From Parliament to prison — Vincent Smith receives seven-year sentence for Bosasa corruption
” srcset=”https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/cWpM3jGiD7HrHcBERZJqJCAtX6I=/200×100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/HCpdLHxbkAAd40Q_615347_679789.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/CEPFU2tbgd4aIECzPX48M4rgq-g=/450×0/smart/file/attachments/2989/HCpdLHxbkAAd40Q_615347_679789.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/91VYQzzoAqgWYo6wN4bR30yXwto=/800×0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/HCpdLHxbkAAd40Q_615347_679789.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/K-ConpaFHCqwPKGsD73m35_9nDg=/1200×0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/HCpdLHxbkAAd40Q_615347_679789.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/XGvdj4aZz3F8zk6iXILnrMfK6Ck=/1600×0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/HCpdLHxbkAAd40Q_615347_679789.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/zcVOxu78kyF4rX1kObhjcn8WBuk=/200×0/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/HCpdLHxbkAAd40Q_615347_679789.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/w2jV6TgfEuR367JMTH4CTi9t2PU=/400×0/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/HCpdLHxbkAAd40Q_615347_679789.jpg 400w” style=”object-position: 50% 50%”/>Former MP Vincent Smith has been sentenced to seven years in prison for corruption linked to payments he received from facilities management company Bosasa. (Photo: Justice / Crime Prevention and Security @CrimeWatch RSA / X)
By Nonkululeko Njilo. Vincent Smith, once a powerful ANC MP and parliamentary committee chairperson, is headed to prison while comrades accused of similar offences walk free. Read more
How Mosiuoa Lekota challenged the ANC’s rule and changed the course of SA’s democracy
Container ships are moored in the Port of Cape Town, South Africa, 02 March 2026. Shipping companies such as Denmark’s Maersk and France’s CMA CGM reported that their vessels will be rerouted to the Cape of Good Hope, near Cape Town, as the transit route through the Strait of Hormuz has been suspended due to the ongoing joint US-Israeli military operation, which began with strikes across Iran on 28 February. (Photo: EPA / HALDEN KROG)
By Ed Stoddard. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is causing significant delays and rising costs in global shipping, affecting supply chains and production schedules worldwide. SA retailers, including Shoprite, are already experiencing disruptions, with essential goods stuck in transit and inflation concerns escalating due to rising oil prices. Read more
Four years, same 18 schools: The recurring maths of Gauteng’s school infrastructure
By Herman Lategan. Soli Philander, Cape Town’s versatile actor, comedian, and passionate activist, has died from cancer. He bravely fought for human rights, fearlessly voicing his views on progressive politics and social justice, leaving an indelible mark. Read more
Cycle Tour categorised as a ‘rolling disaster’ — but one that inspires Cape Town
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/SteveK-vincent-zondo.jpg "ANC bigwig’s state capture sentence, Lekota’s legacy and earthly pleasures")
/file/attachments/2989/0000200378_287891.jpg "Mosiuoa ’Terror’ Lekota on 18 October 2013. (Photo: Gallo Images / Foto24 / Nelius Rademan)<br />” srcset=”https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/WyxIMx3yszs74Fj3pgRDkolyQcs=/200×100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/0000200378_287891.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/_71_eC6qo52RfiTEZXwx3cx9Ifg=/450×0/smart/file/attachments/2989/0000200378_287891.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/2z-9hO7__y9NO9QhOGlY7yjIMLU=/800×0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/0000200378_287891.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/iDjABWxLfuc5ZSYbfbI9PfuVxN0=/1200×0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/0000200378_287891.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/E1pVQ_cvAY58lTNnvmtqDoC0aK4=/1600×0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/0000200378_287891.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/BBoxnTt0JIqITx0jGgzWOEtmFa8=/200×0/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/0000200378_287891.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/QKKPkSyMN7yy8gZ9a1SiZucFMS0=/400×0/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/0000200378_287891.jpg 400w” style=”object-position: 50% 50%”/><figcaption>Mosiuoa ’Terror’ Lekota on 18 October 2013. (Photo: Gallo Images / Foto24 / Nelius Rademan)<br /></figcaption></figure>
