Chippa United have reportedly parted ways with head coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi just hours after Wednesday night’s 3-1 defeat to Sekhukhune United.

The latest loss appears to have been the final straw for the Chilli Boys hierarchy following a disastrous run of results that has dragged the club closer to relegation trouble.

According to iDiski Times, Vilakazi, affectionately known as “Kanu”, has already informed members of his technical team and players that he is leaving the club with immediate effect.

The decision comes after Chippa suffered back-to-back heavy defeats, including a humiliating 5-1 loss to AmaZulu FC last weekend.

Vilakazi leaves the Eastern Cape outfit sitting 13th on the Betway Premiership table with 24 points from 27 matches, just two points above the relegation playoff spot.

His departure follows a poor run in which Chippa managed just one victory in their last nine league games.

The coaching instability at the club continues, with Vilakazi becoming the third coach to leave Chippa this season after Sinethemba Badela and Luc Eymael also exited earlier in the campaign.

Attention will now quickly turn to who takes charge for the remainder of the season as Chippa prepare for crucial fixtures against TS Galaxy, Golden Arrows and Kaizer Chiefs.

With relegation fears growing, the club now faces a massive battle to secure its Premiership status.

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This was his ninth state of the nation address, happening amid water shortages in Johannesburg and other areas, where people are still dealing with crime, corruption, and a general breakdown in services.

Folks might be weary of government promises, but this one seemed to nod to the partners in the government of national unity, hitting on a lot of their key asks from a recent meeting.

Things like sending the army to gang hotspots in the Western Cape and against illegal mining, revamping the police, and setting up a way to resolve tender disputes were all on the table.

He started off by highlighting the positives: the economy bouncing back, a stronger rand, more investor interest, rising stock appeal, and no more full-on power cuts, though some spots still face reductions.

“We’re in a better place than last year. The economy’s picking up speed,” he noted, getting some cheers and boos in the mix.

He pointed to upgrades in credit ratings, the lowest inflation in years, and getting off an international financial watchlist as signs things are improving.

But he admitted, “We’re still not where we need to be.”

No quick wins here—the government knows life is rough for many. “We can only be strong when we’re equal,” he added.

Shifting to everyday struggles, he talked about kids in the Western Cape caught in gang crossfire, and how organized crime is the biggest threat to democracy, society, and growth right now.

To ramp up the response, they’ll centralize intelligence, target key crime groups, and send in specialized teams to break them down.

Responding to calls from hard-hit communities in the Cape Flats, he announced army support for police against gangs in the Western Cape and illegal mining in Gauteng.

He’s tasked the police and defense leaders with a plan on where to deploy troops in those areas.

Plus, they’re tightening gun rules and enforcement to cut down on violence.

More cops are coming: 5,500 new recruits this year, on top of 20,000 from before.

He stressed quick action on findings from an ongoing commission exposing police corruption.

He owned up that the water mess stems from bad planning and neglected maintenance by local governments, leading to dry taps.

No easy fix—it’s from years of systemic issues and ignored infrastructure.

For the long haul, they’re building dams and fixing old ones, with over R156 billion earmarked for water projects in the next three years.

Big builds like the Lesotho Highlands and others in the Eastern Cape are moving forward.

They’re wrapping up a new agency to handle national water infrastructure and funding.

But the real issue is delivery to homes. A new bill will hold providers accountable, pulling licenses if they flop.

If a municipality can’t handle it, someone else steps in.

These changes should get to the heart of the water problems.

He also declared the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak a national disaster, unlocking resources to tackle it affecting farms.

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In Brakpan, Gauteng, locals came together for a heartfelt memorial drive to remember former police reservist Wiandre Pretorius.

The gathering happened Friday afternoon right at the petrol station where he tragically took his own life.

Friends and family showed up with flowers in hand, paying their respects to Pretorius.

This all came just days after he narrowly escaped what looked like a targeted hit in Boksburg.

Pretorius had been named as a person of interest in the killing of Marius van der Merwe, who was known as Witness D.

Van der Merwe had pointed fingers at Pretorius during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

On top of that, Pretorius was also linked as a suspect in the 2022 murder of Emmanuel Mbense.

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The National Day of Prayer has served for generations as a sacred call for unity, repentance, healing, and spiritual awakening across America, bringing together churches, civic leaders, educators, families, and communities to seek divine wisdom and guidance for the nation. This year’s North Texas observance will feature both a virtual and an in-person gathering designed to mobilize prayer across the Seven Mountains of Influence and inspire hope, healing, and transformation locally, nationally, and globally.

