eNCA News Bite | Tripartite alliance under strain, court rules on Lungu’s remains and family of s…
It’s Thursday, 23 April 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.
A family of seven killed, dumped in a field in KZN, (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/family-seven-killed-dumped-field-kzn) has sent shockwaves through northern KwaZulu-Natal, after the victims were found murdered near Melmoth. Police have arrested three suspects after two cellphones belonging to the victims were recovered, while a firearm believed to have been used in the killings has also been seized. Investigators are still trying to establish the motive.
City Power supply chain manager, placed on precautionary suspension, (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/city-power-supply-chain-manager-placed-precautionary-suspension) has added fresh pressure on the utility, after Thabang Mashishi was suspended pending internal and external investigations. He faces allegations of extortion involving both
current and former contractors, with City Power saying the move is aimed at protecting the integrity of the process.
The Tripartite Alliance is under renewed strain after the SACP said it will contest the upcoming municipal elections independently, (https://www.enca.com/news/anti-communist-move-sacp-hits-back-anc-offers-ultimatum-members) putting dual membership under pressure and forcing a new reckoning inside the alliance. Naledi Pandor says she still believes the relationship can be salvaged, but Fikile Mbalula is warning members to campaign only for ANC-endorsed candidates and has now given them 10 days to declare where they stand.
South Africa ramps up vaccinations as foot-and-mouth (https://www.enca.com/business/south-africa-ramps-vaccinations-foot-and-mouth-hits-herds) hits herds after receiving two million vaccine doses from Türkiye, with Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen saying rollout will begin within days. The shipment forms part of a wider push to protect high-risk provinces and key agricultural industries, with more doses expected from Argentina.
Court orders Edgar Lungu’s remains to be returned to his family (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/court-orders-edgar-lungus-remains-be-returned-his-family) in the latest twist in the diplomatic and legal battle over the former Zambian president’s body. The row has dragged on for months, (//www.enca.com/news-top-stories/explainer-10-months-later-fight-edgar-lungus-remains-continues) with Lusaka pushing for a full state funeral and the family continuing to challenge the process.
Abroad, Trump extends the ceasefire, (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/trump-extends-ceasefire-says-giving-iran-time-negotiate) saying that he is giving Iran time to negotiate, but the White House says there is still no firm deadline for a deal with Tehran. At the same time, stocks sink and oil rises with Iran, US no closer to peace talks, (https://www.enca.com/business/stocks-sink-and-oil-rises-iran-us-no-closer-peace-talks) as the Strait of Hormuz blockade continues to drive fears around energy prices and global inflation.
Africa is stepping into the spotlight on the global stage, with four candidates auditioning for the next UN Secretary-General role in New York. Former Senegalese president Macky Sall is the only African contender and is pushing for a stronger continental voice in global affairs.
IN SPORT…
· Blitzboks end Hong Kong curse (https://www.enca.com/sport/blitzboks-end-hong-kong-curse) and now shift focus to Valladolid, where the next leg of the Sevens World Championship awaits at the end of May.
· Back home, Grant Johnson says limited game time for local goalkeepers is shrinking South Africa’s national pool and raising concerns about the future of the position.
· In the Premier League, Manchester City have surged level with Arsenal at the top after Burnley were beaten 1-nil and relegated once again.
That’s your News Bite for 23 April 2026. (https://www.enca.com/news-bite-podcast)
For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403. (https://www.enca.com/)