<p><strong><em>By Stephen Grootes. </em></strong>While Mosiuoa Lekota, who died on Wednesday, will be rightly remembered for his role in the United Democratic Front and his fight against apartheid, there is a danger that his subsequent — and equally vital — contributions to our democracy will be overshadowed. Read more</p>
<h3>Selebi’s folly: Never an intention to charge Thabo Mbeki for TRC crimes, inquiry hears</h3>
<figure><img decoding=")
/file/attachments/2989/Taku-lesufi-schoolscopy_759543_762068.jpg "Illustrative image | A Gauteng primary school under construction. (Photo: gp_infrastructure / instagram) | Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. (Photo: Gallo Images / Luba Lesolle)<br />” srcset=”https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/mpWgzMbkyJNmNeDnyJNhs9V2z6Q=/200×100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/Taku-lesufi-schoolscopy_759543_762068.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Lr7VBs7WPQlPocN5svIubZTL8Mg=/450×0/smart/file/attachments/2989/Taku-lesufi-schoolscopy_759543_762068.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/cdlCd6yDdmhLyqRx-wE39UBNWdQ=/800×0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/Taku-lesufi-schoolscopy_759543_762068.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/DG2xs6GDNAee4jA_YL8sPkD0aGY=/1200×0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/Taku-lesufi-schoolscopy_759543_762068.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/g2-_mAVdBleLbfpxmg0_66_QP68=/1600×0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/Taku-lesufi-schoolscopy_759543_762068.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/HuPcsXSnTOnf8HDAewnAgn2QVqE=/200×0/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/Taku-lesufi-schoolscopy_759543_762068.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/RXAGg6AythjtFGsr4ETFtvE2xZ4=/400×0/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/Taku-lesufi-schoolscopy_759543_762068.jpg 400w” style=”object-position: 50% 50%”/><figcaption>Illustrative image | A Gauteng primary school under construction. (Photo: gp_infrastructure / instagram) | Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. (Photo: Gallo Images / Luba Lesolle)<br /></figcaption></figure>
<p><strong><em>By Takudzwa Pongweni. </em></strong>As learners in Tembisa and Kempton Park finally enter classrooms two months late, Daily Maverick looks at how many education promises have gone unanswered. Read more</p>
<h3>Farewell to Soli Philander, a relentless observer of South African life</h3>
<figure><img decoding=")
/file/attachments/2989/TL_2366100_514039_751990.jpg "Tyler Lange, left (in blue), wins the elite men's race at the 2025 Cape Town Cycle Tour. (Photo: Peter Heeger / Gallo Images)<br />” srcset=”https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/4VFzgHoFoXlA6HyXrV0apVC47Hg=/200×100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/TL_2366100_514039_751990.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/LSLkuU4PYFLxwJFLZ0v7MMcuMuE=/450×0/smart/file/attachments/2989/TL_2366100_514039_751990.jpg 450w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Q75sutidL4bDkwND00Y6ClfQ9VI=/800×0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/TL_2366100_514039_751990.jpg 800w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/hHHcLcvLR_g2XVer5DvTxksAZ4Q=/1200×0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/TL_2366100_514039_751990.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/B7gh1fsLYsvOWV4UM1aomIYtL0E=/1600×0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/TL_2366100_514039_751990.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/QMj2iKSU86wS1G0L2LHZTRbkYiM=/200×0/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/TL_2366100_514039_751990.jpg 200w, https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Lj5XHMbwt7ORCHjIaY_2CAm8_k4=/400×0/filters:strip_exif()/file/attachments/2989/TL_2366100_514039_751990.jpg 400w” style=”object-position: 50% 50%”/><figcaption>Tyler Lange, left (in blue), wins the elite men’s race at the 2025 Cape Town Cycle Tour. (Photo: Peter Heeger / Gallo Images)<br /></figcaption></figure>
<p><strong><em>By Craig Ray. </em></strong>The 48th staging of the Cape Town Cycle Tour – the 109km loop around the Mother City on 8 March – continues the tradition of innovation in 2026. Read more</p>
<h3>Showmax is dead — here’s the maths that killed it</h3>
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