The theme this year, “Glorify God Among the Nations – Seeking Him in All Generations,” will serve as the foundation for both events, as prayer leaders unite to pray over the Seven Mountains of Influence and key areas that impact families, communities, and nations around the world.

The events are free and open to the public and will be streamed live on major social media platforms.

VIRTUAL NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER EVENT

Time: 5:00 AM – 6:15 AM (CT)

The virtual prayer gathering will feature dynamic prayer leaders and influencers representing various spheres of society, including:

Major Daughter — Media Mountain

Pastors Tomm & Brenda Todd — Church Mountain

Dorothy Cook — Business Mountain

Dr. Milton Herring — Education Mountain

Beverly Vote — Family Mountain

Annissa Obasi — Government Mountain

The virtual gathering will also feature a special international guest speaker, Pastor Alexander Emoghene, who will bring a powerful message of unity, prayer, and spiritual awakening.

ONSITE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER GATHERING

Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (CT)

Location: UTBOC Churches, 3269 Independence Parkway, Plano, TX 75075

The in-person prayer gathering will feature respected pastoral and community leaders from across the region, including:

Apostle Renny McLean and Marina McLean — Church Mountain

Pastor Bobby Gibson — Family Mountain

Pastor Ken Bennett — Business Mountain

Dr. Dana Bennett — Education Mountain

Dr. Renee Hornbuckle — Arts & Entertainment Mountain

Bishop Tommy Drumm and Karen Drumm – Church Mountain

Additional pastoral leaders, intercessors, and community leaders from throughout North Texas are expected to participate in this powerful morning of worship, unity, and strategic prayer.

According to Dr. Clark, the purpose of these gatherings is to mobilize communities, strengthen families, pray for national healing, and inspire individuals from every generation to seek God together.

For more information, visit:

www.NorthTexasNDP.org

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dr. Shirley Clark

North Texas Regional Coordinator, NDP

Email: Shirley@DrShirleyClark.org

Website: www.NorthTexasNDP.org

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This is in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport and national development.

Khumalo, affectionately known as “Doctor”, will receive a Doctor of Philosophy in Science (Kinesiology and Coaching Science) honoris causa from the Faculty of Sciences on 30 April 2026.

He is among three distinguished South Africans being recognised, alongside mining entrepreneur Daphne Mashile-Nkosi and business leader Paul Mpho Makwana.

Born in Soweto on 26 June 1967, Khumalo’s football journey seemed destined from the start. He is the son of Eliakim “Pro” Khumalo, a revered Kaizer Chiefs legend, and quickly carved his own path to greatness.

Doctor Khumalo first made waves at Daliwonga High School in Dube, where his exceptional skill earned him the nicknames “Vula-Vala” and later “16V”.

His creativity, flair and football intelligence would go on to define a career that made him one of the finest midfielders in Bafana Bafana history.

TUT described the honorary doctorate as one of the highest academic honours, awarded to individuals whose work has had a lasting impact beyond their field.

The institution said the honourees represent its vision of a people-centred university focused on innovation and national progress.

For Doctor Khumalo, the recognition cements a legacy that extends far beyond the pitch — from inspiring young footballers to shaping South African sport.

A true master of the midfield, and now officially a Doctor in real sense.

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In a memorandum addressed to the African Union Commission, the group said they see little value in engaging with African leaders who, in their view, have already failed their own citizens. They argued that the African Union, instead of driving progress, has become a platform where struggling leaders gather without offering real solutions to the continent’s challenges.

The memorandum points to the African Union’s own founding principles, particularly its commitment to promoting political and economic integration, democratic governance, and active citizen participation. However, the writers claim these ideals are not being upheld. They expressed concern that Africa’s natural resources continue to benefit external interests, while many citizens face ongoing economic hardship.

They also raised questions about the AU’s stance on sovereignty and non-interference. While the organisation discourages involvement in the internal affairs of member states, the group noted what they see as inconsistent responses to conflicts and crises across the continent. According to them, leaders often fail to act in urgent situations but quickly intervene when it suits political interests.

On the issue of unity, the memorandum stresses that cooperation between African countries should focus on meaningful trade and shared growth—not the movement of vulnerable people in search of survival. The group argued that true unity should create opportunities at home, rather than forcing citizens to leave their countries due to lack of economic prospects.

Finally, the authors emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty and the rule of law. They expressed concern over what they described as external pressure on South Africa, insisting that national decisions should remain in the hands of its own institutions.

