The South African National Defence Force SANDF has been deployed to Hillbrow, Johannesburg, and will also be deployed to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, following protests against undocumented migrants. The deployment to Hillbrow occurred after a car was torched, reportedly in retaliation for two people, including a 17-year-old, being shot and injured during the marches. A man reportedly fired shots in self-defense after feeling threatened by protestors. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed the SANDF deployment for reinforcement and to maintain peace, stating that no room would be given for opportunistic criminals. The government acknowledged citizens' right to protest peacefully and commended effective policing. The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration IMC chairperson and minister of justice and constitutional development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, praised community leaders, religious leaders, and law enforcement for maintaining peace despite isolated incidents of looting. Several arrests have been made in KwaZulu-Natal in connection with looting and attempted looting, with suspects facing legal consequences. The government also recognized protestors' concerns regarding economic opportunities, irregular migration, service delivery, and public safety, reaffirming a commitment to a comprehensive approach to migration management. Separately, KwaZulu-Natal police have opened an inquest docket after a foreign national allegedly jumped from an eighth-floor building in Durb
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MK party MP Vusi Shongwe testified at the Madlanga commission on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, claiming he was offered millions of rand to stop investigating senior Crime Intelligence official Major-General Feroz Khan. Shongwe detailed alleged attempts to silence his scrutiny of Khan, which intensified after Khan was not called to testify before a parliamentary ad hoc committee examining similar allegations. Shongwe also noted resistance from the Economic Freedom Fighters, particularly its leader Julius Malema, who has been associated with Khan, and pointed to Khan's attendance at an EFF gala dinner as reinforcing suspicions. Shongwe's investigations into Khan included the Aeroton drug bust and alleged cover-ups related to the deaths of make-up artist Maja Janeska and anaesthesiologist Dr Abhulhay Munshi, as well as illicit cigarette smuggling, linking Khan to businessmen Mohammadh Sayed and Adriano Mazzotti. Shongwe recounted a meeting on March 8, 2026, arranged by Londiwe Xulu, an assistant to former president Jacob Zuma, where he met Yusuf Kajee and Imran at dRK Tactical offices in Durban. During this meeting, Shongwe claimed he was pressured into a video call with Khan, who appeared distressed and pleaded with him to stop his investigations. Following the call, Shongwe alleged he was offered a R2 million security tender, then a R10 million cash offer, and a BMW vehicle. He feigned agreement to safely exit the situation. Shongwe viewed the encounter with suspicion, questioning w
A 2026 social media landscape report, compiled by Ornico and World Wide Worx with contributions from Ask Africa and Target Group Index, indicates that South Africa has almost 41 million active social media users. Facebook continues to be the most frequented platform, with 61.8% of the country鈥檚 social media users active on the site, reversing a decline seen in 2024. Instagram is used by 33% of active users, LinkedIn by 19.3%, Pinterest by 15.6%, and Reddit by 8.2%, all showing 3% to 5% growth in regular usage. Usage of X has plateaued since 2023, with 19.9% of users active in 2026. TikTok, however, surged from 34% regular usership in 2023 to 47.9% in 2025, reaching 56% among young adults. Ornico CEO Oresti Patricios noted that 88% of marketers use AI daily, but 62% of consumers distrust automated content, with authentic storytelling outperforming AI-rendered narratives. Corporates prefer LinkedIn for engagement, with 88% having a presence, followed by Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube. Advertising expenditure sees 37% go to Facebook, 36% to LinkedIn, 17% to Instagram, and 4% each to X and YouTube.
South Africa is experiencing national protest action, with many residents opting to work from home or keep doors locked due to concerns about potential violence or looting. President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that intimidation and vandalism in anti-illegal migrant protests will not be tolerated. Despite the government declaring today a normal working day, with public services, schools, and businesses expected to operate as usual, many private companies have taken precautions. Retailers like Checkers Sixty60 announced potential service disruptions in certain areas. Carmien Kruger from Pretoria, who works at a cellphone shop owned by a foreign national in Johannesburg, reported that their shop would not be open, and many other foreigner-owned shops in the area have also closed since the weekend due to fear of attacks. Over the weekend, spontaneous marches occurred in Soweto, Midrand, and Pretoria West. The Joburg Metropolitan Police Department JMPD monitored the situation, but Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia accused JMPD of preferential treatment, claiming their right to protest was previously limited due to violence concerns, a consideration not applied to today's marches. The Psychological Society of SA warned that the protests could negatively affect migrants, stating that fear, misinformation, and scapegoating intensify prejudice and increase the risk of violence. President Ramaphosa acknowledged concerns about illegal immigration and border management, stating that the gov