AGP Executive Report

Local TV & pop culture: Bontle Modiselle won The Masked Singer SA season three, taking the Golden Mask as Spotty, beating Robot Boii (Mosquito) in the finale on SABC 2. Live performance in SA: Cape Town’s Live Art Festival returns for four free days (14–17 Oct), with about 30 site-responsive performances and installations across UCT campuses and KwaLanga. Music spotlight: Phoebe Emmerson’s track You & Me landed on Hollyoaks and she’s set to release Friday Night Dancing next month. Festival buzz: The 2026 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival opened in Sandton with performances including Angélique Kidjo, Kamasi Washington and local favourites like Thandiswa Mazwai and Judith Sephuma. Fashion & industry: Soweto Fashion Week will represent South Africa at the Brics+ Fashion summit in Moscow alongside Moscow Fashion Week (28–30 Sept). Sports with a South African angle: URC kicked off with Lions beating Leinster at Ellis Park, while SA’s URC season also features Stormers and Bulls fixtures this weekend.

Rugby Rivalry Spirit: Siya Kolisi posted about “rivals” All Blacks, stressing respect through full-intensity play as South Africa heads into the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. Captaincy Controversy: SA Rugby blocked questions on new Springbok captain André Esterhuizen’s old racial slur, reigniting debate online ahead of the Wallabies Test. TV Spotlight: Masked Singer SA season three finale is set for 26 September on SABC 2, with Mosquito, Chopsticks, Spotty and Gogga the last four. Women’s Safety Backlash: After nine women runners were found murdered on the East Rand, runners like Nancy Masha say they’re arming themselves with pepper spray and knives. Local Arts & Heritage: Makhanda’s Heritage Carnival at the Amazwi Museum of Literature put makers, food and Wordfest on one stage. Entertainment Industry Shift: A feature warns piracy has moved from DVDs to fast digital streaming and cloned subscriptions, reshaping Africa’s creative economy. Sports Watch: Springboks vs Wallabies kicks off 11:30 SA time and airs on DStv SuperSport Rugby.

Heritage Day Spotlight: President Cyril Ramaphosa marked National Heritage Day in Oudtshoorn, urging South Africans to protect indigenous knowledge and traditions while condemning gender-based violence and calling for stronger national unity. Jazz & Live Culture: Johannesburg kicks off Standard Bank Joy of Jazz with local and international artists, spotlighting a new generation reshaping the sound. Music Milestone: Naledi Aphiwe and Goon Flavour receive Platinum plaques for “Mina Nawe” with Master KG, celebrating a major streaming and radio run. Pop Culture TV: Johannes Radebe returns to Strictly Come Dancing on BBC BRIT with a new three-person presenting team, while SABC 1’s HotSpot Seli welcomes Khanyi Mars and Munaka Muthambi as new presenters. Entertainment Industry Watch: DStv’s big package overhaul reshapes how sports and entertainment are bundled, reflecting streaming pressure. Sports & Spectacle: The Springboks head to Perth for a Wallabies clash, while Comic Con Africa returns to Joburg with cosplay and pop culture.

Heritage Day & GBV: President Cyril Ramaphosa used his Oudtshoorn address to condemn gender-based violence, calling it a “national shame” and promising an update on government action and investigations into recent killings. Cricket (SA vs Australia): Matthew Breetzke struck 112 as the Proteas beat Australia by 67 runs in the Durban ODI, with Maharaj and Fortuin starring as the visitors collapsed to 230 all out. Film (Manhattan Short): The 29th Manhattan Short Film Festival screens in Stonington on 25 September, featuring South Africa’s “Vultures” among ten Oscar-qualified shorts from ten countries. Comedy (Lottering): Marc Lottering brings “Ankle Marc” to Centrestage at Baywest in Gqeberha for two shows. Tech & lifestyle (Meta glasses): Meta expands its AI eyewear range with a cheaper $249 Meta Glasses model, trading away the built-in charging battery for a plug-in case. Arts & culture (Comic Con): Comic Con returns to Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, bringing gaming, cosplay and fandom culture to thousands.

