Pulse24 News

PULSE24 NEWS | TECH & BUSINESS

WhatsApp Business to Start Charging Per Message in South Africa From October 2026

PRETORIA - WhatsApp Business users in South Africa will face new costs from 1 October 2026, with Meta confirming a major change to its pricing model.

From October 1, businesses will be charged on a per-message basis for messages that were previously free. This includes Service messages - non-template replies sent within the 24-hour customer service window.

Under the new structure, businesses in South Africa will be billed 12 cents per service message and 62 cents per marketing message.

This marks the end of the free period for Service messages that has been in place since November 2024.

What this means for businesses:

Previously, companies could reply to customers for free within 24 hours of a customer message. From October 1, every reply will be billed at the standard rate. Service messages also do not qualify for volume discounts.

For businesses that rely heavily on WhatsApp for customer support, sales and chatbot automation, the more you communicate with clients on the platform, the more you will be billed.

Experts say teams that run mostly broadcast campaigns will see a small increase, while teams that use WhatsApp for support conversations will see a more noticeable rise in costs.

Businesses are being urged to audit their current message volumes, optimize automated responses, and reduce unnecessary replies ahead of the October deadline.

PULSE24 NEWS | MISSING PERSON ALERT 🚨📢

PLEASE HELP US FIND NTLAFATSO MATSHABA

The family of Ntlafatso Matshaba is urgently appealing for public assistance to locate her.

Ntlafatso was last seen yesterday morning wearing her school uniform. Her whereabouts are currently unknown and the family is deeply concerned for her safety.

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION
Please contact immediately:
📞 062 016 8089
📞 073 548 0477

You can also report to your nearest police station.

PULSE24 APPEAL
Let’s come together and bring Ntlafatso home safely.
Please reshare this post across all platforms. Every share could help.

PULSE24 NEWS | BREAKING
KURUMAN SHOOTING: SAPS PROBES ATTEMPTED MURDER AT BANKARA T-JUNCTION

Kuruman, Northern Cape – 9 August 2026

Kuruman SAPS are investigating an attempted murder case after a shooting incident at the Bankara T-junction on Thursday, 6 August 2026, at around 18:00.

According to police, a 36-year-old man was driving a Toyota Quantum with one passenger when he stopped at a hitch-hiking spot. Two more passengers then boarded the vehicle. Both were allegedly armed with fi****ms.

Police say the driver was forced to the back seat behind the driver’s position. One of the suspects then allegedly shot the driver multiple times in the face and shoulder.

THE INVESTIGATION
A case of attempted murder has been opened.
- Lead Investigator: Sgt Othusitse Sepalamelo – 072 101 5008
- Anonymous tips: Crime Stop 08600 10111 or the
All information will be treated confidentially.

SAPS confirmed a video of the incident is circulating on social media and urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified footage, saying it may cause distress and panic.

No updates have been released yet on the driver’s condition or any arrests. The investigation is ongoing.



For more updates follow

PULSE24 SPORTS | BREAKING

PITSO IS BACK! MOSIMANE APPOINTED NEW BAFANA BAFANA COACH

SAFA’s National Executive Committee has officially approved Pitso "Jingles" Mosimane as the new head coach of Bafana Bafana.

Sources close to SAFA confirm the deal is done, with only final administrative processes left before a formal announcement is expected next week.

Mosimane returns to the national team hot seat after previous stints with Sundowns and Al Ahly, where he won multiple CAF Champions League titles.

What this means for Bafana:
- Experience: One of Africa’s most decorated coaches takes charge
- Expectations: World Cup qualification and AFCON success now the target
-
Announcement: Official unveiling set for next week

Developing story...

👕 𝕊𝕋𝔸ℝ𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾 𝕏𝕀 👕

Durban City Coach Khalil Ben Youssef has made some interesting calls in his starting 11 today, as the Citizens chase an upset result!🧐

🚨 Build-Up: 14:30
📺 SABC 1
📱 Sabc-plus.com

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🚨 BREAKING | PULSE24 NEWS

BAIL DENIED AGAIN: Shebeshxt Remains Behind Bars

Lekompo artist Shebeshxt has suffered another legal setback after the court refused his latest bail application. The court ruled that there were no new facts to justify changing its previous decision and denied his R100,000 bail bid.

Shebeshxt will remain in custody as the case continues through the courts.

PULSE24 NEWS | BREAKING

Julius Mkhwanazi, 4 Others Arrested Over 2022 Murder of Emmanuel Mbense

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and four other suspects have been arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in connection with the 2022 murder of Emmanuel Mbense.

According to investigators, Mbense was allegedly tortured to death before his body was dumped at Spaarwater Dam in Duduza in April 2022. The arrests follow a lengthy IPID investigation and allegations that emerged during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

The five suspects are expected to appear before the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 6 August 2026, where they are expected to face charges including murder and defeating the ends of justice.

This latest arrest adds to Mkhwanazi's growing legal troubles, as he is already facing several other criminal matters linked to separate investigations. As with all accused persons, the suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.