It’s 3 February 2026 and this is your News Bite; a fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world.
In today’s episode, Midrand residents’ water woes continue, with communities taking to the streets to protest ongoing outages, the latest stretching into a full week. An electrical failure at a Rand Water facility has left large parts of Gauteng without supply, forcing residents in areas like Ebony Park to collect water themselves. Johannesburg Water says levels remain critically low at the Grand Central Reservoir, Rabie Ridge Reservoir and Diepsloot Reservoir, warning that supply is still not stable.
At Parliament, the SAPS Ad Hoc Committee is divided over Ramaphosa’s appearance, as MPs debate whether President Cyril Ramaphosa should testify in person in the inquiry into political interference and corruption in the police. A virtual meeting has been held to determine which witnesses should appear physically, with names now sent to the committee’s legal team for assessment.
The spotlight remains firmly on eBongweni Super Max prison in Kokstad, where attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is being held while seeking a transfer to a Gauteng facility. At the same time, convicted serial rapist and murderer Thabo Bester is challenging his transfer to eBongweni Super-Max, with his lawyers applying for an interdict to block the move. Correctional Services says the transfer is based on security concerns.
The broader issue of incarceration is also under scrutiny, with experts warning that overcrowding in correctional facilities is not going away, particularly in awaiting-trial prisons around major urban centres.
On the roads, MPs are asking tough questions, with Parliament’s Transport Committee calling for more traffic officers to be deployed at night, when statistics show most fatal crashes occur. The committee is also backing calls for a zero-alcohol limit for drivers.
Globally, the United Nations is facing a financial crisis and could run out of money by July. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that unpaid member-state dues are threatening programmes linked to security, human rights and sustainable development, and could even force the organisation to consider closing its New York headquarters.
In other news, we’re keeping an eye on…
· Johannesburg Emergency Services are clearing rubble after a Doornfontein building collapse, which injured four people and displaced residents after a substation fire.
· In Pretoria, parents are camping outside Hoërskool Akasia, protesting what they describe as an unfair school admissions process.
· Internationally, Donald Trump says he has struck a major trade deal with India, cutting tariffs on Indian imports from 25 to 18 percent, while India has agreed to stop buying Russian oil.
SPORTS
· South African cricket fans are gearing up for the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, with the Proteas heading into the tournament after a 2–1 series win over the West Indies. Aiden Markram says the team has learned from last year’s final loss to India and is focused on starting strongly. South Africa opens its campaign against Canada, before facing Afghanistan, New Zealand and the UAE.
· Elsewhere at the tournament, Pakistan has been cleared to take part but will not face India in their scheduled group match, citing security concerns.
AND FINALLY
There was an unexpected moment in the ring at Madison Square Garden when boxer Jarrell Miller lost his hairpiece mid-fight against Kingsley Ibeh. Despite the mishap, “Big Baby” went on to secure a split-decision victory. Miller later blamed an unknown shampoo used at his mother’s house for the hairpiece malfunction.
That’s how we wrap today’s News Bite. For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.