RC 260826SAfmAshraf Garda
Wednesday, 26 August 2026
The episode was dominated by accountability concerns, from an ambulance crisis and police gun violence to political tensions, weak approval ratings and unresolved apartheid-era deaths.
- 17:23
Nelson Mandela Bay reportedly has only four operational ambulances for roughly 1.5 million residents, against an estimated requirement of about 150; many others are empty shells without essential equipment.
- 17:16
A police captain investigating killings linked to former Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa died in a shootout; police also killed the suspect and recovered two firearms.
- 16:16
Track Pulse’s initial survey put presidential approval at 29.6%, government approval at 26% and approval of the country’s direction at 22%; unemployment was the leading public concern at 47%.
- 15:13
The EFF tabled a motion of no confidence against National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, alleging partisanship; legal analysis said removal requires a 50-plus-one majority, making success unlikely without ANC or DA support.
- 16:27
The reopening of Steve Biko’s inquest was described as a chance to revisit 21 unresolved deaths in detention, while highlighting the funding and legal barriers faced by victims’ families.