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In today’s episode, questions are being raised over the appointment of the country’s new National Director of Public Prosecutions. President Cyril Ramaphosa has endorsed Advocate Andy Mothibi as Shamila Batohi’s successor, despite a court challenge aimed at halting the process. While the President insists the appointment will not be delayed, the DA has labelled the selection process a “complete mess”, arguing that the panel failed in its duty. Others, including the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution, have welcomed Mothibi’s appointment, citing his experience and understanding of the NPA’s challenges.
Discovery Medical Aid members are also voicing outrage after receiving demands to repay thousands of rand for pharmacy billing errors. Some members say they face debts of up to 80-thousand rand for mistakes they did not make. Discovery Health CEO Ron Whelan has apologised, acknowledging the errors and the distress caused.
Meanwhile, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme is surprised by low interest in its “missing middle” loan scheme. Only 12,000 students applied, despite nearly 900,000 university applications being processed for the year. NSFAS says many students who qualify for assistance are still not engaging with the programme.
On the roads, traffic volumes into Gauteng are rising as people return to work and school. Police say more than 16-thousand suspects were arrested nationwide during Shanela II operations, though the Eastern Cape recorded more than 1-200 drunk-driving arrests.
KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism sector is reporting a stronger festive season, with the South Coast seeing occupancy up by as much as 30 percent. However, hospitality bodies warn that ongoing infrastructure problems continue to hurt bookings.
We’re also keeping an eye on:
• The N2 near Mossel Bay reopening after fires forced evacuations and destroyed homes and vehicles.
• European leaders reaffirming Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland following renewed comments by Trump about annexing the territory.
SPORTS
MI Cape Town beat the Joburg Super Kings by four wickets in a rain-affected SA20 clash at Newlands. Manchester United interim manager Darren Fletcher says leading the club is beyond his wildest dreams following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. In AFCON action, Algeria advances to the quarter-finals with an extra-time win over the DRC, while defending champions Ivory Coast secure their spot with a convincing victory over Burkina Faso.
That is your News Bite for 7 January 2026. For developments on these stories and more, keep an eye on enca.com and watch us on DStv Channel 403.