Check out the biggest stories from Wednesday, March 4, 2026 that you might have missed, in our simple daily news update.
In news today, Congress of the People founder Mosioua 'Terror' Lekota has passed away.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says South Africa's national health insurance system is currently battling more than 10 court cases that could take years to resolve.
Furthermore, President Cyril Ramaphosa says that South Africa is available to play a supporting role in the Middle East conflict if needed.
Weather tomorrow: 5 March 2026
The South African Weather Service has issued an orange level 5 warning for the Northern Cape and the Free State as severe storms bring flooding, hail and high winds. Yellow level warnings were also issued for severe thunderstorms and damaging winds in the North West, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Full weather forecast here.
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Cope founder Mosiuoa Lekota has died
Congress of the People (COPE) founder Mosiuoa 'Terror' Lekota has died.
The former defense minister died in a hospital in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning. He was suffering from ill health for the last one year. He was 77 years old.
“The Lekota family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and the party asks the public and the media to respect their wishes. The party will issue regular media statements to keep the country informed of developments,” Cope said in a statement Wednesday morning.
continue reading: Cope founder Mosiuoa Lekota has died
Motsoaledi on NHI: 'We could be in court for 15 to 20 years'
South Africa's National Health Insurance (NHI) system is currently fighting for survival on multiple legal fronts, with over 10 court cases filed against the law.
“At the moment, we can count fourteen,” Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told the portfolio committee on health on Wednesday.
He said the most recent challenge came from AfriForum, adding that the department was still awaiting formal delivery of the papers at the time of the briefing.
The Minister pointed out that the sheer volume of litigation has created a pattern which the Department has found deeply worrying.
continue reading: Motsoaledi on NHI: 'We could be in court for 15 to 20 years'
Middle East war: Ramaphosa's message to Trump
President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is available to play a supporting role in the Middle East conflict if needed.
“South Africa is always ready to play a contributing role, whether it is mediation or whatever,” Ramaphosa told reporters on the sidelines of the 2026 Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town on Wednesday.
This is as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, according to reports from Iran's Revolutionary Guards They have “complete control” over the vital Strait of HormuzWhile Israel launched new attacks on Iranian and Lebanese targets.
Ramaphosa said SA is always ready to fulfill its obligations as a country willing to help solve global problems such as conflict, climate change, poverty and inequality.
continue reading: Middle East war: Ramaphosa's message to Trump
No peace for your bonds: Will Middle East conflict force the Reserve Bank to stop interest rate cuts?
The longer the conflict continues in the Middle East, the greater its impact on global economies, including South Africa.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil shipping route, has sent Brent crude oil prices soaring, raising concerns about inflation. This is not very good news for the country's upcoming interest rate announcement.
Following the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Repo rate unchanged at 6.75% In January, Analysts predict at least two cuts this year. However, this is unlikely at the moment.
continue reading: No peace for your bonds: Will Middle East conflict force the Reserve Bank to stop interest rate cuts?
'I don't want to make love to a ghost' – Nadia Nakai on life after that kiss with AKA and Toss
South African rapper Nadia Nakai has found herself trending once again after allowing herself to move on from love, loss, and ultimately the death of her late boyfriend Kiernan “AKA” Forbes.
Speaking on rapper El-Tido's podcast, Nadia shared her personal journey.
“Finally, I want a life partner,” she said. He also said that he needs people to get used to the possibility of dating someone else. This was based on speculation that she was dating fellow artist Toss after she appeared as a vixen in his latest music video.
“I've grieved, I've healed, I've been respectful,” Nadia said.
continue reading: 'I don't want to make love to a ghost' – Nadia Nakai on life after that kiss with AKA and Toss