Stay informed in just a few minutes with News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa’s top stories.
In today’s episode, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu defends his decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team at the Madlanga Commission. He says the move followed repeated complaints and insists its members would be absorbed into the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit to strengthen investigations into murder and robbery across provinces.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has issued a sharp response to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after renewed criticism of South Africa’s government. Rubio claimed the post-Mandela administration acted with bias and confirmed South Africa would not be invited to next year’s G20. Lamola says the world is growing tired of double standards and that South Africa’s presidency championed justice, equality, and Ubuntu rather than geopolitical lectures.
The Thabo Bester escape case has been postponed yet again, this time to March for case management, with the trial expected to begin in July. Meanwhile, a Bryanston homeowner describes a nightmare five years in the making, returning from holiday to find more than 100 people occupying her hijacked property.
Public frustration also grows as Gauteng’s online school admissions system faces renewed calls for scrapping. While 90 percent of Grade 1 and 8 applicants have been placed, thousands remain in limbo, and the Education Department expects another surge of unregistered learners in 2026.
We’re also keeping an eye on:
• The rand is strengthening below R17 to the dollar.
• A sharp rebound in the Afrimat Construction Index with double-digit growth across indicators. • Rising tensions ahead of Eurovision 2026 as several countries boycott over Israel’s inclusion.
SPORTS
Bafana Bafana discover their group tonight for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup as they return to the global stage for the first time since hosting in 2010. Eben Etzebeth has been handed a 12-match suspension for eye-gouging but will return in time for next year’s Test season. SA Rugby has confirmed Rassie Erasmus will remain Springbok coach until 2031. In Formula 1, Lando Norris leads the title fight heading into a high-stakes Abu Dhabi finale, refusing to ask teammate Oscar Piastri to sacrifice his race.
AND FINALLY
Police in New Zealand have recovered the stolen diamond-encrusted Fabergé egg swallowed by a thief. After six days of patient observation, officers confirmed the pendant is now in custody, though no one is saying who had to clean it.
That is your News Bite for 5 December 2025. For updates on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch us on DStv Channel 403.