Morning Newsletter

Latest news in South Africa – Monday, 6 February 2023

  • Stage 3 and 4 Eskom load-shedding announced for Monday and Tuesday.
  • Beyonce just set a new record at the Grammy Awards.
  • Kaizer Chiefs unable to take advantage of 10-man TS Galaxy.

More Stage 4 load shedding for the week – News24

According to News24, Eskom has confirmed that load shedding Stage 3 and 4 will return on Monday. The utility announced that stage 3 load shedding will be implemented from 05:00 to 16:00, while stage 4 load shedding will be implemented from 16:00 to 05:00. 

“The return to service of a generation unit each at Kendal and Lethabo power stations have been delayed while a unit each at Duvha and Lethabo power stations were returned to service.” This schedule is subject to change in the event of substantial changes. Read more here

Beyonce most awarded artist in Grammys history – Nylon

Beyoncé is the most awarded artist in the history of the Grammys. The artist won her staggering 32nd golden record on Sunday night for her breakthrough album Renaissance, surpassing classical composer Georg Solti for the most victories in the 65-year history of the award show. Read more here

Wasteful Chiefs lack precision as resolute 10-man Galaxy cling on for stalemate – News24

Sunday afternoon at Mbombela Stadium, Kaizer Chiefs drew 0-0 with 10-man TS Galaxy, wasting the opportunity to go ahead of archrivals Orlando Pirates. AmaKhosi maintains fifth spot in the standings, while The Rockets climb to tenth, News24 reports. Due to crowds outside the stadium, the game was delayed by 30 minutes. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Grammys 2023: Here Are All The Winners – Huffington Post

Headline: 4 ANC members to be sworn in as MPs – eNCA

Headline: Wasteful Chiefs lack precision as resolute 10-man Galaxy cling on for stalemate – News24

Headline: WATCH: Conte calls Kane to congratulate striker for record-breaking goal as Tottenham beat Man City – Goal

Headline: WATCH | ‘Unkulunkulu uNumber 1’ — Zakes, Wouter and Nomcebo celebrate Grammy win – TimesLIVE

Weather: Monday’s weather: Cloudy and warm, but expect thunderstorms in several provinces – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

Latest news in South Africa – Friday, 3 February 2023

  • South African Tourism defends Spurs sponsorship deal.
  • Singer Babes Wodumo explains why she missed three gigs.
  • South African rugby: Aphelele Fassi improving defense.

SA Tourism clarifies difference between funds for service delivery and tourism – EWN

South African Tourism (SAT) has advocated for a difference between service delivery funding and tourism funding. The organisation defended its over R1 billion sponsorship of the English soccer team Tottenham Hotspur. The contract has been conditionally approved by SAT and will be submitted to interested parties including Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and National Treasury, EWN reports. 

“The money that’s invested in tourism is not the same money that’s required for energy. It’s not the same amount that is required for potholes. The are other departments that are dedicated and are given that mandate by legislation our legislative mandate is about persuading international people to travel into the country and spend money on our economy and that is what we will stick to,” said acting CEO Themba Khumalo. Read more here

‘I’m requesting that we bury our uncle first’ — Babes Wodumo management on no-show at three booked gigs – TimesLIVE

TimesLIVE reports that Babes Wodumo’s management cited a family death as the reason for the musician’s nonappearance at venues where she was scheduled to perform. According to Zimoja, Babes did not perform at three fully booked and paid events. “We lost our uncle, so there’s a funeral here. She wasn’t in the right head space to attend the events because we lost our uncle. On that day we were forced to go there so she wasn’t OK.” Read more here

Aphelele Fassi working his way back to Springbok set-up – TimesLIVE

Aphelele Fassi, a utility back for the Sharks and Springboks, has made significant strides in addressing the deficiencies that led to his removal from the national team last year, TimesLIVE reports. “When I got dropped from the Boks camp I was told there are certain things in my game I need to fix. Everyone knows that tackling was probably the key aspect … and my kicking game too. I guess those are the things that, when I was able to actually run, I have been working on,” said Fassi. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Eskom hopeful it will be ease load shedding to Stage 3 over weekend – EWN

Headline: Reminder: TODAY is the closing date for a 2022 matric exam REMARK – The South African

Headline: Business pleads with Ramaphosa: Choose a more effective Cabinet – News24

Headline: Selena Gomez and Drew Taggart Are Reportedly ‘Very Into Each Other’ – Elle Magazine

Headline: Keep fighting mark social media sends well wishes as radio host resumes chemo – EWN

Weather: Friday’s weather: Warm day with severe thunderstorms in parts of SA – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

Latest news in South Africa – Wednesday, 1 February 2023

  • President Cyril Ramaphosa expected to declare state of emergency amid power crisis. 
  • Makhaula joins Orlando Pirates. 
  • JR and Tshepi are not legally married yet. 

