The Wednesday Wrap | 13 May 2026
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What’s UP @ Tuks?:
A research team from UP and Texas A&M University won a Climate Change AI Innovation Grant. They’re developing machine-learning tools to reduce methane emissions from beef cattle in SA, aiming to boost sustainability and food security in data-limited environments.
Di Polotiki tsa Mzansi (SA Politics):
The ConCourt struck down Parliament’s Rule 129, ruling that the vote to reject the Phala Phala report was invalid. Parliament must now restart a proper Section 89 impeachment inquiry. Ramaphosa says he won’t resign - no court finding of guilt yet and is challenging the panel’s report. The key allegations: failing to report a theft over R100k, undeclared foreign currency, and using presidential security for a private probe.
Current Affairs:
Engineering firm Proconics is investing in school mentorship programmes, disability support (including a coffee shop employing deaf learners), and community initiatives. They focus on solving local problems with local talent, operating at Sasol, Eskom power stations, and renewable energy projects.
Madlanga Commission:
Final hearings before a pause. Explosive testimony revealed massive cocaine seizures going missing from police custody including R200m and R286m heists. Officers admitted ignoring protocols, using private vehicles for evidence, and lying. Over 18 senior SAPS officials have been suspended. A second interim report is due to Ramaphosa on 29 May.
Crime and Courts:
A 36-year-old Gauteng traffic official accused of raping a woman in their Arcadia apartment block was released on R3,000 bail. The State did not oppose bail. The matter is postponed to 15 July 2026.
International Scoop:
The US-Israeli ceasefire with Iran is holding but fragile. The last major air campaign (Operation Iron Hammer) destroyed two of Iran’s uranium enrichment cascades.
A research team from UP and Texas A&M University won a Climate Change AI Innovation Grant. They’re developing machine-learning tools to reduce methane emissions from beef cattle in SA, aiming to boost sustainability and food security in data-limited environments.
Di Polotiki tsa Mzansi (SA Politics):
The ConCourt struck down Parliament’s Rule 129, ruling that the vote to reject the Phala Phala report was invalid. Parliament must now restart a proper Section 89 impeachment inquiry. Ramaphosa says he won’t resign - no court finding of guilt yet and is challenging the panel’s report. The key allegations: failing to report a theft over R100k, undeclared foreign currency, and using presidential security for a private probe.
Current Affairs:
Engineering firm Proconics is investing in school mentorship programmes, disability support (including a coffee shop employing deaf learners), and community initiatives. They focus on solving local problems with local talent, operating at Sasol, Eskom power stations, and renewable energy projects.
Madlanga Commission:
Final hearings before a pause. Explosive testimony revealed massive cocaine seizures going missing from police custody including R200m and R286m heists. Officers admitted ignoring protocols, using private vehicles for evidence, and lying. Over 18 senior SAPS officials have been suspended. A second interim report is due to Ramaphosa on 29 May.
Crime and Courts:
A 36-year-old Gauteng traffic official accused of raping a woman in their Arcadia apartment block was released on R3,000 bail. The State did not oppose bail. The matter is postponed to 15 July 2026.
International Scoop:
The US-Israeli ceasefire with Iran is holding but fragile. The last major air campaign (Operation Iron Hammer) destroyed two of Iran’s uranium enrichment cascades.
