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In today’s episode, President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the SAPS to establish a special task team following the release of the Madlanga Commission interim report. The President says he accepts the commission’s recommendations, including the need to investigate individuals identified in the report. This comes as KZN Hawks boss Lesetja Senona continued his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, raising concerns about how he has been treated by the commission’s legal team.
Tragedy struck KwaZulu-Natal, where at least 11 people were killed in a crash between a taxi and a truck on the R102 near Lotus Park in Durban. Several others were seriously injured and rushed to hospitals across the city, with at least one school child believed to be among the deceased. The truck driver survived and has been taken to a place of safety as investigations continue.
In Johannesburg, Joburg mayor Dada Morero is facing yet another motion of no confidence, this time brought by Al Jama-ah and backed by the Minority Governing Party. It is the third such motion since Morero took office in August 2024. While the ANC has rejected the attempt, pressure is reportedly growing within the party following Morero’s failure to secure the regional chairmanship.
Service delivery frustrations also boiled over in the city after trucks were set alight at the Diepsloot Pikitup depot, disrupting refuse collection. The City of Johannesburg says an agreement has since been reached with protesting casual workers to allow operations to resume.
In other news, we’re keeping an eye on…
· In the Eastern Cape, the water crisis in Cradock is getting worse, with some communities reporting that they have been without water for weeks and even months. Residents are blaming the Chris Hani District Municipality for cutting the supply due to non-payment.
· Meanwhile, Vusimuzi Matlala’s pre-trial hearing has been postponed to 6 February, after his legal team requested that he be moved to a facility allowing easier access for consultations.
SPORTS
· Kaizer Chiefs put their best foot forward with a tough away win against Marumo Gallants, a result that sees Amakhosi leapfrog Orlando Pirates into second place on the Betway Premiership table, now just two points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. In the UEFA Champions League, Liverpool cruised to a 6–0 victory over Qarabag to secure automatic qualification for the last 16. Barcelona also booked their place, while Real Madrid suffered a shock defeat to Benfica.
· CAF has meanwhile imposed sweeping disciplinary sanctions on the Senegalese and Moroccan Football Federations following the ill-tempered AFCON 2025 final.
· At the Australian Open, Jannik Sinner and NovakMoroccanDjokovic will revive their rivalry in the semi-final, with Sinner chasing a third straight title in Melbourne and holding a five-match winning streak over the Serbian legend.
That is your News Bite for 29 January 2026. For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.