Morning Newsletter

• R Kelly was sentenced to 30 years for racketeering and sex trafficking. 
• To permanently end load shedding, the government must implement alternative measures.
• Kourtney Kardashian is trying to keep Travis Barker in good spirits after his hospitalisation. 

R Kelly sentenced to 30 years in prison on sexual abuse charges – News24

On Wednesday, Robert Sylvester Kelly, formally known as R Kelly, has been sentenced to 30 years on counts of federal racketeering and sex trafficking. The American singer and songwriter used his reputation to lure teenage girls and women into a variety of sexual offenses.

“Kelly’s lawyers had argued he should get no more than 10 years in prison because he had a traumatic childhood involving severe, prolonged childhood sexual abuse, poverty, and violence.”

AFP reports that he’ll presumably be sent to a Chicago prison, where he’ll face child pornography and obstruction charges in August. Read more here 

‘Scrap the damn red tape’: Gordhan, Presidency exploring Eskom emergency plans after Stage 6 – News24 (for subscribers)

Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan and the presidency are seeking alternatives to permanently end load shedding. The administration has failed to react to the seriousness of the electrical supply crisis, even though the DA and energy experts have presented “solutions and proposals” to halt load shedding. According to News24, the administration remains committed to the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) as the answer to the load shedding situation.

“One study, done by Meridian Economics, estimates that if Eskom’s performance continues to deteriorate even modestly and government plans are not revised, load shedding will be four times greater in 2023 compared to 2021, five times more in 2024, and 10 times more in 2026.” Read more here 

How Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian Are Feeling Amid His Hospitalization for Pancreatitis – E! News

Kourtney Kardashian is keeping Travis Barker in good spirits after his hospitalization for pancreatitis following a colonoscopy on Wednesday. The reality star and entrepreneur was there when Barker was admitted to the hospital.

“Kourtney is trying to lift his spirits and hates seeing him in excruciating pain.” Read more here 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ‘Victimised’ public protector office head reinstated with R1.5m back pay – Times Live

Headline: Tavern tragedy a ‘perfect storm of non-compliance and corruption’ – Times Live (for subscribers)

Headline: Goodall hopes Proteas batters can dig deep: ‘We’ll come back fighting’ – News24

Headline: It’s disappointing to be snubbed in your country – Sowetan Live

Headline: Kanye West sued over claim of illegal sample on ‘Donda 2’ – Daily Maverick

Weather: Fire warnings for parts of Northern and Western Cape – News24

Image credit: Getty Images

• Eskom employees will restore power utility to “some level of normality”.
• A 32-year-old patient in Cape Town tested positive for Monkeypox. 
• Travis Barker was taken to the hospital for unspecified reasons.

Gordhan hopes Eskom back to normal on Wednesday, blames intimidation for stage 6 load-shedding – Times Live

Pravin Gordhan has assured South Africans that everything would be done to restore the power to its normalcy. This after Eskom announced load shedding stage 6 on Tuesday.

“Public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan on Tuesday said staff from Eskom will restore the power utility to “some level of normality” after the resolution of an unprotected strike which began on June 22.”

Loss of generation capacity and an unprotected strike by employees are reportedly to blame for Stage 6 load shedding, as reported by Times Live. Read more here 

Second case of monkeypox recorded in SA, this time in Cape Town – Times Live 

On Tuesday, a 32-year-old patient from Cape Town tested positive for Monkeypox in South Africa. This is the second reported case in South Africa.

Minister of Health Joe Phaahla has asked South Africans to adopt hygienic measures comparable to covid-19 norms. “Members of the public, who experience symptoms similar to Monkeypox, are urged to report to their nearest healthcare facility for early detection and successful treatment.” 

The patient has no history of travel. Read more here 

Travis Barker Reportedly Taken To Hospital By Ambulance – Huffington Post

On Tuesday, musician Travis Barker was taken to the hospital. It is not known what his condition is.

TMZ was the first to report that the Blink-182 drummer was seen lying on a stretcher outside of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. His wife, Kourtney Kardashian, is said to have been with him. Read more here 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Enyobeni Tavern owner criminally charged – eNCA

Headline: Stage 6 fiasco: Ratings downgrade may now be on the cards, economists warn – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: WATCH | Light aircraft crash-lands in Cape Town, residents attempt to rob pilot and student – News24

Headline: Serena Williams out of Wimbledon after losing first-round thriller – News24

Headline: North West’s 9th Birthday Features Private Jet & Bloody Tents – E! News

Weather: Heat wave, high temperatures for Northern Cape – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• The mysterious deaths of 21 youngsters has been the subject of much controversy.
• An excessive amount of non-biodegradable face masks are clogging landfills.
• Ex F1 CEO reveals Lewis Hamilton is no longer ‘interested in winning’.

