South African households face a challenging start to July as municipal electricity tariffs are set to increase by an average of 9.01% from 1 July 2026. This adjustment follows a national electricity tariff hike of 8.76% implemented by Eskom for its direct customers earlier this year, adding to the ongoing economic pressure on consumers nationwide.
Testimony At The Madlanga Commission
The Madlanga commission into organised crime and police corruption heard explosive testimony on 23 June 2026 from a witness regarding allegations involving suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi. The witness, a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department officer referred to as Witness K, linked the official to the alleged 2023 theft of precious stones valued at R14.9 million from a Killarney residence.
Witness K, who disclosed she had been in a romantic relationship with Mkhwanazi, stated that she provided the suspended official with consistent financial support. She alleged that these funds were used to cover his legal fees, disciplinary costs, grocery expenses, and school fees for his children.
"His requests for financial assistance were very frequent and despite promising to do so, he did not pay me back. As his girlfriend, I made plans to assist him with groceries, paying for his legal fees and his disciplinary case at work and helping to pay school fees for his children," Witness K said during the proceedings.
Public Appeal For Ailing Legend
In the sports sector, the Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, has issued an urgent public plea for financial assistance for former Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba. The legendary football figure is currently facing severe health challenges, including battles with prostate cancer and tuberculosis.
"The family has given us permission to help them appeal for support from members of the public for donations that will contribute to ensuring that he gets the necessary medical care," stated Maile.
The public are encouraged to assist in securing the necessary medical care for the former coach as he undergoes treatment. Further details regarding the status of the investigations at the Madlanga commission and support initiatives for Mashaba are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.