Brandon Nel

Journalist

Five distinctions for teen lost at sea off Mozambique coast

Brandon Nel|Updated

Rikus Kylander bagged five distinctions in his matric exams. But the 18‑year‑old, of Krugersdorp, Gauteng, cannot celebrate his achievements as he disappeared while ...

Dam has only 40 days of water: Plettenberg Bay hit with Level 4 water restrictions

Brandon Nel|Published

Bitou municipality has implemented Level Four water restrictions, given that there is reportedly only 40 days of water left in Plettenberg Bay’s main dam.

All systems go for the 2026 academic year despite overcrowding issues

Brandon Nel and Hope Ntanzi|Published

The 2026 school year is underway. While many schools are ready, challenges like overcrowding, unplaced learners, and strained infrastructure persist.

Watch VideoWATCH: Mossel Bay wildfire forces evacuations as homes and vehicles destroyed

Brandon Nel|Published

It was a tense night in Mossel Bay as residents were forced to pack up and flee their homes while a huge vegetation fire raged across the town, with the municipality ...

'We will run the country': Trump declares US control over Venezuela after military operation

Brandon Nel , Xolile Mtembu and Yasmine Jacobs|Updated

Following a dramatic military strike in Venezuela, Donald Trump declares that the US will oversee a 'safe and proper' transition for the nation, igniting global ...

Gauteng teen still missing in Mozambique as family prays for miracle

Brandon Nel and Xolile Mtembu|Published

Exactly a fortnight since Rikus Kylander, 18, disappeared under the water while snorkeling in Mozambique, his heartbroken sister says the family is on their knees, ...

First half of New Year’s Day brings dozens of tiny arrivals

Brandon Nel and Xolile Mtembu|Published

On New Year's Day, a significant number of babies were born in South Africa, marking the start of 2026 with a noteworthy event.

Cederberg wildfire 80% contained, but thousands of hectares still at risk

Brandon Nel|Published

A massive wildfire in the Cederberg mountains has scorched over 34,000 hectares, with firefighting efforts ongoing.

Hey Mzansi, here’s what the weather has in store for your New Year’s Eve

Brandon Nel|Published

It’s going to be a fiery, sweaty, and slightly soggy New Year’s Eve across SA, with heat, storms, and fire warnings all making an appearance.

Cederberg fire rages on as 80% contained, thousands of hectares scorched

Brandon Nel|Published

A massive wildfire continues to rip through the Cederberg mountains, scorching more than 34,000 hectares since it started on Monday last week.

NPA deputy director Anton du Plessis steps down

Brandon Nel|Updated

Advocate Anton du Plessis concludes his impactful tenure at the NPA, resigning for personal reasons as the organisation faces new challenges ahead.

WATCH: Fists fly in wild Jeffreys Bay pub brawl

Brandon Nel and Xolile Mtembu|Published

Boxing Day lived up to its name in Jeffreys Bay when drunk rival bikers went at each other in a bare-knuckle brawl at a popular local pub. The fight got so out of ...

Two children killed as packed SUV flips near Uniondale

Brandon Nel|Published

A packed SUV became a death trap at the weekend when it overturned just outside Uniondale, killing two children — including a five-year-old boy — and leaving five ...

Plettenberg deputy mayor faces backlash for firing gun into the air during Kwanokuthula celebrations

Brandon Nel|Updated

Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi allegedly fired a handgun into the air during a celebration in Kwanokuthula, prompting an investigation by local police.

'Boeta, we will find you': Gauteng teen disappears snorkelling on Mozambique matric trip

Brandon Nel and Xolile Mtembu|Published

Rikus Kylander, 18, disappeared while snorkelling in Mozambique.

Gangs demand R10,000 to let Cape Town municipal workers fix sewage spills

Brandon Nel and Wendy Dondolo|Updated

Up to R10,000 — that is the hefty price tag gangsters are demanding municipal workers to pay if they want to enter certain Cape Town areas to fix burst pipes and ...

DJ Warras shot dead in Johannesburg

Brandon Nel|Updated

DJ Warras, a beloved South African radio and TV presenter, was tragically shot dead in Johannesburg Central, leaving fans and colleagues in shock as police investigate ...

Cape Town airport name change on hold… for now

Brandon Nel|Published

The proposal to rename Cape Town International Airport after the Khoi woman Krotoa is stuck on the runway, with officials saying the application cannot proceed until ...

Watch VideoInside Cape-Town's Gang Wars | Children as young as nine pulled into rising gang violence

Brandon Nel and Wendy Dondolo|Published

Children barely tall enough to see over a car bonnet are being pulled into gang life in Delft — some as young as nine, sent to steal and surrender their loot to ...

'There was blood all over': Son mourns deputy principal shot dead at Stellenbosch school

Brandon Nel|Published

Deputy principal Mlamli Matshingana, 54, was fatally shot at Kayamandi Primary. His son described cleaning his father’s blood as “unreal.” Police are investigating. ...

Teacher shot dead at Stellenbosch school

Brandon Nel|Published

A 54-year-old Stellenbosch teacher was shot dead in broad daylight near the main gate of a primary school in Kayamandi on Friday afternoon.

Winde releases report on 28s gang alleged police infiltration

Brandon Nel|Updated

Angry Western Cape Premier Alan Winde on Thursday finally released a report into claims that the notorious 28s gang wormed its way into senior police ranks — a report ...

Rob Evans’ second bail bid rejected in deadly whisky attack

Brandon Nel|Published

After half a year behind bars, Rob Evans’ second bid for freedom hit rough seas on Tuesday when the Gqeberha High Court rejected his appeal for bail.

Beloved DStv chef Mynie Steffens dies in helicopter crash in Eastern Cape

Brandon Nel|Updated

Mynie Steffens, a beloved pilot, author and TV host who loved cooking over fire and sharing it with others, died in a helicopter crash.

Woman dies after crop-spraying helicopter crashes near Patensie, Eastern Cape

Brandon Nel|Published

A 43-year-old woman was killed in a helicopter crash on a farm outside Patensie in the Eastern Cape on Monday morning.