Stay informed in just a few minutes with News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa’s top stories.
In today’s episode, former Democratic Alliance MP Dion George has quit the Democratic Alliance, accusing party leader John Steenhuisen of being a sellout. George, who was removed as Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister in November, claims he was sidelined and gagged before finally breaking his silence in an exclusive interview on eNCA. He alleges that Steenhuisen has been “captured”, triggering political fallout within the party.
At Parliament, crime intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo is giving evidence at the Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations of corruption and interference in the criminal justice system. Khumalo previously headed the Political Killings Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal and made explosive claims before the Madlanga Commission last year.
Extreme weather is disrupting the start of the school year, with learning suspended at thousands of schools in Limpopo and Mpumalanga due to heavy rains, flooding and unsafe roads. Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba says authorities are trying to avoid a province-wide shutdown by assessing conditions district by district, allowing principals to use discretion to ensure safety.
Internationally, Donald Trump is not backing down from his push for a new Fed boss, despite resistance from central bankers and Republican senators. Trump says he will name a replacement for Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell within weeks, making it clear he wants someone aligned with lower interest rates. Powell’s term ends in May.
Trump has also courted controversy after a Ford Motor Company worker who heckled Trump has been suspended, sparking viral footage and online fundraising. More than 800,000 dollars has been raised for TJ Sabula, who shouted insults at Trump during a factory visit in Detroit, referencing the Epstein saga. The White House dismissed Sabula as a “lunatic” and defended the President’s response.
In other news, we’re keeping an eye on…
• Presidential elections day in Uganda, with voters choosing between activist Bobi Wine and long-time leader Yoweri Museveni amid delays caused by an internet blackout.
• Russia has expelled a British diplomat, accusing him of being an undercover spy, in the latest escalation of strained relations between Moscow and London.
• Developments in Iran, where killings during Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests were subsiding, according to Trump, who says he is adopting a wait-and-see approach.
SPORTS
Morocco sent Nigeria packing in a blockbuster AFCON semi-final, beating the Super Eagles on penalties to book a final against Senegal. Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has cast doubt over his future after a difficult campaign that also saw the team miss out on 2026 World Cup qualification.
In domestic cricket, Sunrisers Eastern Cape humiliated the Joburg Super Kings with a 61-run win to move closer to a SA20 playoff spot, as they prepare for back-to-back clashes against MI Cape Town.
In rugby, the All Blacks have fired coach Scott Robertson less than two years before the World Cup, following a scathing performance review and reports of unrest in the squad, ahead of an eight-match tour of South Africa later this year.
That is your News Bite for 15 January 2026. For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.