ‘didn’t exist’

Eskom paid for diesel and recorded it as ‘received’ in its books – in some instances that process was at best a sleight of hand; at worst, a fraud. Even now, R1-billion worth of diesel has still not been delivered, though Eskom insists it is ‘available’.

Are the Boks rattled or rattling the cage, hungry to be let loose?

The build-up to the first Greatest Rivalry Test has lived up to the billing with words, but now it’s time for the teams to take the battle to the field.

From Western Cape to Nasa as SA teens make history in global space showdown

Seven Western Cape teenagers just made history as the first South African team to compete, and win, at the prestigious International Space Settlement Design Competition.

Talking time over as Boks and All Blacks reveal powerful lineups for first Test

Springbok centre Damian de Allende will become South Africa’s 10th Test centurion against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Forty years of Graceland: How Paul Simon and the SA music industry created a masterpiece

On the 40th anniversary of the release of Paul Simon’s Graceland, J. Brooks Spector remembers the impact of Simon’s music and the moment when their paths crossed in South Africa.

Ramaphosa launches Phase 3 of Government-Business partnership — 3% growth goal remains elusive

The economic growth target of above 3% remains a dream, but real reforms are taking place. The only way it will be achieved is if government and business work together.

While the city sleeps, this Joburg mother’s daily grind as a waste picker begins

Before much of Johannesburg wakes, Ernestine Mohloboli is on the streets, pulling her trolley from one collection point to another. Moving through the city’s buildings, streets and bins, she searches for bottles, plastic and other recyclable materials that provide her with an income.

Put your knowledge to the test with the Maverick Mind quiz

Take a breather from your busy day and answer ten questions to see whether your well-read instincts are as sharp as you think.

Witless testimony

Fadiel Adams reveals links to André Lincoln, Brown Mogotsi and Feroz Khan

The National Coloured Congress MP has described how he opened cases against Crime Intelligence members in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, then even emailed the police minister, in a trail of events that includes former top cop André Lincoln, fixer Brown Mogotsi and Feroz Khan.

Volunteering may be the key to creating opportunities for young South Africans

In a country with a shortage of pathways for young South Africans to find employment, corporate volunteerism could provide the necessary skills development, mentorship and networks needed.

President Ramaphosa ‘deeply concerned’ about ongoing NSFAS crisis

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern about the crisis at NSFAS, but says he is awaiting a full briefing from Minister Buti Manamela after the Gauteng High Court ruling ordered the suspension of administrator Hlengani Mathebula.

My City Power plan, from rechargeable lights to an inverter and now solar

SA’s unreliable electricity grid is pushing households towards solar, but this shift should be accelerated rather than be penalised. A consumer-focused solar strategy could modernise the grid, create jobs and help lower energy costs.

Community rallies behind NPO as fire halts vital child-focused programmes

A husband-and-wife duo are picking up the pieces of a Cape Town community centre after a fire caused extensive damage to the property. While vital after-school and holiday programmes have been suspended, the couple hope to build back better.

Animal Instincts

In Memoriam: Estelle Ellis, Daily Maverick’s ‘lisquito’-in-chief, is laid to rest

‘Estelle’s compassion shone through her writing and made me a more caring person too — her life was too short, but her memory will be a blessing!” Readers remember a journalist whom one calls the Mother Theresa of South Africa. An author, philanthropist, humanitarian and journalist, Estelle lived to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Long live Estelle’s spirit, long live.

‘You go back to basics.’ What it takes to beat the All Blacks

Back-to-basics scrummaging, cohesion and role clarity are the Springboks’ blueprint as they face Dave Rennie’s All Blacks in a high-stakes first Test of an electrifying rivalry.

How De Allende’s warrior spirit has fuelled Boks’ rise and ongoing success

Damian de Allende will become the 10th Springbok to play 100 Tests when he starts at No 12 against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday – and the stats show why he’s been Rassie Erasmus’ go-to man during South Africa’s golden era.

SAA acting CEO Matshela Seshibe responds: Daybreak not linked to suspension

SAA acting CEO Matshela Seshibe – currently on special leave – reached out to Daily Maverick to correct the public record of his tenure as CEO of Daybreak Foods. As it turns out, the recent revelations were just coincidentally released on the same day as his suspension.

The Invite: Olivia Wilde invites you to a sharp, awkward dinner-party satire

Proving this time of year at the movies isn’t just about superheroes, sequels, explosive action and live-action Disney princesses, Olivia Wilde’s The Invite is a sharply insightful and entertaining, comedy drama for adults.

The krill crisis — why the Southern Ocean’s most critical species is under threat

The Southern Ocean fishery hit its precautionary threshold on 12 August for a second consecutive year, forcing it to close more than three months before the season’s end. Celebrities and South Africa blasted the deadlock.

Welcome to the batshit republic where things smell rather foul

We need industrial-strength air freshener to cover the strong whiff coming from our politicians and officials.

Families living in Joburg stadium trapped among rubbish and rats

Years after being promised temporary shelter, hundreds of Johannesburg residents remain trapped in squalid conditions at Wembley Stadium with no clear path to permanent housing.

‘Unfortunately, I am still alive’: Syrian sarin gas attack horror endures 13 years on

Feeling abandoned by the world, with no hint of justice, for the people in Ghouta and Khan Sheikhoun, left to endure lifelong injuries and trauma, Bashar al-Assad’s ferocious attacks have never ended.

How long will King Coal continue to glitter?

South Africa’s coal industry remains a vital economic force even as the country grapples with the long-term shift to renewable energy.