Mzansi Matters | Bona Magazine

MZANSI MATTERS

Bronkhorstspruit water crisis leaves over 400 ill after alleged failure to chlorinate water

More than 400 people in Bronkhorstspruit, including many children, have fallen ill with stomach-related symptoms and diarrhoea amid a water crisis linked to the failure to chlorinate the town’s water. Also see: Cyril Ramaphosa considers additional fuel relief after R24bn subsidy The national government is investigating the 408 reported cases, while concerns have been raised over […]

ENTERTAINMENT

WATCH: Man seen following AKA before murder raises new questions

New CCTV footage showing a man allegedly following slain rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes shortly before his murder has raised fresh questions about the events leading up to the fatal shooting. Also see: AKA murder trial update: Road manager testifies with new realisation The footage reportedly captures the man following AKA at the airport before the […]

MZANSI MATTERS

Shadrack Sibiya denied bail in rape and trafficking case

The Randburg Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to former Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, finding that he failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances to justify his release while facing serious criminal charges. Also see: Shadrack Sibiya steps down from senior SAPS role Shadrack faces charges including rape, grooming a minor and human trafficking. He denies […]

MZANSI MATTERS

Cyril Ramaphosa considers additional fuel relief after R24bn subsidy

President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government is considering measures to ease the impact of rising fuel prices on consumers, warning that it must weigh further intervention against other spending priorities. Also see: South Africans slam RAF’s 33% fuel levy hike proposal Cyril Ramaphosa addresses Mzansi’s fuel concerns Ramaphosa said South Africa was not alone in facing […]

MZANSI MATTERS

Former police general set to appear in court over ammunition charge

A 56-year-old former police general is expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court after being arrested for the alleged unlawful possession of more than 100 rounds of South African Police Service (SAPS)-issued ammunition. Also see: Senior police official arrested on severe sexual offence charges The former officer faces a charge under the Firearms Control […]

MZANSI MATTERS

Fannie Masemola outlines next steps after return: ‘I’m not here for revenge’

South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner Fannie Masemola has vowed to prioritise unity, accountability and crime-fighting over internal divisions as he returned to office on Monday, following the withdrawal of criminal charges that led to his six-month precautionary suspension. Also see: President Ramaphosa’s decision on Fannie Masemola draws attention to police oversight Fannie Masemola addresses […]

MZANSI MATTERS

14-Year-old innovator puts Mahikeng on the map with AI lung cancer research

At just 14, Curro Mahikeng Grade 9 learner Brandon Mashandudze is gaining international recognition for research exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) could contribute to the early detection of lung cancer. Also see: Effective tips for keeping your lungs healthy Brandon has been named an American Lung Cancer Scholar through the Lung Cancer Innovation Challenge, an […]

MZANSI MATTERS

Julius Malema sheds light on his open border policy: ‘This thing of borders is colonial’

South African politician and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema expanded on his controversial policy in the political party’s manifesto regarding open borders in Africa. Also see: ‘Government must be your sugar daddy’: Julius Malema to young girls He shared an educational perspective on what stemmed his belief in open borders across the continent. “No […]

MZANSI MATTERS

Fikile Mbalula back at work after sharing what led to ConCourt collapse

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said he returned to work on Sunday, 18 October 2026, after collapsing at the Constitutional Court on Thursday, 15 October 2026. Also see: Fikile Mbalula’s collapse at ConCourt leaves Mzansi sceptical: ‘He dodged the asylum question’ Mbalula fell ill after the verdict in their case against the IEC, which had planned […]

MZANSI MATTERS

WATCH: Wealthy Cyril Ramaphosa’s modest church offering gets South Africans talking

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Sunday campaign stop at a Khayelitsha church has given South Africans on X something to chew on. Also see: President Ramaphosa visits Black-owned dairy farm backed by government finance The ANC leader visited the Salvation Church of the Revival of Faith at Mew Way Hall in Khayelitsha as part of the party’s door-to-door […]

MZANSI MATTERS

WATCH: President Ramaphosa shares update on Fikile Mbalula after collapse: ‘He was carrying a heavy burden’

President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula to take time off to recover after he collapsed during a media briefing following the party’s Constitutional Court victory over the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Also see: Fikile Mbalula’s collapse at ConCourt leaves Mzansi sceptical: ‘He dodged the asylum question’ Cyril Ramaphosa […]

MZANSI MATTERS

President Ramaphosa’s decision on Fannie Masemola draws attention to police oversight

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to lift the suspension of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has brought renewed attention to police leadership, accountability and the oversight of the South African Police Service (SAPS). Also see: Fannie Masemola breaks silence after charges are withdrawn The development raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the suspension, the commissioner’s […]