Catch up on the biggest stories this Monday, 24 August 2026, in our simple daily news update.
Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala testifies at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry at Brigette Mabandla Judicial College on August 24, 2026 in Pretoria, South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa established the commission to investigate and report on the veracity, scope, and extent of the allegations made on 6 July 2025 by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that South Africa’s criminal justice system was compromised. (Photo by Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu)
News today includes the future of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s testimony before the Madlanga commission was thrown into uncertainty on Monday, 24 August 2026, after his legal team threatened to withdraw from the proceedings.
Meanwhile, a warrant of arrest has been issued for media personality Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye after he failed to appear at the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Furthermore, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus on Monday morning named his team for the second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town this Saturday (5.10pm).
Weather tomorrow: 25 August, 2026
Fine and cool to warm conditions are forecast across various parts of SA for Tuesday, 25 August, with hot weather expected in some areas. Full weather forecast here.
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Cat Matlala’s legal team threatens to withdraw from Madlanga commission
The future of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s testimony before the Madlanga commission was thrown into uncertainty on Monday, 24 August 2026, after his legal team threatened to withdraw from the proceedings.
Matlala was back in the witness box at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria as the commission sought to continue probing his evidence.
However, proceedings were dominated by a dispute over an application concerning Matlala’s constitutional right against self-incrimination.
CONTINUE READING: Cat Matlala’s legal team threatens to withdraw from Madlanga commission
France completes investigation into Mthethwa’s death as SA officials demand clarity
France says its investigation into the death of the late former South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, is complete and has ruled it a suicide.
However, South African officials say they have not received a final report.
The 58-year-old Mthethwa was found dead on the morning of Tuesday, 30 September 2025, after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris.
CONTINUE READING: France completes investigation into Mthethwa’s death as SA officials demand clarity
Warrant of arrest issued for Jub Jub
A warrant of arrest has been issued for media personality Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye after he failed to appear at the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
He is currently out on bail of R5 000 for kidnapping, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice.
The warrant was issued procedurally and is expected to remain in place until his next court appearance on 7 September. Should he not appear next month, the warrant will be activated.
CONTINUE READING: Warrant of arrest issued for Jub Jub
Here’s why councillors chosen in this year’s elections won’t have their lifestyle audited
No plans are in place to perform lifestyle audits on any of the officials or councillors elected to positions of power following the 2026 local government elections.
National government recently confirmed that legislation did not make such levels of scrutiny mandatory, explaining that other mechanisms were in place to monitor conflicts of interest involving councillors.
The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) elaborated on how councillors facing disciplinary proceedings were prevented from dodging accountability using resignation and redeployment tactics, but added that this did not prevent them from doing business with the state.
CONTINUE READING: Here’s why councillors chosen in this year’s elections won’t have their lifestyle audited
Pollard at 10 for second Springbok Test against All Blacks
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus on Monday morning named his team for the second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town this Saturday (5.10pm).
In the most significant changes to the side that lost 33-16 in the first Test at Ellis Park on Saturday, Handré Pollard comes in at flyhalf, with Cobus Reinach his scrumhalf partner.
Ethan Hooker has also been included on the wing in place of the injured Cheslin Kolbe, who misses out completely.
CONTINUE READING: Pollard at 10 for second Springbok Test against All Blacks