Overall, the memorandum reflects growing frustration among some citizens who feel that both national and continental leadership structures are falling short of delivering real change.

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The awards ceremony, held in North Riding, Johannesburg, on Friday, 28 March 2026, brought together outstanding women from various sectors, including leadership, community development, education, sustainability, and social impact.

Among those honored was Former National Laureate, Sergeant Thato Mothamane from the Free State, who achieved 1st Place in the Women Changing the World in Rural and Regional Areas Impact Award.

This prestigious award recognises women from rural, remote and regional areas who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and achieved outstanding results in improving the lives of people, especially learners in schools across the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.

Sergeant Mothamane was recognised for her ongoing work in youth crime prevention, school outreach programmes, mentorship initiative, and empowerment projects aimed at uplifting learners and strengthening communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Although Sergeant Mothamane was unable to attend the awards ceremony, she was attending the International Women’s Day celebration held in Mangaung Metro on the same day as the award ceremony. Her presence at the grassroots level reflects her dedication to empowering women and serving communities.

Sergeant Mothamane has officially received her award (trophy), which was delivered on 20 April 2026.

This achievement marks a proud milestone for the Free State province and highlights the impactful work being done to empower communities, prevent crime, and inspire young people.

Sergeant Mothamane’s recognition serves as an inspiration to women across South Africa, particularly those working in rural and regional areas, demonstrating that dedication, leadership, and compassion can create meaningful and lasting change.

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Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

DPP Mpumalanga said this follows the conviction and sentencing of three former Skukuza officials by the Skukuza Regional Court for poaching-related offences.

Two former security officers, Nyiko Gumede (40) and Nomsa Ndlovu (42), were each sentenced to an effective 12 years’ direct imprisonment, while their co-accused, Ludwick Mhlaba (44), a technician, was sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment.

Gumede and Ndlovu were convicted on two counts: the killing of a rhino and conspiracy to commit a crime. Mhlaba was convicted on a single count of killing a rhino.

The court heard that on the night of 19 October 2020, rangers from the Sabie Sand Section responded to gunshots and discovered a rhino carcass near a firearm, fresh rhino horns, and a cellphone. It was suspected that the perpetrators had fled upon noticing the rangers.

Although an immediate search proved unsuccessful, investigators analysed the recovered cellphone and identified a call made shortly before the rangers’ arrival. Police then contacted the last dialled number, posing as a corrupt ranger offering to hand over the rhino horns in exchange for payment.

The call was answered by Gumede, and arrangements were made for delivery. Police subsequently obtained authorisation for an entrapment operation in terms of Section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act. An undercover officer later confirmed the arrangement, with Ndlovu providing details of the vehicle to be used.

At the agreed location, police found all three accused inside a vehicle driven by Mhlaba. They were arrested on the scene and later released on bail.

During the trial, all three accused pleaded not guilty. The State, led by Prosecutor Lot Mgiba, presented compelling evidence, including testimony from rangers and police officers involved in the operation, as well as DNA evidence linking the recovered horns to the rhino carcass found in the Sabie Sand Section.

The court found the State witnesses credible and convicted the accused.

In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Mgiba emphasised that the accused had been entrusted with protecting wildlife but instead betrayed that trust by participating in poaching activities. He urged the court to impose a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offences and serves as a deterrent.

The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence.

Gumede and Ndlovu were each sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for killing a rhino and four years’ imprisonment for conspiracy. The court ordered that a portion of the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 12 years’ direct imprisonment. Mhlaba was sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment.

All three accused were also declared unfit to possess firearms.

Poaching continues to have devastating consequences for both the environment and society. The illegal killing of species such as rhinos threatens biodiversity, drives endangered wildlife closer to extinction, and fuels organised crime, corruption, and illicit trade—undermining the rule of law and community safety.

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The babies—two girls and a boy—were delivered via caesarean section on April 21 after just 34 weeks of pregnancy. A full-term pregnancy typically lasts between 37 and 42 weeks, meaning the infants were born about six weeks early.

Ramathuba shared the update during an oversight visit to Letaba Hospital in Nkowankowa, Tzaneen, where she was accompanied by Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego. She explained that the mother’s existing medical conditions made the pregnancy high-risk.

Provincial health authorities have since confirmed a tragic development: two of the babies have passed away. The surviving infant, along with the mother, has been transferred to Mankweng Tertiary Hospital to receive specialized medical care.

The situation highlights the challenges associated with premature births and high-risk pregnancies, particularly in multiple-birth cases.

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