eNCA News Bite - 16 January 2026

Stay informed in just a few minutes with News Bite, your fast, reliable update on South Africa’s top stories.

In today’s episode, President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed government support to communities devastated by severe flooding in Limpopo (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) , as disaster teams continue rescue operations in the Mopani District. A rare Red Level 10 warning for life-threatening rainfall remains in place, with more extreme weather expected. The Kruger National Park has been closed to visitors (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) as evacuations continue and authorities remain on high alert.

At Parliament, Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo has wrapped up his explosive testimony at the Ad Hoc Committee (https://www.enca.com/khumalo-tells-pa...) , alleging that highly trained SAPS members in Gauteng are moonlighting for criminal syndicates. Khumalo says the murder of engineer Armand Swart exposed deep-rooted corruption and a compromised law-enforcement system in the province.

The TRC Cases Commission of Inquiry faces potential delays, with former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki seeking the recusal of chairperson Justice Sisi Khampepe (https://www.enca.com/news/zuma-mbeki-...) . Families of victims have opposed the applications, questioning both their merit and timing as hearings are due to begin later this month.

Internationally, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has handed her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump in a symbolic gesture, praising his role in Venezuela’s political crisis. The Nobel Committee has clarified that while the medal can be transferred, the Peace Prize title itself cannot.

In other news, we’re keeping an eye on…

• British American Tobacco South Africa will shut down its only local cigarette manufacturing plant in Heidelberg by the end of 2026 (https://www.enca.com/business/batsa-p...) , citing the impact of widespread illicit trade.
• Big metropolitan municipalities will have to redo electricity tariffs from scratch, after the High Court ruled previous approvals unlawful. (https://www.enca.com/business/why-ele...)
• Fuel prices are expected to drop significantly in February (https://www.enca.com/business-top-sto...) , with petrol down by up to 85 cents per litre and diesel by nearly R2.

SPORTS

The Paarl Royals defeated the Pretoria Capitals by six wickets, with Ottneil Baartman becoming the highest wicket-taker in SA20 history despite missing out on Proteas selection. The Bulls face a must-win Champions Cup clash against French side Pau as they fight to keep their knockout hopes alive. Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs have been handed a tough away draw against Stellenbosch in the Nedbank Cup round of 32.

That is your News Bite for 16 January 2026. For updates on these stories and more, visit eNCA.com (https://www.enca.com/) or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.