July 24, 16:30

How to follow the South African team at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Sports fans across South Africa can plan their schedules as Canal+ has confirmed broadcasting rights for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, providing access to one of the biggest sporting events of the year.

Overview of the 2026 Commonwealth Games

These 11 days of diverse sporting spectacle will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, and run until August 2nd. The event will bring together elite athletes from around the world. Over 3000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations, including 500 African participants, will compete in 10 sports and 6 para-sports.

The competitions will be held at four world-class venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, the Scottish Event Campus, and the Glasgow International Arena & Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. However, to reduce operational costs and meet deadlines, several sports have been excluded from the Games, including badminton, hockey, rugby sevens, table tennis, squash, cricket, wrestling, triathlon, and road cycling.

Broadcast Access for Viewers

Canal+ and SuperSport have made the entire tournament widely accessible to local fans. To watch the performances of local stars, the most expensive package is not required; broadcasts will be available to subscribers of the Access package and above via DStv, DStv Stream, GOtv, and GOtv Stream platforms.

Channel Structure and Special Broadcasts

SuperSport will launch two main dedicated channels for the Commonwealth Games. One channel will broadcast major global events, while the second will focus exclusively on Africa's leading medal contenders. In case of overlapping finals in track, swimming, or court matches during peak evening hours, additional linear and streaming channels will be activated so that viewers do not miss any podium finishes.

South African viewers can follow regional broadcasts on SS Variety 3 and SS Variety 4, which will be renamed during the tournament to ensure focused coverage. Additionally, a third dedicated stream will provide specialized coverage for Portuguese-speaking audiences and athletes from Mozambique.

Management Statement

David Migno, CEO of Canal+ Africa and MultiChoice, commented on the large-scale multi-platform rollout, emphasizing the goal of uniting viewers around local sporting talents. He stated: 'We are pleased to confirm the broadcasting rights for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be available on SuperSport to our DStv and GOtv Access subscribers, with a special focus on African athletes who will strive to make their countries and the continent proud at this major global sporting event.'

From fast sprints on the track to intense bouts in boxing and swimming—Glasgow 2026 promises 11 days of pure and unadulterated sporting glory.

www.aajtak.inJuly 23, 13:08

First T20I between India and Zimbabwe to take place in Harare; toss expected

The first T20 series match between India and Zimbabwe is set to begin in Harare soon, with the toss expected shortly. The new captain of the Indian team, Shreyas Iyer, has yet to achieve significant success in leading the squad.

Search for Iyer's First Victory

Under Shreyas's leadership, the Indian team suffered a 0-2 defeat against Ireland and also took a convincing 0-4 loss against England during their visit. After six consecutive defeats, India is still searching for its first win under Iyer's command. Consequently, the team needs to demonstrate its potential against Zimbabwe. Although Shreyas Iyer has had an outstanding track record as a captain in the IPL, he will likely want to replicate this success for the Indian national team as well.

Potential Challenge from Zimbabwe

However, underestimating Zimbabwe could prove to be a mistake for India. In February of this year, at the T20 World Cup in Colombo, Zimbabwe pulled off a major surprise by defeating Australia by 23 runs. Furthermore, they managed to overcome strong teams such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka this year.

Statistics and Playing Conditions

In head-to-head encounters between India and Zimbabwe, 14 T20 matches have been played, with India securing 11 victories and Zimbabwe claiming 3. Despite the statistics clearly favoring India, the current form of both teams suggests that the match could be intense. Harare Sports Club is known for frequently hosting low-scoring matches, where the average score of the first innings ranges from 151 to 157. At the start of the match, the ball shows good bounce, but it slows down as the game progresses.

