It’s Thursday, 16 July, and this is News Bite with Marcelle Gordon.
The football community has gathered in Stellenbosch to honour Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams. The 25-year-old died on Saturday, weeks after helping Bafana reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Captain Ronwen Williams said Adams would always remain part of the team.
Joburg residents are being warned to store water before the final 12-hour phase of Rand Water’s planned maintenance. Joburg Water says recovery could stretch beyond the weekend and differ between areas. Southern suburbs were already affected by an electrical trip at the Eikenhof pumping station.
The City of Johannesburg has enough cash to cover only 12 days of costs. Mayor Dada Morero says Treasury funds are expected, with much of the money going to Eskom and Rand Water.
Hundreds of Malawian nationals remain stranded outside the Malawian Consulate in Johannesburg, awaiting repatriation. Humanitarian groups say shelter, food and sanitation are inadequate. The Presidency has accused Ghana and Nigeria of leading a misinformation campaign to isolate South Africa.
The NPA will appeal Timothy Omotoso’s acquittal after the Supreme Court of Appeal granted leave. Prosecutors say the challenge must address legal questions and protect GBV victims. Omotoso was acquitted of rape, human trafficking and racketeering before being deported to Nigeria.
US-Iran tensions are rising after Washington launched fresh strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump warned Tehran to “behave”, while Iran says it may abandon last month’s ceasefire. The Pentagon will also screen military personnel aged 30 and older for low testosterone, with voluntary hormone therapy offered where needed.
In other news we’re keeping an eye on, Ford is recalling certain 2026 vehicles sold in South Africa over a possible automatic-transmission defect. A Kenyan court has rejected a Rastafarian bid to use marijuana for religious purposes.
SPORT
Thomas Tuchel has defended his tactics after Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 and end the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign. Record-breaking referee Aimee Barrett-Theron has stepped away after a breast-cancer diagnosis, saying it is treatable and she hopes to return.
And finally, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reflected on Nelson Mandela’s leadership and his Cape Town childhood during the inaugural Nelson Mandela Global Leadership Forum lecture.
That’s your News Bite for 16 July. For more, visit eNCA.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403