It’s 13 May 2026 and this is News Bite; a fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
The ANC leadership is gathering in Cape Town for a special NEC meeting as pressure mounts on President Cyril Ramaphosa following the Constitutional Court’s ruling linked to the Phala Phala saga. Ramaphosa insists he has committed no crime and says he will not resign, but ANC veteran Matthews Phosa warns the party faces growing reputational damage if the matter is not handled carefully.
Meanwhile, DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis says his party will not support the MK Party and ATM’s motion of no confidence against Ramaphosa, despite continued political pressure around the President’s future.
Suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has appeared in court alongside 16 others, including alleged cartel boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, over a multi-million rand SAPS tender corruption case involving allegations of fraud, corruption and money laundering. Masemola says he believes external forces may be behind his arrest. The matter has been postponed to June 26.
Fraud and corruption-accused Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla is expected to return to work on Monday after being granted bail alongside suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi. The pair are accused of corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice in a case involving an alleged court impersonation scheme.
South Africa’s unemployment crisis continues to deepen, with Stats SA reporting that the official unemployment rate climbed to 32.7 percent in the first quarter of the year. Economist Xhanti Phayi says infrastructure development could create pathways for South Africans to employ themselves and others.
The Constitutional Court has temporarily stabilised the ongoing dispute between SASSA and Postbank, ruling that social grant payments should continue under the current system while legal proceedings continue over the termination of the existing agreement.
Residents in Eldorado Park and Klipspruit say the withdrawal of SANDF troops from crime hotspots has left communities vulnerable again after another deadly mass shooting wounded several people, including a 10-year-old child. Defence analyst Helmoed-Romer Heitman says the SANDF can only realistically bolster police visibility rather than solve deep-rooted gangsterism.
Protests over illegal migration continue in parts of the Eastern Cape, with demonstrations intensifying in Butterworth. Solomon Mondlane from the National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique says failures in neighbouring states are contributing to South Africa’s migration pressures.
Global health authorities say the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship remains contained, with South African health authorities tracing contacts linked to a Dutch passenger who contracted the virus onboard.
US President Donald Trump is heading to China for a major state visit as tensions with Iran continue to dominate global diplomacy. Trump initially suggested Iran would feature heavily in discussions with China before later downplaying the issue.
IN SPORT…
• TS Galaxy have shaken up the Betway Premiership title race after stunning Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2, giving Orlando Pirates renewed hope in the championship battle. Sundowns interim coach Bernard Parker says desperation for points cost his side dearly.
• Arsenal fans will now be hoping Crystal Palace can produce a similar upset against Manchester City as the Premier League title race tightens. https://www.enca.com/sport/guardiola-says-man-city-still-fighting-premier-league-title
That’s your News Bite for 13 May 2026.
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.