RC 260818SAfmCathy Mohlahlana
Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Matlala’s defiant testimony at the Madlanga Commission dominated the morning, alongside Ramaphosa’s SADC summit message, a fiery Tshwane coalition row, and a hard-hitting land and alcohol debate.
- 06:00
Madlanga Commission ordered Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to file a supplementary affidavit by Friday and replying papers by Saturday after he refused to answer many questions, citing self-incrimination.
- 06:12
Matlala told the commission he could not discuss matters under investigation, but did acknowledge links to senior police figures, a 15 million rand loan from Suleiman Karim, and friendships with Hangwani Maumela.
- 06:03
Ramaphosa said South Africa’s SADC chairmanship will be judged by delivery, not resolutions, with emphasis on industrialisation, mineral beneficiation, rail, power and trade that improves daily life.
- 08:15
Tshwane’s coalition partners publicly traded allegations over mayor Nasiphi Moya’s home renovations, with Action SA saying its investigation found no city contractor and the ANC insisting the matter be handled through the coalition’s PMC.
- 06:55
The Human Rights Commission said more than 5,000 land claims remain unresolved 113 years after the Natives Land Act, while Drinks Federation-backed research estimated illicit alcohol at 18% of volumes and a R25 billion market.