Author: Rethabile Nyelele

South Africa is preparing for the rollout of the AARTO demerit system on 1 December 2025. As the launch approaches, motorists are being warned about a growing trend of fraudulent traffic fines. Scammers Exploiting Motorists’ Confusion Fines SA has reported a noticeable spike in complaints from drivers tricked into paying non-existent fines. Fraudsters are taking advantage of uncertainty around AARTO by sending fake SMSs, WhatsApp messages, and creating cloned websites that mimic official municipal and traffic fine portals. These messages claim an outstanding fine and provide a link urging immediate payment. Once money is paid, it disappears, and no official…

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has pledged a R5 million bonus to the Bafana Bafana squad and technical team following their stunning qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. McKenzie made the announcement in the team’s dressing room shortly after their 3-0 win over Rwanda, which confirmed their place at the top of Group A. This marks Bafana’s first World Cup appearance in 16 years, their last being on home soil in 2010. The team’s previous qualification came in 2002, making this moment a powerful symbol of revival for South African football. McKenzie’s Message of Gratitude and Celebration…

It is hard to believe, but almost 24 years have passed since Bafana Bafana qualified for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan. While South Africa later entered the 2010 tournament as hosts, their last successful qualification through competition came in November 2001. Since then, the world has changed in unimaginable ways from technology to pop culture to global events. In fact, many of today’s football stars were infants or not even born when Bafana last celebrated their place on football’s biggest stage. Here are 10 mind-blowing facts that show just how different the world was back then.…

South Africans continue to show strong loyalty to compact and practical hatchbacks, with the latest sales data revealing which models dominate local roads. From affordable city cars to premium small hatches, the segment remains a vital part of the country’s automotive market. VW Polo Vivo Still the People’s Favourite Once again, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo stands tall as the undisputed leader of the hatchback pack. Produced locally, the Vivo sold an impressive 2,470 units in September, making it not only the top-selling hatchback but also the second most popular vehicle overall, just behind the Toyota Hilux. With a starting price…

Motorists are being warned to stay vigilant as a worrying new criminal trend emerges on the country’s roads. Reports reveal that certain taxi operators are hijacking vehicles and demanding payments from owners to get them back, a practice that has rapidly spread across several regions. Growing Fear Over Taxi-Linked Hijackings According to the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, these incidents are part of a growing pattern of “mafia-style” extortion within the taxi industry. He confirmed that taxi operators stop motorists, seize their vehicles, and then force them to pay to get…

As the rainy season settles in and the festive rush begins, road safety once again becomes a pressing concern across the country. Slick roads and unpredictable downpours demand extra caution, not just in how we drive, but in how well we maintain our vehicles. The Importance of Tyre Health Tyres are a vehicle’s first line of defence against the dangers of wet-weather driving. Their tread and pressure play a crucial role in keeping your car stable and responsive on rain-soaked roads. Drivers are urged to inspect their tyres frequently and ensure that the tread depth is comfortably above the legal…

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has issued a strong warning to motorists who park their vehicles on pavements. The JMPD stressed that the practice is both unlawful and a serious threat to public safety. Pavements Are for Pedestrians — Not Cars According to the JMPD, pavements are designed to provide a safe walking space for pedestrians. However, an increasing number of drivers are treating these walkways as overflow parking. This forces pedestrians including children, the elderly, parents with prams, and people with disabilities to step onto busy roads, where they are far more vulnerable to speeding vehicles and other…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is grappling with one of his toughest selection headaches yet. He is yet to find the right replacement for suspended defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi ahead of tonight’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium. Broos Left Weighing His Options Mbokazi, who has been a key figure in Bafana’s defensive setup, will miss the encounter after receiving a red card in the dying moments of Friday’s frustrating goalless draw with Zimbabwe. His dismissal leaves a major gap at the heart of defence, with Thabo Moloisane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Malibongwe Khoza, and Khulumani Ndamane…

As the sun sets over Mbombela Stadium this evening, Bafana Bafana’s World Cup dreams will hang in the balance. Head coach Hugo Broos has appealed to the nation to rally behind the team as they face Rwanda in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash, a match that could define South Africa’s footballing year. Broos Keeps Faith Despite Setbacks Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Nelspruit, Broos did not shy away from acknowledging the frustration following Friday’s goalless draw against Zimbabwe. The result left Bafana trailing Group C leaders Benin and needing nothing less than a victory tonight…

Kaizer Chiefs are preparing for a pivotal double-header in the second preliminary round of the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup. Chiefs will face AS Simba of the Democratic Republic of Congo in confirmed fixtures for CAF. They will play the first leg on Saturday, 18 October, at TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, before hosting the return leg. The decisive return leg will take place on Sunday, 26 October, at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, completing the two-legged tie. Chiefs’ Road to the Second Preliminary Round The Amakhosi advanced to this stage after a tense penalty shootout victory over Kabuscorp of Angola,…