Afrobeats at the VMAs: MTV has dropped the Best Afrobeats category from its 2026 awards, even as Burna Boy and Tems still scored major nominations—sparking fresh debate about where African music sits in global pop. AI and relationships: A new conversation piece spotlights how AI companionship and “hidden” human labour behind AI systems are reshaping modern intimacy and work. Colonial healing in culture: South Africa has repatriated 84 Namibian ancestral remains, plus two apartheid-era political prisoners’ remains, in a Cape Town handover tied to museum research and redress. New TV drama: e.tv announced Land of Mills and Money, a 19:00 daily drama premiering 31 August, starring Nelisiwe Sibiya and Winnie Ntshaba. Music industry moves: MaWhoo and Lwah Ndlunkulu unveiled a joint Maskandi album for 28 August, with a new single Distance featuring Feza. Water woes: TV host Anele Mdoda-Mgudlwa says her Johannesburg estate has been without water for a week, using a pool to flush toilets. Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: Siya Kolisi has been omitted for the first Springboks vs All Blacks Test at Ellis Park as Rassie Erasmus names Paul de Villiers, with Damian de Allende set for his 100th cap. Sports ticket frustration: Additional tickets were released for the Ellis Park opener despite “sold out” messaging, reigniting complaints about pricing and access.