It’s 4 February 2026 and this is your News Bite; a fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world.
In today’s episode, John Steenhuisen has withdrawn from the DA leadership race, confirming he will not seek a third term as leader of the opposition. Steenhuisen made the announcement in Durban after weeks of internal party tension, following allegations around the misuse of a party credit card; claims he was later cleared of. However, investigations by the DA’s federal legal commission are still ongoing. Former party chair Dion George says the decision marks “mission accomplished” after raising concerns about accountability within the party.
In the courts, another adjournment has delayed the Jacob Zuma–Thales corruption case. The Pietermaritzburg High Court has dismissed the pair’s application for leave to appeal after previously refusing to strike the charges from the roll. Zuma and the French arms company face multiple charges linked to the 1999 arms deal, including fraud, racketeering and money laundering. The court has now reserved judgment on whether the State can proceed while other legal processes continue.
At the Madlanga Commission, Witness F returned to the stand, facing tough questions about why he informed Gauteng organised crime head Richard Shibiri of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s arrival at a thanksgiving ceremony hosted by former deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. The testimony continues to probe links between senior police officials and controversial figures.
Meanwhile, Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee is seeking written responses from President Cyril Ramaphosa on the creation and mandate of the Political Killings Task Team, which was established in response to ongoing political violence in KwaZulu-Natal.
In the Eastern Cape, questions are mounting over a R25-million Nelson Mandela Bay electricity transformer deal. Former Good Party chairperson Siyanda Mayana has laid criminal charges, accusing Mayor Babalwa Lobishe of misleading the public and sidelining council processes by leasing the transformer to Coega Steels amid ongoing power outages in Gqeberha.
In Limpopo, six-day-old conjoined twins at Mankweng Hospital are preparing for a historic operation. A team of surgeons is planning the facility’s first-ever separation surgery. The twins are reportedly stable, do not share vital organs, and respond when they hear their mother’s voice; giving doctors and family hope for a successful outcome.
In other news, we’re keeping an eye on…
· Gauteng police are investigating six counts of murder, attempted murder and carjacking after a minibus travelling from Johannesburg to Lesotho was attacked on the R59 near Meyerton, killing six people. Three suspects have been arrested.
· Internationally, the US Senate has approved a one-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, though South Africa’s continued inclusion in the trade agreement remains uncertain.
SPORTS
· Orlando Pirates reclaimed top spot in the Betway Premiership, beating AmaZulu 2–0 to move three points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns at the halfway stage of the season.
· In England, Arsenal booked a place in the League Cup final after edging Chelsea 1–0 at the Emirates, their first major cup final in almost six years.
· South Africa will also be represented on the global stage as Matthew Smith and Nicole Burger were selected to carry the national flag at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, which begin later this week in Italy.
AND FINALLY
In an extraordinary act of bravery, a 13-year-old Australian boy swam for four hours to save his family after they were swept out to sea. Austin Appelbee battled cold water, darkness and exhaustion to reach shore and raise the alarm, leading to the eventual rescue of his mother and siblings who were stranded kilometres offshore.
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.