The CRL Rights Commission says it is investigating a case involving a learner allegedly refused access to school after undergoing customary initiation. Deputy Chairperson Prince George Matlangu says the commission is concerned, stressing that education is a basic constitutional right. The commission will engage the school principal, governing body and Basic Education Department. Matlangu says the investigation will balance the learner’s rights with sensitivities surrounding cultural initiation practices, seeking a swift resolution.Deputy Chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission Prince George Mahlangu explains 

The Madlanga Commission has ruled that it will proceed with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s application. Matlala has submitted an application addressing the reasons preventing him from engaging with certain arguments. The Commission is set to hear arguments pertaining to his self-incrimination application, but uncertainty remains over his legal representation. Matlala told the Commission he was “in the dark” and had not had enough time to decide whether he agreed with his lawyers’ position on withdrawing from his legal team. His legal team asked for more time to clarify his instructions. Commissioner Baloyi described the developments as “deeply problematic”, questioning whether Matlala’s lawyers had accurately represented his instructions.

Former Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola during his cross examination at the Truth and Reconciliation Cases Commission he wanted the investigation and prosecution to be victim centric. 

Advocate Fatima Missi, representing alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala at the Madlanga Commission, says his legal team has not had sufficient access to their client. Missi says she had to "grovel and beg" security officials to be allowed to consult Matlala at the X max prison. She has asked for more time to file the required legal documents. Commission chairperson Justice Madlanga says he does not understand the issue around agonising over consultations with Matlala, saying these matters should have been dealt with in his response. 

Advocate Fatima Missi, representing alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, says her client is not comfortable proceeding with his testimony at the Madlanga Commission without his lead counsel, who is ill. Missi says the legal team also needs more time to prepare its replying affidavit and written submissions. She says Matlala has instructed his lawyers to approach the court urgently to interdict the proceedings if the Commission does not postpone the matter until tomorrow. The Commission questioned why the defence had not brought a substantive application for postponement earlier.

Postbank says social grant beneficiaries have less than five days to migrate from SASSA gold cards to black cards before the 31 August deadline. More than 1.8 million beneficiaries have already migrated, while fewer than 80,000 still need to do so. Postbank says the deadline will not be extended. Beneficiaries can migrate for free at selected retailers, including Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer and Spar. They need only a valid ID or temporary ID. Funds will remain in their accounts, but beneficiaries must migrate before accessing them. Thami  Cele is the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Postbank

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo says their tree-planting initiative is about more than simply adding trees to the city's landscape. Speaking to SABC News at Mushroom Farm Park, Sandton, the organisation said bringing different stakeholders and communities together reflects the shared responsibility of creating and protecting greener spaces. City Parks says trees play a vital role in the urban environment, and educating young people about environmental care is equally important. Zine Buthelezi filed this report…

Public Protector of South Africa Kholeka Gcaleka is calling on faith based organisations to help root out corruption by reporting suspicious financial contributions offered to them as donations. Gcaleka was speaking at the St Paul African Apostolic Church's Annual Feast in Moletsane, Soweto. The annual feast brings together congregants from across South Africa and neighbouring countries for a day of prayer, thanksgiving and fellowship. Sashin Naidoo reports...

Residents of several villages within the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality in Mpumalanga have expressed concern caused by the water shortages experienced in the area. Some residents report being without water for more than a month, while others have been without water for over a week. As a result, they are forced to fetch water from polluted streams and rivers, and some are resorting to purchasing water. Michael Mdluli reports

The SACP in the Western Cape has launched its election manifesto at Crossroads in the City of Cape Town. The 2026 Local Government Elections will mark the first time the SACP will contest for elections since 1994, marking a departure from their-long standing arrangement with the ANC-led Tripartite Alliance. They say they are currently working on localising the 6 priority areas that national has created in order to address the challenges specifically affecting the Western Cape. Tando Ntunja reports