Author: Ariana Steenkamp

The US Iran war has pushed the Middle East toward one of its most dangerous points in decades, with military strikes, regional escalations, and global powers closely monitoring the situation. This rapidly evolving conflict has serious implications for international security, energy markets, and regional stability. How the US Iran War Escalated The conflict intensified in early 2026 when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites, infrastructure, and leadership compounds. These attacks followed months of mounting tension over Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence. In response, Iran has conducted missile and drone attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets…

When it comes to G20 traffic, motorists in Johannesburg should prepare for significant disruption this weekend. The city will host delegates for the G20 Summit (22-23 Nov) and the B20 Conference in Sandton, prompting large-scale traffic operations. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has issued warnings of road closures, lane restrictions and rolling closures across major routes. Why This Matters The dry-run exercise scheduled for Saturday, 15 November 2025 (09:00-13:00) is part of preparations ahead of the G20 weekend. During this period, select national highways and urban arterials will be subject to “rolling road closures” where lanes are intermittently shut…

The 11-year-old Waldo Verwey dies after being shot in the head last week, leaving the Springs community in shock. He was airlifted to the intensive care unit of Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Family Confirms His Passing “It is with great sadness that the family confirms that Waldo has passed away,” the family said in a statement. “We want to thank everyone who supported Waldo during his fight for life — the medical team, emergency workers, the community, and everyone who prayed for him.” Waldo’s foster mother, Christenette Barnard, shared that she, Waldo, and his 10-year-old…

An 11-year-old boy, Waldo Verwey, remains in a critical but stable condition after the Casseldale shooting that took place late Thursday evening. He is currently being treated in the intensive care unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.What Happened on Thursday NightAccording to Waldo’s mother, Christenette Barnard, the family had taken their dogs outside shortly before 10:00 p.m. She and her younger son returned to the house with some of the dogs, while Waldo stayed outside. As they began closing curtains and windows, she heard a loud bang and wondered who would be setting off fireworks so late at night.Her…

The Northmead water tower remains out of operation, leaving Benoni residents frustrated as water supply issues continue. Despite being officially opened in June, the R47-million project has yet to provide relief due to contractual and operational setbacks. Water Outages Continue to Affect Residents Over the weekend of September 12, taps once again ran dry in parts of Benoni. The outage was linked to a pump stoppage at Rand Water’s Zwartkoppies pump station, which supplies the Benoni reservoir and ultimately the Northmead water tower. Ward 27 councillor Lornette Joseph confirmed that while the 5.5-megalitre tower in Hospital Road is about 70%…

Tens of thousands of Christians gathered to honour Charlie Kirk at a moving Kirk memorial gathering in Glendale, Arizona, with many joining online to witness the emotional tribute. The late conservative activist, who was tragically shot earlier this month at Utah Valley University, was remembered for his dedication to youth activism, faith, and conservative ideals. A Crowd United in Faith and Grief At State Farm Stadium, the atmosphere was electric with grief, prayer, and solidarity. Christians from across the country filled the venue, many waving banners and holding candles, while countless others tuned in online to participate in the historic…

South Africa is engaging with the United States to negotiate a US trade deal, following the imposition of 30% tariffs on certain South African exports. Government representatives are currently in Washington to participate in formal discussions with US officials. Ongoing Negotiations in the United States President Cyril Ramaphosa told Parliament that a South African delegation, including representatives from the Presidency and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, is meeting with stakeholders in New York and Washington. These meetings involve US legislators, business leaders, and government officials. Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola are…

A Benoni businessman has been safely rescued in Alexandra following a police operation that ended with a wanted kidnapping kingpin being fatally shot. Businessman Found The businessman, who was kidnapped in July in Benoni, was discovered shortly after midnight. Police found him held in a shack in Alexandra and immediately reunited him with his family. @kemptonexpress A kidnapped Indian businessman has been safely reunited with his family after a dramatic SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team operation that ended with the death of Mozambique’s most wanted kidnapping kingpin. The businessman was rescued shortly after midnight on Thursday, 4 September, when police discovered…

South Africans are in for more financial strain as Eskom electricity prices are set to rise even higher in 2026 and 2027. This comes after the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) admitted to calculation mistakes when approving Eskom’s previous tariff increases. Why prices are going up Earlier this year, NERSA approved electricity price increases of 12.74% for 2025/26, 5.36% for 2026/27, and 6.19% for 2027/28. However, Eskom challenged this decision in court, claiming there was a massive shortfall of R107 billion between what it applied for and what was approved. During the review, NERSA discovered it had made…

One of South Africa’s largest telecommunications companies, MTN, is facing a US Department of Justice (DoJ) investigation. The MTN investigation relates to the company’s former operations in Afghanistan and its stake in Iran, raising serious concerns about past business practices. Details of the MTN Investigation MTN revealed the ongoing probe in its 2025 interim financial results. The company confirmed that the DoJ approached it through external US legal counsel to provide information regarding the matter. In its statement, MTN said it is fully cooperating with the inquiry: “MTN is cooperating with the DoJ and voluntarily responding to requests for information.…