eNCA News Bite - 9 February 2026

Описание: It’s 9 February and this is your News Bite; a fast, reliable update on South Africa and the world.


In today’s top story, Johannesburg’s water crisis is intensifying, with an increasing number of suburbs coming through the weekend with dry taps. At least 20 major water disruptions have been recorded in the metro in the last two weeks, (https://www.enca.com/news/germiston-r...) affecting areas including Midrand and parts of Randburg. Officials say the latest outages were triggered by an explosion at the Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant and a subsequent leak at Klipfontein Reservoir. The Water Crisis Committee has marched to Joburg Water's head offices, calling on government to declare the water problem a national disaster in order to unlock emergency funding. 


 


The focus has returned to the Madlanga Commission, where another person implicated at the inquiry has died. Wiandre Pretorius allegedly took his own life at a petrol station in Brakpan, (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) days after surviving an alleged hit in Boksburg. Police say Pretorius was a person of interest in the murder of Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, and a suspect in the 2022 killing of Emmanuel Mbense. IPID recently submitted its docket in Mbense’s case, meaning four people linked to the matter are now dead.


 


Meanwhile, at Parliament’s SAPS Ad Hoc Committee, eNCA has confirmed that forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan will testify in person, (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) under full security, after failing to appear last week due to safety concerns. MPs are also considering requesting another extension to complete the committee’s work, which has already been pushed back from October last year to later this month.


On the international front, South Africa is set to withdraw its troops from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally notified the UN, with more than 700 SANDF members expected to be withdrawn gradually. (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...)


Back home, students returning to South Africa’s campuses are facing accommodation and registration chaos. (https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories...) Long queues and housing shortages have again become flashpoints as the academic year begins. Higher Education Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube has been visiting universities to assess the situation, while student leaders warn that debt rules are preventing some NSFAS-funded students from graduating. (https://www.enca.com/videos/students-...)


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


· The African Mining Indaba is underway in Cape Town, (https://www.enca.com/business-top-sto...) with Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe saying government wants to restore confidence and investment in the mining sector. 


· There has been another cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, this time in the Rushinga district, as neighbouring Mozambique continues to recover from devastating floods.


SPORTS


· The Proteas begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Canada, with Aiden Markram urging caution after early upsets in the tournament, including scares for India and England.


· In football, Manchester City edged Liverpool 2–1 at Anfield, cutting Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points.


· In rugby, the Blitzboks claimed their first Australian title since 2017, edging Fiji 21–19 in the Perth SVNS final (https://www.enca.com/sport/blitzboks-...) after a dramatic second-half comeback.


AND FINALLY… 


The Super Bowl halftime show has dominated global conversation, with Bad Bunny stealing the spotlight despite the Seattle Seahawks’ on-field victory. The performance celebrated Puerto Rican and Latino culture, (https://www.enca.com/lifestyle/bad-bu...) featuring appearances by Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Cardi B and Pedro Pascal, and a message declaring that love is stronger than hate. 


That’s how we wrap today’s News Bite. (https://www.enca.com/news-bite-podcast) For developments on these stories and more, visit enca.com (https://www.enca.com/) or watch eNCA on DStv Channel 403.