Heritage Day drama: South Africa’s national Heritage Day celebration was moved twice before landing in Oudtshoorn, and Western Cape officials are now questioning who will foot the bill after last-minute venue changes. Proteas cricket: Shukri Conrad says the Proteas are ready for a big home summer as Australia arrive for the first ODI at Kingsmead, with injuries shaping both squads. Rugby build-up: Wallabies coach Les Kiss is set to gamble by moving Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to the wing to counter South Africa’s aerial game. Music milestone: Nasty C marks 10 years since Bad Hair with the official release of the long-shelved Riky Rick collaboration “A Star Is Born.” Film & culture: Rachel Kolisi’s Falling Forward drew a full house at KuGompo City as her women-focused roadshow continues. Fashion & identity: A Zulu matric dance look in traditional attire goes viral for its cultural pride. Sports tragedy: South African motorsport mourns Marcel Angel after a Killarney Raceway crash. Lifestyle: Braai Day gets a boost with a quick pork and pepper sosaties recipe.

Heritage Day Spotlight: President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead National Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn on 24 September, with the theme “Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us,” as the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture wraps up Heritage Month. Road Safety Push: Gauteng warns of heavier traffic ahead of the 24 September holiday, urging seatbelts, no phone use, and extra care for pedestrians. Media Accreditation: The GCIS opens applications for media to cover the 40th Mbuzini Tragedy commemoration in Mpumalanga on 19 October, marking the 1986 plane crash that killed Samora Machel and others. Fashion Export Moment: MaXhosa Africa teases its Paris Fashion Week runway debut, aiming to bring a continent-wide story to the SS27 calendar. TV for Families: MultiChoice launches DStv’s new Wethu+ channel (163), replacing Mzansi Wethu and bundling local entertainment, movies and live PSL matches. Arts & Culture Loss: Community broadcaster and artists’ rights activist Owen Ndlovu is remembered at his memorial, with tributes highlighting his pioneering role in sports radio. Violence in KZN: Police investigate a KwaMakhutha mass shooting near Durban that left 11 dead, including a pregnant woman.

Music & Culture: Zimbabwean DJ/producer Kotwane Hikwa lands a major career milestone with a debut at the Jacaranda Music Festival in Harare (Oct 2–4), crediting a more business-minded approach and his manager Miss Gee. Film & Art: A new South African documentary, Pappa Kitsch, digs into the hunt for authenticity behind a Vladimir Tretchikoff oil painting bought via Bidorbuy—screening on Kyknet this Sunday night. Fashion & Ethics: World Animal Protection and Collective Fashion Justice allege ostrich feathers are forcibly pulled from live birds for luxury fashion, pushing a “blood feathers” backlash. Sports (Rugby): Former Scotland winger Thom Evans says the Springboks are favourites for the 2027 Rugby World Cup ahead of Australia in Perth this Sunday. Sports (Cricket): David Miller talks Proteas selection pressure ahead of the Australia ODI series, with home World Cup dreams driving his push. Local Lifestyle: A spring-ready watermelon, feta and mint salad recipe makes the rounds. Community Spotlight: Alberton teen Lola-Hope Myburgh’s teddy bear drive has grown into a comfort-and-hope campaign with 1,000+ bears donated.

Animal Welfare & Fashion: World Animal Protection says South African ostrich farms are using cruel “blood feather” plucking methods for luxury brands like YSL, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Chanel, with birds allegedly cornered, bagged and feathered without pain relief. Heritage & Community Finance: Aluwani Tshifhango spotlights how stokvels, burial societies and grocery clubs protect families and turn small contributions into real resilience. Music & Culture: MaXhosa Africa makes history with its first full Paris Fashion Week runway show, featuring Sjava; Caiphus Semenya also reflects on missing friends Hugh Masekela and Jonas Gwangwa at a Joburg Songbook tribute. TV & Entertainment: National Children’s Theatre brings Disney’s Dare to Dream JR. to Johannesburg; Tropika Island of Treasure returns to Réunion Island on SABC 1 with a celebrity cast including Nadia Nakai and Caster Semenya. Sports Spotlight: Tatjana Smith comes out of retirement for the SA Short Course Championships in Pietermaritzburg. Crime & Court: News Bite reports Shadrack Sibiya in Randburg court on rape, grooming and trafficking charges, while Masemola charges are withdrawn in the PFMA case.