Tavern tragedy: too much blaming, too few answers – Times Live (for subscribers)

The “mysterious deaths of 21 youngsters at an East London tavern” has been the subject of much controversy. While Police Minister Bheki Cele was praised for assembling a forensic team to aid the Police in determining the cause of death, he was also criticized for questioning the deceased’s parenting style.

“A 13-year-old dies at 4am and you are asking where are the police — really? Why was a 13-year-old out at 4am?” 

According to Times Live, many things remain unanswered. Who is responsible for the death of these young adults? Why were minors let inside a tavern? Who is responsible for the venue’s security and where was the tavern’s owner? Who is the distributor for the alcohol and water pipes? 

Unathi Binqose, the spokesperson for the Eastern Cape department of community safety said forensic pathologists believe the death was caused by “inhaling or ingesting” something. 

“It was something they ingested, possibly from the beers they were consuming, or something they inhaled from those hubbly-bubblies that they were smoking,” Read more here 

Don’t dump your face masks just yet – if you must, think of hospitals and construction sites – Business Insider

In South Africa, it is no longer compulsory to wear a face mask indoors. While many have applauded the new regulation, Luke Daniels expresses worry that an excessive volume of non-biodegradable face masks are clogging landfills.

“Face masks, especially the single-use, disposable kind, are littering the planet in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic, with much of the world imposing mandates to limit the spread of Covid-19, some 130 billion disposable masks were being used each month.” Read more here 

Ex F1 CEO makes sensational claim that Lewis Hamilton has stopped trying to win – News24

Lewis Hamilton, the “joint-most successful” Formula 1 driver in history, has lost interest in winning. According to News24, Hamilton was devastated and enraged after losing the 2021 championship in a “controversial manner” in the Abu Dhabi finale. Experts believe this could have contributed to Lewis recent performance. ” His Mercedes car is now clearly less competitive”. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Ramaphosa shoots down MPs’ Phala Phala questions yet again, while ANC stonewalls Parliament on Zondo report – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Who is Buccaneers’ new coach and where’s he from? – Times Live (for subscribers)

Headline: Parents of victims await clarity on EC tavern deaths; owner’s wife apologises – EWN

Headline: Kendall Jenner & Devin Booker’s FLIRTY Reunion After Breakup – E! News

Headline: Britney Spears’ Ex Ordered To Trial On Stalking Charge – Huffington Post

Weather: Cloudy and cool conditions on Tuesday – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

• SA’s first case of monkeypox was detected in a patient. 
• The State Capture Inquiry did not conduct criminal investigations.
• Orlando Pirates set to let go of Mntambo and Nyauza

First case of monkeypox identified in SA – Times Live

On Thursday, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirmed that the first South African tested positive for monkeypox. 

“The patient had not been travelling.”

According to Times Live, the report says that the virus is not easily transmitted and that close physical contact is needed for it to spread. Read more here

Zondo report: Now the ‘criminal investigations’ begin, says NPA – News24

“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says the State Capture Inquiry did not conduct criminal investigations and this would need to happen following the release of its report.”

According to News24, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says that criminal investigations were not done by the State Capture Inquiry. The criminal investigations need to begin now that the report has been published. Read more here 

Pirates confirm two more departures – Kick Off

Orlando Pirates have confirmed parting ways with two players, midfielder Linda Mntambo and defender Ntsikelelo Nyauza.

The team released a statement on Thursday thanking both players for their professionalism, contributions to the success of the team and positive spirit. Read more here 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Zondo VI: The unravelling of the ANC, capture – and 20 questions for Batohi, Lebeya – News24

Headline: Illegal power plant strike in South Africa – Eskom warns power cuts will get worse – MyBroadband

Headline: ‘I feel naked without a mask, it will take some getting used to’: Shoppers get use to face time – News24

Headline: Adele Announces All-Female Bill With Kacey Musgraves, Gabrielle, Mahalia & More for BST Hyde Park Festival – Huffington Post

Headline: Leach says freak Nicholls wicket all part of ‘silly’ cricket – News24

Weather: Persistent rainfall in parts of Western Cape on Friday – News24

Image credit: Getty Images

• Health Minister calls for an end to further Covid-19 restrictions
• Rescue team continues to search for 6-year-old boy from Soweto
• Bill Cosby found guilty of sexual assault in Playboy Mansion

Covid-19: SA set to ditch face masks after more than 2 years, but some experts still have concerns – News24

A leaked memo from Health Minister Joe Phaahla captured everyone’s attention yesterday.