State of disaster on power crisis likely to top agenda at cabinet lekgotla – EWN

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to declare a national state of emergency to address the country’s worsening power crisis during Wednesday’s lekgotal. The meeting was anticipated to determine the government’s annual priorities. The gathering of government leaders follows the ANC lekgotla, at which party leaders endorsed a state of emergency to expedite government actions to end load shedding, EWN reports. Read more here

Orlando Pirates sign Makhaula, Lepasa joins SuperSport United – TimesLIVE 

Orlando Pirates have signed tenacious midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula from AmaZulu, confirming recent rumours. On the final day of the transfer window, Pirates were at the centre of the action. Earlier on Tuesday, Bucs loaned forward Zakhele Lepasa to Premiership rivals SuperSport United, TimesLIVE reports. “AmaZulu FC have reached an agreement with Orlando Pirates for the release of club captain and midfielder, Makhehlene Makhaula, which takes effect in the current transfer window,” said AmaZulu. Read more here

‘We didn’t have a wedding’ — JR sets record straight on weekend ceremony – TimesLIVE

This past weekend, Tshepi Vundla and JR Bogopa completed another step in the traditional marriage process en route to their upcoming nuptials. Reports surfaced over the weekend that the couple had tied the knot in an intimate ceremony, but JR clarified through his media room that they had not yet wed and that the weekend ceremony was part of the process leading up to the wedding, TimesLIVE reports. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Load shedding: ‘We’ll give Eskom all the help it needs,’ says Ramaphosa’s delivery czar – News24

Headline: Inquiry into whether child rape accused violated his bail conditions continues – EWN

Headline: Divorce reportedly on the cards for Duduzane Zuma and his wife due to ‘political ambitions’ – Afrian Insider

Headline: Two Springboks, two weddings, one day! – Sportnow

Headline: Saving Gallants ‘like going into lion’s den covered in wors or biltong’: Kerr – TimesLIVE

Weather: Wednesday’s weather: Warm day across SA with severe thunderstorms in parts of KZN – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

Latest news in South Africa – Monday, 30 January 2023

  • Ramaphosa addresses energy, economic concerns.
  • Connie Ferguson on casting of ex-husband Neo Matsunyane.
  • Kaizer Chiefs relish victory over highflying Royal AM. 

Ramaphosa: fixing SA an ‘enormous’ task, set back by shortage of govt resources – EWN 

EWN reported that when addressing the ANC delegates at a two-day conference on Sunday, President Ramaphosa expressed concern over the lack of government resources to address the numerous socio-economic concerns facing the country. Ramaphosa stated that fixing the nation’s escalating energy issue remained a top concern, as load shedding continued to impede economic growth. He stated that there were no intentions to shut down all coal-fired power plants. Read more here

‘Neo is a brilliant actor’ – Connie Ferguson dismisses concerns about casting her ex-hubby in ‘Kings of Jo’Burg’ – African Insider 

Connie Ferguson, a South African actress, rejected concerns regarding the casting of her ex-husband, actor and director Neo Matsunyane, in the newly-released second season of Kings of Jo’burg. Ferguson was interviewed on the Bongani Bingwa radio programme on 702. “First of all, I’m not the casting director. Some decisions are made independently. With that said, Neo is a brilliant actor, he’s a brilliant performer and he suited the role perfectly, so why not cast Neo and why is there a point of controversy?” said Ferguson. Read more here

Saile looks the real deal, sets up goal as Kaizer Chiefs dethrone Royal – TimesLIVE

The margin of Kaizer Chiefs’ first victory over Royal AM should have been considerably larger; they should have exacted payback for last season’s devastating 4-1 loss. Sifiso Hlanti’s header (60th minute) from a Keagan Dolly free-kick and a tap-in by Ashley Du Preez (85th) following a lovely low cross from the right by debutant Christian Saile led them to a 2-0 victory in Sunday’s DStv Premiership encounter at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: EFF plans national shutdown to protest load shedding, call for Ramaphosa to resign – News24

Headline: Zuma Corruption Trial | Judge Koen to decide on recusal – eNCA

Headline: Djokovic wins Australian open to equal Nadal’s 22 slam titles – EWN

Headline: WATCH | Siya Kolisi’s epic journey celebrated where it all began – Herald Live

Headline: Back to the drawing board, Babes – Scrolla

Weather: Monday’s weather: Warnings for heavy rain, flooding in several provinces – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

Latest news in South Africa – Friday, 27 January 2023

  • Weekend schedule: Load shedding to remain at Stage 4 indefinitely.
  • Lyle Foster signs with Burnley.
  • DJ Khaled says he’s got a modeling career ahead of him.

