In the news today, Bafana Bafana have made it through to the knockout stages of a Fifa World Cup finals for the first time.

Meanwhile, tenderpreneur Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has turned state witness after reaching a plea deal with the state.

Furthermore, a bench warrant has reportedly been issued for the arrest of disbarred attorney Peet Viljoen and his wife, Real Housewives of Pretoria star Mel.

Weather tomorrow: 26 June 2026

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Brilliant Bafana surge into World Cup last 32

*Bafana Bafana’s Thapelo Maseko wheels away in celebration after opening the scoring against South Korea. Picture: Yuri Cortez / AFP*

Bafana Bafana have made it through to the knockout stages of a Fifa World Cup finals for the first time, Thapelo Maseko’s strike sealing a well-deserved 1-0 win over South Korea at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on Wednesday evening.

Hugo Broos’ side were as vibrant against South Korea as they had been insipid in their opening game against Mexico, second place in Group A enough to book a last 32 clash against Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday.

While Canada have impressed at the World Cup so far, they are certainly not a powerhouse of the game, and Bafana now have every chance of reaching the last 16, if they can play with the kind of fluidity and defensive solidity they showed on Wednesday.

CONTINUE READING: Brilliant Bafana surge into World Cup last 32

Cat Matlala turns state witness after guilty plea in Saps-Medicare24 tender saga

*Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala appears at Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 25 March 2026. Picture: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu*

Tenderpreneur Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala has turned state witness after reaching a plea deal with the state.

He has also pleaded guilty to corruption, fraud, and money laundering charges.

Matlala appeared before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on Thursday, 25 June 2026, following the separation of his trial a day earlier.

This relates to a R228 million contract awarded to his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District.

CONTINUE READING: Cat Matlala turns state witness after guilty plea in Saps-Medicare24 tender saga

Peet and Mel Viljoen issued with bench warrant in the US ahead of South African court appearance

*Peet and Mel Viljoen . Picture: @Sli_Masikane*

Peet Viljoen, a disbarred attorney and former reality TV star, is facing more legal trouble. After being deported from the United States, he was arrested as soon as he returned to South Africa.

The former Tammy Taylor franchise owner recently made headlines alongside his wife, Real Housewives of Pretoria star Mel Viljoen, following their arrest in Florida. He is now being held at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria. He awaits his next court appearance.

According to eNCA, a bench warrant was issued for their arrest. His case has reignited public interest not only because of his high-profile status. It is also because of the staggering number of criminal charges he faces.

CONTINUE READING: Peet and Mel Viljoen issued with bench warrant in the US ahead of South African court appearance

South Africa rebukes US envoy, reaffirms non‑aligned foreign policy

*US ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III. Picture: Getty Images*

South Africa has rebuked remarks attributed to the United States (US) ambassador, with the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) reaffirming that the country’s foreign policy is “anchored in non‑alignment” and will not be dictated by external pressure.

Dirco was responding to a series of posts by Leo Brent Bozell III on X about Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s visit to China and Deputy International Relations Minister Thandi Moraka‘s hosting of her Iranian counterpart, Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh, for talks in Pretoria.

Mashatile is attending the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) at the Shunyi Exhibition Centre in Beijing.

CONTINUE READING: South Africa rebukes US envoy, reaffirms non‑aligned foreign policy

Will you be able to get a taxi on June 30?

South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) President Abnar Tsebe says taxi drivers and other members of the minibus industry will not take part in the anti-immigration protest set for 30 June 2026.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Puleng Dimpane, the acting national commissioner of the South African Police Service (Saps), has urged the broader taxi industry to become active ambassadors for peace and to ensure there is no violence in the name of the taxi industry.

Speaking at a briefing on Wednesday, Tsebe assured the public that minibus operations would continue as usual, regardless of tensions involving undocumented foreigners.

CONTINUE READING: Will you be able to get a taxi on June 30?

Yesterday’s News recap

READ HERE: In case you missed it: Mkhwanazi grilled on ex claims | 27 groups plan anti-immigration march | GDE delays school reports