According to News24, in a letter to MECs, Health Minister Joe Phaahla said that the country has “exited” the 5th wave and can now think about getting rid of the Covid-19 regulations like wearing masks indoors and limiting the numbers at gatherings. 

At long last coming to grips with the reality. Effective end of Covid restrictions. Now to work on the collateral economic and other damage of what was self inflicted due to stubbornness of not following the science. pic.twitter.com/Z57XHOVd9k

— Shabir Madhi (@ShabirMadh) June 20, 2022

A former member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) who still advises the government on Covid-19 told News24 that they were worried about masks being taken away completely, especially at health facilities. Read more here

No water for parts of Joburg to help search for 6-year-old Soweto boy who fell down manhole – Times Live

The search continues for six-year-old Khayalethu Magadla who fell down a manhole in Soweto on 12 June. 

According to Times Live, some parts of Johannesburg won’t have water for the next two days to help find a Khayalethu who has been missing for nine days. This will allow the rescue team to further inspect the sewer line for any trace of the body. 

“As a result, Johannesburg Water (JW) has resorted to isolating specific reservoirs and sewer network points between 21 June from 20:00 to 22 June at 08:00.” Read more here

Civil jury finds Bill Cosby sexually assaulted teenager at Playboy Mansion in 1975 – Complex

On Tuesday, a California jury found Bill Cosby guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage girl at the Playboy Mansion in 1975. The girl was only 14 at the time.

“NBC News reports the Los Angeles County jury determined that Cosby intentionally caused harmful sexual contact with Judy Huth, who is now 64, when she was 16 years old. Cosby was 37 years old at the time.”

Complex reports that Huth has been awarded $500,000 in damages. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Zondo report must deliver. We can’t afford a R1bn exercise in futility – Times Live (for subscribers)

Headline: Bok coach merrily swings into URC Final banter: The Stormers players were smiling – News24

Headline: The Phala Phala burglary and Cyril Ramaphosa’s potential tax problem — or not – Daily Maverick

Headline: Twitter Erupts With Opinions After Beyoncé Drops ‘Break My Soul’ After Drake’s New Album – Huffington Post

Headline: Chiefs clean up continues as Rama, Ntiya-Ntiya sent packing – Sowetna Live

Weather: Your weather: Heavy rains, thunderstorms to batter Northern Cape on Wednesday – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• Ankole auction at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm reportedly brought in over R21 million.
• Soweto boy who got lost in manhole resumes search on Monday.
• Max Verstappen wins Canada Grand Prix.

Ankole cattle auction at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm fetches close to R21 million – News24

According to News24, Ramaphosa is the biggest Ankole farmer in South Africa. On Saturday, the Ankole Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa hosted an auction at Ramaphosa’s farm in Limpopo. It is estimated that the auction brought in close to R21 million.

“The money was believed to be earned from the selling of game and cattle,” News24 reported. “The auction on Saturday offered six lots from Ramaphosa’s Ntaba Nyoni Ankole stud, including one bull, three females, and two lots of embryos.”

The most expensive bull was purchased by Yonder Hill Wine Farming CC in Stellenbosch for R1.65 million. Read more here

6km left before the search for the Soweto boy who fell into uncovered manhole is called off for good – Times Live

The six-year-old boy who fell down a manhole while playing with friends in Soweto last Sunday has still not been found. 

“From Monday police divers, rescuers, paramedics and municipal workers have been hard at work trying to find him, but rescue workers believe after so much time, the chances of finding him alive are slim,” reports Alex Patrick for Times Live. 

Footage from inside the sewage system where Khayalethu Magadla is believed to be.
The little boy was playing with friends when he fell into an uncovered manhole at a park in Soweto.
Authorities have worked at the site since Monday.
Video: @RobertMulaudzi pic.twitter.com/qIcBnJ9UdZ

— Alex Sweet Patrick (@IamAlexSweet) June 19, 2022

The rescue team used an underwear camera mounted on a floating boat to view the pipeline inside the sewage system. The search continues at a chamber near Avalon Cemetery today. Read more here

Verstappen holds off Sainz for the win in Canada, celebrating 150th F1 race in style – News24

Max Verstappen of Red Bull beat out Carlos Sainz of Ferrari to win the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday. 

