It’s 14 May 2026 and this is your News Bite; a fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
In today’s episode, the Western Cape floods continue to devastate communities after days of severe storms lashed the province. Authorities say at least 10 people have died, around 100-thousand residents have been severely affected, and several towns remain isolated as roads, mountain passes and key transport routes stay closed. The Cape Winelands Municipality is urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel as emergency teams continue relief efforts.
The Phala Phala scandal is expected to dominate Parliament as President Cyril Ramaphosa faces MPs in the National Assembly for the first time since the Constitutional Court ruling against Parliament’s earlier handling of the matter. Political parties are also preparing for Parliament’s impeachment committee process, while the ANC appears to be rallying firmly behind the President.
At the same time, the long-delayed Jacob Zuma arms deal trial has been cleared to proceed after a ruling in the Pietermaritzburg High Court. Zuma and French arms company Thales face charges linked to the multi-billion-rand arms procurement scandal.
Former National Director of Public Prosecutions Shaun Abrahams is expected to testify at the TRC Cases Inquiry as investigators continue probing prosecutorial accountability linked to apartheid-era crimes.
Meanwhile, Nandipha Magudumana’s deportation challenge has reached the Constitutional Court, where her legal team argues that her return from Tanzania amounted to a disguised extradition rather than a lawful deportation.
Globally, the Iran war oil crisis is intensifying after the International Energy Agency estimated that one billion barrels of oil supply have effectively been lost due to the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. JP Morgan says oil prices could remain above 100 dollars a barrel for much of the year, even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens.
The Information Regulator has also proposed new POPIA rules that could significantly change how estates, office parks and gated communities collect personal information at access points.
And there may finally be movement on South Africa’s struggling freight rail network after Transnet private rail concessions were awarded to 11 private operators, including Grinrod, Minrail and Menar.
SPORTS
· Manchester City closed the gap on Arsenal in the Premier League title race with a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, while Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie says he wants South Africa to bid to host another Rugby World Cup after launching efforts to secure corporate backing for a future bid.
That’s your News Bite for 14 May 2026.
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.