Eyewitness News

Residents of Ratanda have been protesting over a prolonged water crisis that has left many households without reliable supply for weeks. Demonstrations began in the early hours of Wednesday in Extension 23 where frustrated residents blocked roads and demanded urgent intervention from authorities. The protest action has now spread to other parts of the community with a large police contingent deployed to the area after tensions escalated.

Cape Verde head coach Bubista has declared that his resilient squad possesses the "courage and drive" required to pull off an historic upset against defending champions Argentina in their World Cup Round of 32 clash on Friday. The Blue Sharks enter the knockout stage as one of the tournament's biggest surprise packages. Placed in a gruelling group alongside powerhouse Spain, Saudi Arabia and two-time World Cup winners Uruguay, Cape Verde defied all expectations to secure second place.

Engineering excellence remains critical to South Africa’s efforts to rebuild confidence in its infrastructure sector. Speaking at the Public Works and Infrastructure summit in Johannesburg, Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala said that the country cannot deliver safe, reliable and sustainable infrastructure without investing in engineering expertise and leadership. Zikalala said that engineers will play a central role in improving delivery, maintaining public assets and supporting economic growth.

Gauteng police remain on high alert following the nationwide protests on June 30, with several sporadic marches and gatherings reported across the province. Delville in Germiston remains tense, where protesters forced their way into homes and vandalised property while searching for suspected undocumented migrants. The latest flare-up occurred yesterday when protesters gathered in Delville and blocked a road. Police contained the situation with no looting or other major incidents reported.

Minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has warned former president Jacob Zuma that his privileges could be refused for undermining the country’s foreign policy, regarding his visit to the fugitive Gupta brothers in India. Ntshavheni said that Zuma showed the country the “middle finger” when he paid them a visit, even though the brothers are wanted by South African law enforcement authorities for corruption and state capture.

Evidence led at the Madlanga Commission has revealed conversations between Deputy Crime Intelligence boss Feroz Khan and businessman Mo Sayed to target journalist, Yusuf Abrambjee. Evidence leaders are presenting evidence against Khan in his absence. This as Khan remains hospitalised following an assassination attempt on Sunday night. The general is legally represented by his attorney.

The eThekwini Municipality said that the process of repatriating Malawians is outside its jurisdiction and falls to Home Affairs. Hundreds more foreign nationals are camping outside the Durban Drive-In site seeking assistance.

Johannesburg residents can look forward to seeing internationally acclaimed artist Masego, who is set to headline a special edition of Strictly Soul on Sunday. As part of the Jamaican-American musician's global Fix Your Face Tour, Masego will take centre stage at 4 Ways Farmers Market, Moderfontein. Known for celebrating the many sounds of R&B, Strictly Soul showcases everything from old-school R&B, neo-soul and trap soul to soulful house and Afrobeats.

South Africa’s local government association and the KwaZulu-Natal Public Works department said that fragmentation in the way infrastructure projects are planned and delivered remains one of the biggest obstacles facing the country’s built environment sector. KZN Public Works MEC Martin Meyer said that poor coordination between different spheres of government continues to delay projects and drive up costs.

A masterful performance from Spain proved too strong for Austria in a 3-0 blowout at the SoFi Stadium, securing the European champions a coveted spot in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Following the emphatic victory, teenage star Lamine Yamal declared that a resurgent La Roja "fear no national team." Luis de la Fuente's side dictated that match from the opening whistle.