It’s Monday, 11 May 2026, and this is News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Marcelle Gordon.
The weather gods continue to wreak havoc, with severe weather warnings issued for three provinces. A major storm lashed the Western Cape overnight and through the day, with an Orange Level 6 warning in place for Cape Town, the West Coast, Cape Winelands and the Overberg. Stellenbosch, Drakenstein, Theewaterskloof, Breede Valley and Witzenberg are under an Orange Level 8 alert for disruptive rainfall, with forecasts of 200 to 300 millimetres raising the risk of mudslides, fast-flowing rivers and road flooding. Severe weather warnings are also in place for the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape, while Gift of the Givers continues relief operations in flood-hit areas. Government has classified damage to infrastructure and communities as a national disaster in six provinces.
It is the final week of public hearings at the Madlanga Commission, which is expected to end hearings on Friday before finalising its second interim report. The Commission last week focused on the daring cocaine heist at a Hawks office in Port Shepstone in 2021, where more than half a ton of cocaine was stolen. Retired investigator Jakobus Prinsloo told the Commission the crime exposed serious security lapses, including broken alarms, no 24-hour guarding and expired armed-response contracts. Hawks Gauteng Narcotics Head Francois Steyn was in the hot seat today, saying drugs are a major driver of crime in South Africa.
Senior Crime Intelligence officer Feroz Khan and Gauteng Hawks boss Ebrahim Kadwa have been released on R20,000 bail. Businessman Tariq Downes was also granted bail on the same terms, with all three due back in court on 14 July. They face charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice, linked to the illicit trade in precious metals.
The Constitutional Court’s judgment on Phala Phala has set the cat among the political pigeons, after finding that Parliament acted unlawfully when it voted against adopting a report that found President Cyril Ramaphosa had a case to answer over the Phala Phala money theft. The African Transformation Party has filed a motion of no confidence, calling for Ramaphosa and his cabinet to go. The question now is where parties in the Government of National Unity stand, with DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis saying the president cannot be shielded from accountability to protect the GNU. UDM leader Bantu Holomisa and Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi have also weighed in, while National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza must decide on calls for a vote of no confidence and the next step on the impeachment process.
The WHO is overseeing a major international evacuation operation from the Hantavirus cruise ship. Passengers from the MV Hondius are being closely monitored as they disembark in the Canary Islands, while a French passenger reportedly began showing symptoms during a repatriation flight. The WHO is warning passengers to keep tracking symptoms, as the virus can have an incubation period of up to six weeks.
The SA Local Government Association is calling for sweeping municipal reforms, including simpler municipal structures and greater decision-making powers at local level. SALGA says the personal development and upskilling of senior managers, councillors and ordinary municipal staff must become a bigger priority, with competency tests for ward councillors now part of the debate.
US President Donald Trump says Iran’s response to the latest so-called peace proposal is “totally unacceptable”. Iran has reportedly proposed an immediate ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, an end to US pressure at sea and the lifting of economic sanctions. But Washington says key conditions remain unresolved, including the eradication of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The White House has suggested Operation Epic Fury is complete apart from the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that his war is not over.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned violent protests directed at foreign nationals, calling them opportunistic and criminal. In his latest letter, Ramaphosa says the attacks do not reflect the views of South Africans or government policy. He has urged South Africans to deal with illegal immigration within the law, while acknowledging that undocumented migrants place pressure on healthcare, housing and municipal services.
The EU is moving to sanction Israeli settlers accused of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. European officials say there is growing momentum among member states to reach a political agreement, amid increasing evidence of violent and inhumane acts by settlers.
IN SPORT…
· Arsenal fans were made to sweat after a dramatic late goal against West Ham secured a crucial victory in the Premier League title race. West Ham thought they had rescued a point in the dying moments, but their equaliser was ruled out for a foul, leaving Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City, who play Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
· Barcelona have secured the La Liga title for the 29th time, with a 2-nil win over Real Madrid on Sunday putting the final cherry on their league campaign.
· Kaizer Chiefs have sealed a CAF Confederation Cup spot for next season after a 2-nil win over Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership.
· South African golfer Yurav Premlall has clinched the DP World Tour Catalunya Championship in style in Barcelona, winning by 14 shots. The 22-year-old finished just one shot off Tiger Woods’ record mark from the 2000 US Open, earning his first win on the tour.
That’s your News Bite for 11 May 2026.
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.