It’s Tuesday, 28 April 2026, and this is News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
Angry scenes outside court where the suspects arrested in connection with the Monswamy family massacre appeared have intensified public pressure in KwaZulu-Natal, after three men accused of killing seven members of the family returned to court. The killings, following the kidnapping, rape and murder of the family a week ago, have sent shock waves through Melmoth and beyond, with gender-based violence activists and community members demanding justice while police continue searching for one remaining suspect.
More than half of Gauteng’s public schools are overcrowded, with Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile admitting the province needs about 200 new schools to keep up with population growth. Nearly half of the province’s 2,111 public schools are oversubscribed, including 41 percent of primary schools and 64 percent of secondary schools, while the average pupil-teacher ratio now sits at 70 to 1. Maile says learner enrolment has doubled from 1.4 million in 1995 to 2.8 million in 2026, driven by migration, rapid urbanisation and about 50,000 new learners every year.
US President Donald Trump is reportedly unhappy with the latest Iranian proposal aimed at ending the two-month Middle East war, after the plan suggested delaying discussion of Iran’s nuclear programme until the conflict is fully over and shipping disputes in the Gulf are resolved. Oil prices are climbing again, global markets are taking strain, and analysts are warning that the knock-on effects could reach fuel costs, inflation and the broader global economy.
Trump’s $400-million White House ballroom has also moved back into the spotlight after Republicans in the US Congress pushed legislation to fund and fast-track the project. The proposal would use $332-million in taxpayer-linked funding through what Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham has described as customs fees on imported goods, while a preservation lawsuit continues to challenge construction on White House grounds. The debate has been inflamed by the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, with conservative voices now framing the ballroom as a security issue after Cole Tomas Allen was accused of firing shots near the event.
Ekurhuleni officials Julius Mkhwanazi and Kagiso Lerutla have been granted bail of R30,000 each, with the magistrate ruling that their release is in the interest of justice despite the seriousness of the charges. The pair face multiple charges, including corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice, and the matter is expected back in court on 13 May.
Suspended Tshwane Metro Police Deputy Chief Umashi Dhlamini continues to deny all allegations against him as his testimony before the Madlanga Commission continues. Dhlamini is facing questions over allegations that he obtained lists of favoured security companies from political parties, including the EFF, while evidence leaders have also examined his relationship with Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, who allegedly acted as a mediator between Dhlamini and political and business figures.
In other news we’re keeping an eye on, Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are heading into a court battle that could reshape the future of artificial intelligence. Musk claims OpenAI abandoned its original nonprofit mission and failed to give him a share after he helped back the company in its early years, while the organisation is now valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars.
A global pistachio shortage has pushed prices higher, and South African farmers are now eyeing the humble green nut as a potential new growth opportunity. With international demand rising and supply under pressure, local growers are planting more trees, while South Africa’s climate is being seen as well-suited to premium nut farming, even though full commercial returns could still take years.
IN SPORT…
· Orlando Pirates remain locked in a tense title race with Mamelodi Sundowns, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou speaking candidly about the pressure after the Buccaneers drew with Kaizer Chiefs and prepared for a nine-day break before facing Stellenbosch on 5 May.
· Manchester United have moved closer to securing Champions League football after beating Brentford in the Premier League.
· Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt says South Africa left runs on the field in the final T20 against India before sealing a 23-run win and a dominant 4–1 series victory.
That’s your News Bite for 28 April 2026.
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.