Load shedding eases slightly for the weekend – here’s the latest schedule – Business Tech

Eskom reports that load shedding will be slightly reduced on Friday, remaining at stage 4 until further notice. Friday at 05:00, stage 4 load shedding will begin and continue indefinitely. This week’s load-shedding schedule has undergone several changes and intensifications as a result of Eskom’s struggle with a highly volatile and unpredictable grid, Business Tech reports. The article further states that group chair Mpho Makwana recommended that the power utility might undertake a permanent state of load shedding for the next two years to stabilise the electricity situation, but the group rejected this since it would not guarantee that higher stages of load shedding would not arise. Read more here

In good Kompany: How SA football’s brightest star Lyle Foster landed dream English transfer – News24 (for subscribers)

Lyle Foster, a forward for Bafana Bafana, has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with English club Burnley after leaving K.V.C Westerlo, News24 reports.  According to his father, Lance Foster, the correct kind of balance helped serve his son’s long-term goals. Augusto Palacios, Lyle’s old junior-level coach, is still under contract with the player and provides him with excellent career and life guidance. Read more here

DJ Khaled Thanks Rihanna for Casting Him in Savage X Fenty Valentine’s Campaign – Billboard

DJ Khaled is prepared to become the next top model in America. In a new interview published on Thursday, the producer discussed his position as a Savage X Fenty brand ambassador and model, Billboard reports. Rihanna’s recent collections include the Savage X Fenty Valentine’s Day drop, which she modelled in a series of sexy social media posts earlier this month. “I’ve been trying to tell the world I wear a lot of hats. You see me in that robe,” he told BET of modeling for the brand’s Valentine’s Day campaign. “I’ve got a modeling career ahead of me, you know.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: DA responsible for Phatatse’s removal as Joburg mayor, says ActionSA – EWN

Headline: Scam alert: City of Cape Town warns about discounted electricity units sold online – TimesLIVE

Headline: Bavuma on SA20 snub: I’m a person who moves on with things – News24

Headline: John Legend Shares First Pic With Baby Girl Esti: ‘Our New Love‘ – Huffington Post

Headline: ‘My speech healing is very slow,’ says Lira as she recovers from her stroke – African Insider

Weather: Friday’s weather: Warm day with fire warnings for some parts of SA – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

Latest news in South Africa – Thursday, 26 January 2023

  • Ramaphosa urged to join DA’s Eskom legal bid.
  • Gerard Piqué confirms his relationship with Clara Martí.
  • Rashford scores brilliant solo goal for Manchester United.

DA challenges Ramaphosa to support its court bid against electricity tariff hike – EWN

John Steenhuisen, head of the Democratic Alliance (DA), termed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s plea that Eskom not impose the 18.65% pricing rise as a publicity stunt, EWN reports. Steenhuisen conducted an interview to Eyewitness News on the grounds of the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) march against the African National Congress (ANC) over the power issue. The article further states that Steenhuisen asked Ramaphosa to join them in their court effort to prevent Eskom from implementing the latest tariff hike authorised by the South African National Energy Regulator. Read more here

Shakira’s Ex Gerard Piqué Makes It Instagram Official With New Girlfriend – Complex

The breakup of Gerard Piqué and Shakira’s engagement has left the soccer star ready to move on. Piqué shared an intimate snapshot of himself and his girlfriend, Clara Chia Marti, on Instagram. This is the first time Marti has been mentioned on his page. Read more here

Rashford stars as Man United crush Forest to close in on League Cup final – News24

Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final on Wednesday to essentially secure a spot at Wembley next month. Marcus Rashford scored a stunning solo goal, News24 reports. The England player, on a hot streak after the World Cup, scored his 18th goal of the season in the sixth minute. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Big rush for inverters, generators and gas stoves, as retailers warn of erratic supplies – News24

Headline: Parly committees to visit Eskom HQ to assess its efforts to end power cuts – EWN

Headline: WATCH | Lyle Foster’s Burnley transfer announcement draws praise, as SA fans ‘take over’ the club – TimesLIVE

Headline: Bafana Bafana striker Foster lands major deal with English club – News24

Headline: ‘Who are we to decide Jesus was a man?’ — non-binary actor to play Messiah – Scrolla

Weather: Thursday’s weather: Warm day with severe thunderstorms in several provinces – News24

Image credit: DA Twitter Account

Latest news in South Africa – Wednesday, 25 January 2023

  • Eskom considers all possibilities to avoid the pending 18.65% tariff.
  • Justin Bieber has just sold his song publishing and recording catalogue shares to the Blackstone-backed Hipgnosis.
  • Sundowns extends Premiership win streak to 13 games.

