It’s 6 February 2026 and this is your News Bite; a fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world.
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero warns that the city’s water crisis could take a decade to resolve, painting a dire picture of a massive maintenance backlog and a crumbling infrastructure. Speaking on eNCA, Morero revealed that a significant percentage of water is lost to leaks, while illegal connections are draining a third of the city’s electricity output in both townships and suburbs.
In Gqeberha, police used teargas and rubber bullets to disperse parents and pupils from Walmer High School during a violent protest over chronic overcrowding. The Eastern Cape Education Department says plans for a second high school are approved but awaiting land from the municipality; in the interim, ten prefab classrooms will be erected to alleviate pressure on classes of over 60 students.
At the Madlanga Commission, testimony from ANC businessman Suleiman Carrim has been postponed to March after his legal team requested more time to prepare. This follows a failed High Court bid by Carrim to block a subpoena regarding allegations that he leaked police intelligence to an underworld kingpin.
International aid efforts are ramping up as the Global Sumud Flotilla prepares its second mission to deliver aid to Gaza in March. This comes as Israel announces a ban on Doctors Without Borders (MSF), citing the group's refusal to provide a staff list—a move UN officials warn will collapse critical medical care.
We’re also keeping an eye on:
· City Power investigations into a transformer fire at a central Johannesburg building on Plein Street.
· An upcoming update from the KZN government on a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that has paralyzed regional animal trade.
SPORTS
France opened their Six Nations defense with a dominant 36–14 victory over Ireland, as returning stars Antoine Dupont and Matthieu Jalibert orchestrated a masterclass in Paris. Locally, SAFA has confirmed Bafana Bafana will face Panama in two March friendlies to prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
And finally…
Pokémon fans have a new pilgrimage site as the first-ever permanent PokéPark Kanto theme park opens in Tokyo today, featuring immersive forests and interactive rides.
That is your News Bite for 6 February 2026. For updates on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch us on DStv Channel 403.