It’s Tuesday, 12 May 2026, and this is News Bite, (https://www.enca.com/news-bite-podcast) your fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world, with Gareth Edwards.
Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/update-joe-ferrari-sibanyoni-co-accused-appear-court-wednesday) has been arrested in Pretoria alongside two others, as police intensify their net around alleged organised crime networks. Sibanyoni is allegedly linked to accused criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and now faces charges connected to an extortion case opened by a mining businessman in 2025. Police are still searching for a third suspect, while the accused are expected to appear in the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court on 13 May.
South Africa’s unemployment crisis has deepened, with the official unemployment rate rising to 32.7 percent in the first quarter of 2026, up from 31.4 percent in the
final quarter of 2025. Statistics South Africa says the country lost 345,000 jobs during the period, while discouraged work-seekers also increased sharply. In total, more than 8.1 million people are unemployed in South Africa, (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/81-million-people-unemployed-sa) pushing household pressure and economic anxiety even higher.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will not resign (//www.enca.com/news-top-stories/i-will-not-resign-ramaphosa) after the Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament’s handling of the Phala Phala matter was unconstitutional and invalid. Addressing the nation, Ramaphosa said the judgment does not compel him to step down and confirmed that he will take the Phala Phala report on review. He insists he has committed no crime, violated no oath of office and fully cooperated with investigations.
Opposition pressure is mounting, with ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/actionsa-file-criminal-charges-against-ramaphosa) accusing the President of disrespecting South Africans. ActionSA says it will file criminal charges against Ramaphosa, while uMkhonto weSizwe Party Chief Whip Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi has labelled Ramaphosa’s review move a delaying tactic.
The Western Cape storms continue to batter parts of the province, with five deaths reported and more than 6,000 residents affected (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories-videos-weather/western-cape-storms-leave-five-dead-thousands-affected) in the Cape Town metro. Disaster management teams say traffic on the N1 near Worcester remains heavily disrupted, while all schools in the province have been closed as emergency services monitor flooding, strong winds and damage in affected communities.
Globally, the World Health Organization says work is not over after the evacuation of passengers from the MV Hondius, the cruise ship linked to a hantavirus outbreak. (https://www.enca.com/news/who-chief-says-work-not-over-after-hantavirus-evacuation) Health authorities have been tracking cases and contacts after confirmed infections among passengers, with international concern focused on the Andes strain and the ship’s movement across several regions.
In the Middle East, US President Donald Trump (https://www.enca.com/news/iran-says-us-must-accept-peace-plan-or-face-failure) says the ceasefire with Iran is on “life support” after rejecting Tehran’s latest peace proposal. Iran says Washington must accept its plan or face failure, while renewed tensions between the US and Iran are again unsettling global energy markets and raising fears of fresh escalation.
IN SPORT…
· Mamelodi Sundowns are refusing to give up the Betway Premiership crown, with veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango saying Masandawana remain focused ahead of their clash against TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium. A win would restore Sundowns’ six-point lead at the top, while Orlando Pirates remain in the title race.
· The Lions’ URC playoff hopes are hanging in the balance after a heavy 31-7 defeat to Leinster at the Aviva Stadium. Coach Ivan van Rooyen says defensive lapses cost his side dearly, with attention now turning to Munster.
· The Proteas Women’s T20 World Cup squad announcement (https://www.enca.com/sport/proteas-women-wc-squad-yet-be-announced) remains on hold, just one month before the tournament in England and Wales. Reports suggest Shabnim Ismail could make a sensational return to the squad, despite retiring from international cricket in 2023.
That’s your News Bite (https://www.enca.com/news-bite-podcast) for 12 May 2026.
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403. (https://www.enca.com/)