It’s not up to Eskom alone to add generation capacity to grid – Makwana – EWN

Mpho Makwana, the chairman of Eskom’s board of directors, stated that Eskom alone could not add new generation capacity to the grid to assist stop power outages, EWN reports. Those who wished to create power and contribute to the restricted grid are no longer subject to regulatory restrictions and are encouraged to participate. Makwana also informed the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) of Parliament that Eskom will investigate all options regarding the request to suspend the 18.65% rate rise. Read more here

Justin Bieber sells music rights for $200 million – News24

Justin Bieber has sold his song publishing and recording catalogue shares to the Blackstone-backed Hipgnosis Songs Capital for $200 million, the business announced on Tuesday, marking the latest blockbuster rights sale in the music industry, News24 reports. The sale has been rumoured for weeks, and the 28-year-old joins a veritable who’s who of musicians who have recently cashed in on their libraries. Hipgnosis did not disclose the terms of the transaction publicly, but a source close to the case told AFP that it was worth approximately $200 million. Read more here

Runaway leaders Mamelodi Sundowns chalk up 13th straight win – EWN

Mamelodi Sundowns extended its South African Premiership win streak to a record-setting 13 games on Tuesday with a 2-1 triumph against TS Galaxy. According to EWN, Sundowns, lead the wealthiest league in Africa by 19 points over Richards Bay and appear poised to win a sixth consecutive championship. De Reuck scored his first goal of the season in the 11th minute with a powerful header off a corner kick. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Eskom CEO André de Ruyter hints at load shedding relief by end of March – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Blitzboks focus on breakdown for Sydney showdown – News24

Headline: Erik ten Hag urges Rashford to help Manchester United be best in the world – The Guardian

Headline: Chrissy Teigen & John Legend Share First Photo of Baby Esti’s Face – E! News

Headline: Paris Hilton Is Now a Mom, Welcoming Baby Boy With Husband Carter Reum – Complex

Weather: Wednesday’s weather: Warm day, but expect thunderstorms in several provinces – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

Latest news in South Africa – Tuesday, 24 January 2023

  • Increase in fuel prices expected next week.
  • N-word hurled at Lewis Hamilton as he recalls racism suffered at school.
  • Amapiano sensation, Mfana Ka Gogo completes matric.

Fuel prices set to rise next week – eNCA

Next week, motorists should anticipate a fuel price increase. Data from the Central Energy Fund indicate that all fuel types, excluding diesel, will increase in price, eNCA reports. The analysis indicates that the price of 93 unleaded will increase by 32 cents per litre, while 95 unleaded will climb by 25 cents per litre. Diesel will be six cents cheaper per litre but paraffin will cost eight cents more. The biggest reason pushing up costs is the cost of Brent crude oil. Read more here

Lewis Hamilton opens up about pain of racial abuse at school – News24

Lewis Hamilton has described his traumatising school history, during which he was pelted with bananas and regularly called the N-word, News24 reports. The seven-time Formula One world champion, who grew up in London, described the racial abuse in the Monday-released On Purpose podcast. Hamilton is the only black driver in F1. He founded Mission 44, which tries to improve the lives of individuals from underrepresented groups, and Ignite, a collaborative venture with his Mercedes team that aims to increase diversity in motor racing. Read more here

Amapiano star Mfana Ka Gogo chats about his plans for life after high school – TimesLIVE

Now that Mfana Ka Gogo has completed matric, he want to focus on his music. TimesLIVE says that the amapiano sensation took to social media to inform his fans of his passing and thank his team for their support while he was making songs and attending school. “What motivated me to finish school was that I had made a decision and committed to finishing school, even if I’m successful in the music industry, so that I have something to fall back on. Most of the time I see a lot of artists depend a lot on music and then things don’t go well. You need to have another option on the side to strike a balance,” he said. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Kusile crisis: Eskom in urgent bid to prevent 220m-tall chimney collapse, restore much-needed megawatts – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Social grant beneficiaries achieve 8.7% matric pass rate increase – TimesLIVE

Headline: Kaizer Chiefs deny wrongdoing in Hadebe transfer after report of Fifa ruling – TimesLIVE

Headline: James Murphy cuts short Kruger safari to answer Blitzboks SOS in Sydney – News24

Headline: Doja Cat Makes Waves With Mind-Bending Paris Fashion Week Look – Huffington Post

Weather: Tuesday’s weather: Warm day as heatwave continues in Gauteng, KZN – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

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