“The 24-year-old Dutch driver took his 26th career win just 0.9 of a second ahead of frustrated Spaniard Sainz, who was able to close the gap thanks to a safety car deployment but whose long wait for a first win continues.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Speak up, Cyril. The people’s patience is running out – Times Live

Headline: Nelson Mandela Bay Day Zero: Another dam set to run dry as levels sit at 8% – News24

Headline: FINA votes to restrict transgender participation in elite women’s competition – Daily Maverick

Headline: Care, love and friendship: The ‘never say die’ attitude that defines the Stormers – News24

Headline: Kim Kardashian And Kanye West Seen Together At North West’s Basketball Game – Elle Magazine

Weather: SA Weather – 20 June 2022 – SABC News 

Image credit: Flickr 

• Limpopo Man Arrested for Assaulting and Pointing a Firearm
• Roadblock lifted on N3 near Van Reenen’s Pass
• Beyoncé will release a new album on 29th July 

‘Just because you have a gun, you are not a God’: Armed man violently assaults teen at Limpopo shop – News24 

In Limpopo, a 50-year-old man was arrested for allegedly assaulting and pointing a firearm at a 16-year-old kid. The event occurred at a food establishment on Wednesday and became viral on Thursday on social media.

According to News24, the argument started over seasoning at the fish and chips outlet. “The 50-year-old allegedly demanded to use the seasoning first, and then an argument ensued,” a bystander said. 

A case was opened for assault with the intent to inflict bodily damage and point a weapon. Read more here

N3 Blockade cleared: Police make several arrests for ‘economic sabotage’ – EWN

EWN reports that the N3 roadblock that created traffic gridlock near Van Reenen’s Pass has already been lifted, and police have announced arrests. 

The article further states four men were arrested for impeding a national route, destroying with the road’s infrastructure, and economic sabotage.

“Earlier on Thursday morning, a number of trucks were abandoned on the national route blocking both directions.” Read more here 

World stop: Beyoncé is coming with a new album next month – Huffington Post

Beyoncé announced that her first solo album in six years, called “Renaissance” is launching on 29 July 2022. 

The album will include 16 songs, and the subtitle “act i” suggests that there may be even more music to come. “Four collectible box sets are now available to purchase on the singer’s website and will include a CD, T-shirt, poster and a 28-page photo booklet promised to start shipping July 29 upon album release.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: FRIDAY BRIEFING | Get the Guptas: Atul and Rajesh are behind bars in Dubai… now to get them back – News24

Headline: ‘We’re not where we are supposed to be today’: Politicians commemorate Youth Day – EWN

Headline: Ripley’s DENIES Kim Kardashian Damaged Marilyn Monroe Dress – E! News

Headline: Proteas keen to wrap up T20 series against India – Sowetan Live

Headline: ‘I am indebted to the fans around the world’ — Master KG toasts to good news – Times Live

Weather: SA Weather – 17 June 2022 – SABC News

Image credit: Getty Images

• Cape Town is on high alert as heavy rains are expected to continue until Wednesday
• Pitso Mosimane has announced his departure from Al Ahly club
• Lizzo changes a lyric in her new song after critique over ableist

Cold front brings heavy rain, wind and localised flooding to Western Cape – Times Live 

The disaster risk management centre (DRMC) has warned that the heavy rains in the Western Cape could cause flooding until Wednesday evening. These floods are caused by the cold front, strong winds and rough seas. 

“Emergency teams have been dispatched. Please switch on your headlights, maintain a safe following distance and drive carefully,” the municipality reported for Times Live. 

According to Times Live, Stellenbosch municipality said that there was flooding on the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, near the Mooiberge Farmstall. Times Live has also reported blocked drains in Langa, Khayelitsha, Ottery, Lwandle, Strandfontein, Crossroads, Philippi and Gugulethu. Read more here

Pitso Mosimane leaves Al Ahly – Times Live

Yesterday, news broke that Al Ahly and Pitso Mosimane reached an agreement to part ways. It is reported that Musi Matlaba, Kyle Solomon, and Kabelo Rangoaga, three of Mosimane’s trusted lieutenants, will leave the club with him.

“Mosimane’s decision was discussed and it was decided to approve his request to part ways with the club and to thank him for his achievements with Ahly.” Read more here

Lizzo Changes Lyric In New Song After Criticism Over Ableist Slur – Huffington Post

Lizzo has changed a line in her new song “Grrrls” after being told it was a slur against people with disabilities. In the first verse of her new single, Lizzo sings, “Do you see this shit? I’ma spaz.”

After numerous people spoke out on social media, