Stories from Johannesburg · South Africa

Mercedes-Benz vehicles have become an integral part of daily life in South Africa, moving beyond being just machines. The brand's presence signifies a deep integration into the lives of its owners. The company is looking at various ways to connect its vehicles and services with the everyday routines of South African consumers.

Listeners in South Africa are engaging with international content, indicating a growing interest in global affairs.

As of May 18, 2026, 13:36 SAST, the South African Rand (ZAR) exchange rates are as follows: AUD 11.9273, USD 16.6642, EUR 19.3904, and GBP 22.2687.

The Islamic State's presence worldwide has been considerably reduced.

State storage facilities in South Africa have seized 136 kilograms of cocaine.

South Africa's Information Regulator has stated that no certification scheme for POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) compliance has been authorized. Businesses claiming to be 'POPIA Certified' are misleading, as the regulator has not approved any such certification.

An investigation is underway into the funding of a sports federation, with concerns raised about taxpayer money allocated to projects that have not yielded expected results. The federation's financial dealings are under scrutiny.

The new chair of the Federal Reserve steps into the role during a period of renewed inflation pressure. This pressure is reportedly driven by high global energy costs and geopolitical events.

Some South African retailers have shown recovery, with specific mention of gold and platinum shares performing poorly this year. BHP and South32 were noted for their performance, with South32's performance linked to the aluminum price.

The Hollywood-Bets Super League has transformed into a two-stream format. The draw for the new format was conducted earlier today. The logic behind this change was discussed.