Anticipated Team Lineups

India's anticipated lineup includes Shreyas Iyer (captain), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Harsha Dube, Prans Yadav, Ashoka Sharma, and Minka Yadav. Zimbabwe's squad consists of Sikander Raza (captain), Tadiwanashe Marumani (wicketkeeper), Brian Bennett, Milton Shumbay, Dion Myers, Ryan Berla, Brad Evans, Wellington Masadzwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamahuri, and Wesley Madhevere.

getaway.co.zaJuly 23, 11:59

List of events and places for recreation in South Africa for the weekend of July 24-26

Although winter is in full swing, there are many reasons for active recreation and exploration in South Africa. Below are the main events scheduled for the period from July 24 to July 26.

Entertainment in Cape Town

Comedy lovers can attend the South African Comedy Festival at GrandWest, featuring both renowned national comedians and new talents. This festival has become a winter favorite in Cape Town's event schedule and is suitable for both dates and meeting friends.

If you prefer a louder sound, WinterFest will take place on Saturday at The Alley in Paarden Island. The annual event is dedicated to the South African rock and metal community and includes live performances by bands, DJs, food vendors, and a merchandise fair.

Another option for Saturday is Social Link-Up on Rooftop on Bree. This event combines live music from DJs, food, and city views, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy Cape Town's vibrant social life.

Winter Holiday Traditions

Even if Christmas is still far away, winter is an ideal time to start celebrating holidays early. The One&Only Cape Town hotel hosts a 'July Christmas Afternoon Tea,' transforming the luxurious hotel into a cozy seasonal retreat. Guests are offered exquisite sweet and savory snacks, warm drinks, and elegant ambiance with views of the V&A Waterfront.

Visiting Local Markets

The Shongweni farmers and craft market in KwaZulu-Natal attracts visitors every Saturday morning with fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, and live music. It is a wonderful stop before traveling to the Twelve Apostles or towards the Durban coast.

Cape Town also has weekend markets operating, offering a wide range of goods—from gourmet street food to locally roasted coffee and handmade crafts.

Mountain and Nature Retreats

For those who prefer spending the weekend in nature, Clarence remains one of the most popular winter destinations in South Africa. The winter months are particularly conducive to relaxation due to the atmosphere created by fireplaces, mountain landscapes, and boutique galleries. Local cafes, breweries, and restaurants offer hearty winter menus, while nearby hiking trails provide visitors with fresh air and breathtaking views of the Maluti Mountains.

Further north, in Limpopo, Magoeabaskloof offers another excellent winter getaway. Misty local forests, waterfalls, and hiking routes make this place a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, and local farm stalls and cafes provide pleasant stops after morning walks.

Safari and Wildlife Season

July is considered one of the best months for wildlife viewing. Dry conditions in many reserves facilitate animal sightings as they gather around permanent water sources, and vegetation becomes less dense. Visitors heading to Kruger National Park or private reserves in Lowveld can expect excellent wildlife viewing conditions; many lodges also offer special winter accommodation deals. Regardless of whether you choose an organized safari or a self-drive trip, it is a wonderful time to experience the iconic wildlife of South Africa.

Live Performances in Cities

If you are in Johannesburg or Pretoria, there are many options for indoor activities. Theatres throughout Gauteng continue to present live productions, comedy shows, and music concerts throughout the weekend. Venues such as Joburg Theatre, Market Theatre, and entertainment centers like Montecasino cater to almost everyone's tastes, making them a good choice in bad weather. Sun City also maintains its program of live entertainment, family activities, and gastronomic experiences, providing easy relaxation for guests from Gauteng and the North West province.

Family Leisure in the Eastern Cape

As school holidays approach their end, attractions in the Eastern Cape continue to offer family-friendly activities. Museums, local markets, and indoor attractions provide plenty of entertainment before the new academic year begins. It is also a great opportunity to explore nearby beaches, nature reserves, and coastal towns while visitor numbers are lower than during the peak summer season.

Stargazing

The clear winter sky of the Northern Cape creates ideal conditions for astronomical observation. Several reserves and lodges offer guided astronomy tours, and night drives offer a chance to encounter nocturnal wildlife under some of the darkest skies in the country.