The Case for Centering Community Engagement in the African University
African universities face an intensifying crisis of public purpose and legitimacy. Across the continent, deep-seated challenges—from structural unemployment and severe economic inequality to social fragmentation and ecological disruption—raise persistent questions about whether higher education truly serves the societies sustaining it. In response to these pressures, many institutions have leaned heavily into market-driven performance metrics, competitive international rankings, research productivity quotas,...
Global Rankings Reality: How South Africa’s Top Universities Compare to World Leaders
A university’s global reputation rarely tells the complete story, but global academic benchmarks offer valuable insight into where local higher education stands. The 2026 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), published by ShanghaiRanking Consultancy, evaluated over 2,500 institutions to publish its list of the top 1,000 universities worldwide. Three South African institutions secured places within the top 500 globally, though...
Inside Mamelodi Sundowns: Team Dietician Reabetjoe Mokoko Reveals the Champions’ Nutrition Strategy
Mamelodi Sundowns FC continue to set high standards in African football, and much of their performance stems from elite preparation off the pitch. In a recent appearance on the King David Studio Podcast, the club's vibrant team dietician, Reabetjoe Mokoko, provided an inside look at how nutritional science fuels the Premier Soccer League (PSL) powerhouse. Mokoko, who holds three degrees...
Orlando Pirates Confirm Departure of Star Playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi to Bahrain
Orlando Pirates have officially confirmed an agreement for the transfer of attacking midfielder Patrick "Tito" Maswanganyi to Bahrain Premier League outfit Alkhaldiya Sports Club. The 28-year-old requested a move abroad to pursue a new step in his career. Despite Maswanganyi featuring prominently in the technical team's plans for the ongoing campaign, the Soweto giants elected to honor his service and...
Amakhosi Aim to Extend Unbeaten Run Away at Richards Bay
Kaizer Chiefs arrive at the Princess Magogo Stadium in high spirits to face Richards Bay, sitting joint-top of the Betway Premiership with seven points from their opening three matches. Head coach Fernando Da Cruz demonstrated tactical flexibility in the 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns, setting up in a 3-5-2 structure that effectively limited the champions to just two shots...
McKenzie Demands SAFA Return Unspent VAR Funding
South Africa’s Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has issued a sharp ultimatum to the South African Football Association (SAFA), demanding the immediate return of state funds allocated for Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. Speaking after the South African Sport Awards at Sun City, McKenzie expressed deep frustration over the stalled project. He revealed that SAFA requested a 21-day...
Orlando Pirates Transfer News: Tito Exit, Matuludi Interest and Witbooi Twist
Orlando Pirates could be heading for a busy spell in the transfer market, with Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi reportedly on the verge of leaving the club while the Buccaneers continue to be linked with several potential reinforcements. Maswanganyi's possible departure is arguably the biggest surprise, particularly after the midfielder made an impressive start to the new season. Maswanganyi set for Pirates exit? The 28-year-old was...
Rassie Erasmus: Springboks Were “Down and Out” Before Yellow Cards
Rassie Erasmus has played down the impact of the controversial yellow-card incidents that occurred late in the Springboks’ heavy defeat to the All Blacks at Ellis Park. South Africa suffered a 33-16 loss to New Zealand, but Erasmus insists the result had effectively been decided before the Springboks were reduced to 13 players. Rather than blaming the cards, the Springboks coach pointed...
Orlando Pirates Transfer News: Patrick Maswanganyi Reportedly Closing in on Bahrain Move
Patrick Maswanganyi could be heading for the Orlando Pirates exit door, with reports suggesting the attacking midfielder is closing in on a move to Bahrain. The 28-year-old was a surprise omission from the Pirates squad for Saturday's 1-0 MTN8 semi-final first-leg victory over Sekhukhune United, despite being available for selection. His absence immediately raised eyebrows, particularly after coach Abdeslam Ouaddou confirmed that the player...
Two Arrested in Connection With Boxer Zolani Tete Murder
Police have arrested two men in connection with the murder of former professional boxer Zolani Tete, who was shot dead in Mdantsane on Friday evening. Tete, 38, popularly known as “Last Born”, was reportedly ambushed in NU 17 at around 18:30. A 27-year-old woman who was travelling with him was also wounded in the shooting. Two suspects taken into custody According to police, two...
