Author name: Scott Balson

Pilgrim’s Rest, once a premier tourist destination in Mpumalanga, is now struggling with a sharp decline in visitors, according to residents and business owners who point to prolonged government inaction on key infrastructure and the extended closure of the historic Royal Hotel. The Royal Hotel, widely regarded as the town’s main tourist drawcard, has remained […]

Residents of Khutsong in Gauteng’s Merafong Municipality are urging authorities to fast-track the completion of the Khutsong clinic, a major health facility that was commissioned in 2015 but remains unfinished and closed in 2026. More than 40 million rand has already been spent on the project, with total costs now projected to exceed 90 million

The small area known locally as “California” in KuGompo City, part of Buffalo City Metro in the Eastern Cape, has once again drawn attention following recent community protests and action against crime and drug-related activities. Residents describe the area as a notorious hub for drug dealing, where addiction often begins and proves extremely difficult to

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has arrested eight police officers in connection with the murder of four people — three civilians and one fellow South African Police Service (SAPS) member — during an incident in Bultfontein in the Free State in September 2024. The officers handed themselves over to IPID officials in Bultfontein on

Midrand – The Democratic Alliance (DA) kicked off its two-day federal congress at the Gala Convention Center in Midrand on Sunday, where over 2,000 delegates are expected to elect a new federal leader, chairperson, and three deputy chairpersons. Current leaders John Steenhuisen and Helen Zille are not contesting the positions. The congress is viewed as

The Democratic Alliance (DA) kicked off its two-day federal congress at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Saturday, with over 2,000 delegates expected to attend and elect a new federal leader, chairperson, and three deputy chairpersons. Current leaders John Steenhuisen and Helen Zille are not contesting any of the top positions. Voting is scheduled

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has demanded that President Cyril Ramaphosa be held accountable for the alleged mishandling of a 2020 theft at his Phala Phala farm and has formally requested the Speaker of the National Assembly to initiate Section 89 impeachment proceedings against him. This follows the release of a report by the Independent

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has arrested a 35-year-old suspect found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as part of ongoing intensified efforts to combat violent crime. On Friday, 10 April 2026, at approximately 10:00, members of Acornhoek SAPS received information from a reliable source regarding an individual allegedly in

A 39-year-old man has appeared in the Tiyani Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, in connection with the murder of a police sergeant. Awelani Kennedy Matumba was remanded in police custody. His case has been postponed to Tuesday, 14 April 2026, for a formal bail application and further police investigations. The case stems from

Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Flying Squad in Limpopo acted on intelligence regarding a white Toyota Corolla with Gauteng registration plates. The vehicle was reportedly involved in distributing illicit Remington Gold cigarettes in the Westernburg, Seshego, and Polokwane policing areas. A lookout operation was activated, leading to the vehicle being traced