Formula One in SA: A South African consortium led by Neal Froneman is working with Rothschild & Co on a bid to bring F1 back to the continent, including a proposed R6.7bn motorsport complex near Cape Town and a possible Kyalami route. Swimming Comeback: Tatjana Smith has broken her silence on returning to competitive swimming, targeting the 50m breaststroke ahead of the 2028 LA Games at the SA Short Course Championships in Pietermaritzburg. Heritage Day Plans: Johannesburg and Pretoria are gearing up for Heritage Day on 24 September with events like Pretoria’s Sphatlho Festival and other music, food and culture celebrations. Music & Performance: The Gauteng Guitar Quartet makes its first Bloemfontein visit on 8 October, pairing Bach and Pachelbel with new works and South African composer Neo Muyanga. Sport & Culture Crossover: Springboks vs Australia in Perth looms with squad rotation expected, while rugby’s wider calendar debate continues as fans question late starts. Fashion & Animal Welfare: World Animal Protection alleges ostriches are “live plucked” with pliers for luxury fashion supply chains, prompting fresh scrutiny of the feather industry.

Scorpion Kings Live: DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small turned FNB Stadium into an amapiano celebration for 74,000+ fans, with a genre-spanning pre-show and standout moments like a burning-piano performance and a crown-themed production. Fashion & culture: Rangers’ Olwethu Makhanya credits street-football and oversized boots for his technique after a dazzling display; meanwhile, Musa Mseleku’s wife MaKhwela sparked laughs with a viral runway walk. Food & consumer tricks: A Daily Maverick writer highlights how supermarkets use slow music, lighting and “bread-and-milk” aisle placement to steer what ends up in your trolley. Animal welfare: World Animal Protection alleges South African ostrich farms pluck living birds for luxury fashion, including brands named in a new report. Film & heritage: John Trengove’s Afrikaans apartheid-era drama The Smell of Apples lands in Toronto, while Hearts Remember premieres in SA for World Alzheimer’s Day. Sports spotlight: MEC Lebogang Maile congratulates Mamelodi Sundowns on their FIFA Intercontinental win.

Streaming & Film Watch: New OTT picks for the week (Sept 21–27) include Netflix thrillers like Shaque: Trust No One and Habeas Corpus, plus more fresh releases across major platforms. Cinema & Culture: JM Coetzee’s biblical Jesus trilogy lands on screen in Portuguese director Tiago Guedes’ daring saga Aquí. African Film Spotlight: The Hollywood African Cinema Connection returns to Cape Town (Oct 30–Nov 2) with African and Middle Eastern titles and masterclasses. Music & Entertainment: Pretoria’s Just 6 reflect on how “bathroom rehearsals” helped them reach Grammy recognition. Arts & Heritage: The Battiss Art Festival brings “Art for all” to KwaNojoli (Sept 24–27) to support the Walter Battiss Art Museum. Local Screen/TV Buzz: A roundup looks at Hollywood’s best (and worst) South African accents, while commentary argues politics and art can’t (and shouldn’t) be separated. Sports Meets Culture: KFC Mini-Cricket roots run deep for Eastern Storm’s Martin Khumalo, and Cape Town DJ Ready D ends a short political bid to focus on music. Infrastructure & Accountability: SANRAL and Public Works order probes into Moriel Infrastructure Group after viral threats against women linked to its founder.

GBVF Response: The IMC on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide says it has approved a Comprehensive Emergency Strategy after briefing on the deaths of nine women found in Ekurhuleni, with law enforcement, protection and survivor support prioritised. Sandton Threat Case: Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga urged businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama to hand himself over after a viral VLAMO Restaurant video allegedly showed him threatening women; authorities also probe possible links to his businesses and firearm licence concerns. Motorsport Tributes: Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie mourned race driver Robert Wolk, while Motorsport SA also confirmed SuperCars racer Marcel Angel died after a crash at Killarney. Music & TV: Mzansi Magic launches “VIP Lounge” for a glossy 90s/2000s lifestyle vibe, and Minnie Dlamini breaks silence on the latest “Podcast and Chill” controversy tied to her lawsuit. Sports Entertainment: SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer says Springbok flyovers will return after the Cape Town safety backlash. Culture & Community: Port Shepstone Andhra Sabha held an eisteddfod celebrating Telugu youth talent, music and dance. Global Screen Buzz: “Resident Evil” sets a franchise-best box office start, while “The Diplomat” star David Gyasi faces backlash debates over casting in Greek mythology adaptations.

