Catch up on the biggest stories this Tuesday, 3 February 2026, in our simple daily news update.
Several residents of Laudium block the road to protest against the ongoing water crisis at the R55 Highway on February 02, 2026 in Pretoria, South Africa. Residents were informed that Rand Water has experienced operational challenges for the third time in the past two weeks. It is reported that the protest led to road closure, causing major traffic disruptions. (Photo by Gallo Images/Manash Jyoti Das)
News today includes, DA leader John Steenhuisen will reportedly be exiting the leadership race as the party prepares for its federal congress in April.
Meanwhile, angry Midrand residents woke again to dry taps on Tuesday, leading them to take to the streets.
Furthermore, current champions, South Africa, will open their 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign in Australia with a match against Italy at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday 3 October, with kick-off at 5.45am (SA time).
Weather tomorrow: 4 February, 2026
The South African Weather Service (Saws) has warned of heavy downpours and a heat wave in parts of the Eastern Cape, with thundershowers and warm to hot weather expected across SA. Full weather forecast here.
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Is John Steenhuisen about to exit DA leadership race?
DA leader John Steenhuisen will reportedly be exiting the leadership race as the party prepares for its federal congress in April.
It is claimed that Steenhuisen will make a formal announcement on Wednesday, but he cautioned against hearsay, arguing that “until you see me outlining the full set of facts tomorrow, avoid speculation”.
“The leader of the DA, John Steenhuisen, will address members of the media concerning matters of national importance and public interest,” his spokesperson Charity McCord simply said on Tuesday.
CONTINUE READING: Is John Steenhuisen about to exit DA leadership race?
28-year-old JDA CEO facing money laundering charges has to answer to ANCYL
ANC Youth League (ANCYL) president Collen Malatji says the controversial CEO of the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) should explain himself to the party following his arrest last week.
Themba Mathibe (28) was arrested for keeping more than R1 million in his Sandton home. He was released on R50 000 bail by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court. He is facing money laundering charges.
Speaking on Tuesday, Malatji confirmed that Mathibe remains a member of the ANCYL but will have to answer to the organisation’s leaders.
CONTINUE READING: 28-year-old JDA CEO facing money laundering charges has to answer to ANCYL
‘We might need about a week to recover’: Water outages plague Midrand
Angry Midrand residents woke again to dry taps on Tuesday, leading them to take to the streets.
They have been forced to purchase bottled water or collect buckets of water from water tankers. They have now threatened to withhold municipal payments unless improvements are made.
Officials visited the Midrand Reservoirs on Tuesday morning, with Johannesburg Water reporting that four of the five affected reservoirs (Erand, Diepsloot, Rabie, and President Park) in the area have been opened in a controlled manner to support system recovery.
CONTINUE READING: ‘We might need about a week to recover’: Water outages plague Midrand
Thabo Bester files another legal challenge against the state
Convicted murderer and “Facebook rapist” Thabo Bester has filed another legal challenge in the Pretoria High Court, this time against his transfer to the eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Facility.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed Bester’s transfer on Friday last week, saying, “offender transfers are a routine practice, guided by established security risk assessments to ensure the safety, security and stability of correctional facilities and the broader criminal justice system.”
The department said Bester would continue to receive “appropriate care” and retain full access to legal representation, family communication and court processes.
CONTINUE READING: Thabo Bester files another legal challenge against the state
Rugby World Cup 2027: All the fixtures, venues and kick-off times confirmed
Current champions, South Africa, will open their 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign in Australia with a match against Italy at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday 3 October, with kick-off at 5.45am (SA time).
This was announced on Tuesday when World Rugby released the fixture schedule for the tournament.
Hosts Australia will face Hong Kong in the opening game on Friday 1 October in Perth, with kick-off at 12.45pm.
CONTINUE READING: Rugby World Cup 2027: All the fixtures, venues and kick-off times confirmed
Yesterday’s News recap
READ HERE: Joburg gas explosion injures 3 | Trump threatens to sue Trevor Noah | Tyla bags another Grammy
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