Rugby & Streaming: MultiChoice’s DStv tier overhaul has Springboks fans fuming, with critics saying premium rugby, F1 and cricket are still locked behind top packages while the rest feels padded; the Competition Commission’s ongoing sport-rights probe and consumer complaints are now front and centre. Springboks Buzz: Rassie Erasmus shared more “chiskops” pics after the coaching staff shaved heads following Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, as SA prepares for the Wallabies in Perth. Fashion & Ethics: After PETA protests and a CFDA president’s runway restraint scandal, the debate is back: should the fashion industry ban wool next, not just real fur? Local Food & Lifestyle: Gillooly’s Farm is getting a glow-up as Gillooly’s Gardens, with Coco & J curating the new Gather restaurant and Good Stuff Market. Arts & Culture: Marcel Angel’s death after a Killarney crash has the motorsport community mourning a long-time racing figure, while a Heritage Day guide highlights festivals, markets and family-friendly plans in Gauteng. Security & Women: A Sandton restaurant vowed “zero tolerance” after a viral video allegedly shows a man threatening to shoot women, with footage handed to police. Music: DJ Maphorisa says he helped rescue Kabza De Small from an exploitative deal, landing a reported R44m Sony Music arrangement.

Athletics & fashion: Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson debuted a Nike “Catwoman”-style speedsuit at London’s Athlos meet, saying she negotiated one “non-negotiable” about keeping her hair out despite the science. Football (club): Mamelodi Sundowns beat Saudi giants Al-Ahli 2-1 at Loftus to lift the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and move closer to a possible showdown with PSG. Football (Afcon readiness): CAF boss Patrice Motsepe says Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda must accelerate stadium testing for Afcon 2027—“no postponement.” Local sport (motorsport): Cape Town racer Marcel Angel died after a crash at Killarney during the Extreme SuperCars event, with the rest of the programme cancelled. TV & dance: Strictly Come Dancing 2026 adds new South African pro Lethabo Monametsi, while Johannes Radebe steps into presenting. Music & culture: Scorpion Kings Live lands at FNB Stadium with amapiano and more, with gates opening 12:00 and a 9:00pm last-entry cutoff. Arts & film: The SA European Film Festival opens across Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban with a family-focused programme. Society & GBV: Minnie Dlamini urged South African men to “stand for something” after nine women were found dead in Ekurhuleni.

GBV Solidarity in Ekurhuleni: Men from Tembisa and Kempton Park marched against gender-based violence after nine women’s bodies were found, with the video going viral on TikTok and pushing calls for action. OnlyFans Age-Checks Questioned: UCT research into adult digital-sex work raises concerns that teenagers may access platforms via “managers” who bypass age requirements. Music Reconciliation Push: Bulawayo jazz singer Mkhiwa Omhle released Okuhlul’amadoda Kuyabikwa, urging Ndolwane Super Sounds founders Martin “The Big Boss” Sibanda and Charles Ndebele to reunite. New Music Comeback: Master Zhoe returns with the single Ngizama, featuring Fab G Mshanakagogo, after months refining his sound and business plans. Film Spotlight: Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil adaptation aims to match the games’ feel with a first-person, horror-first approach, hitting SA cinemas on 25 September. Fashion & Heat Guide: With El Niño expected to bring hotter, drier weather, local style advice highlights breathable fabrics like linen and cotton for summer wear. Lifestyle: A quick chocolate, banana and peanut butter breakfast smoothie recipe makes a “dessert-in-a-glass” start.

GBVF & femicide pressure: Ekurhuleni communities are demanding action after nine women were found dead, with residents marching to Kempton Park Police Station and calls for femicide to be treated as a standalone crime. Music & culture: Queen guitarist Roger Taylor releases Violence Insane In a Beautiful World, while Hollywood stars Taraji P. Henson and Tasha Smith praised South African actor Sdumo Mtshali and The Polygamist ahead of Tyler Perry’s Netflix film. Entertainment spotlight: Orville Peck drops Mule and reveals a real-life hookup lyric with an unnamed NFL player, and Film Fest Gent announces its bumper 7–18 October programme with tributes and major competition titles. Local TV & streaming: MultiChoice upgrades DStv Compact Plus subscribers to Premium for the same price, adding about 160 channels. Rugby identity: A feature looks at how Springboks built national identity and global appeal—fuelled by the Baltimore crowd’s sea of green. Arts & heritage events: New York’s “Return of the Buffalo” brings life-size bison puppets and Indigenous history into the streets.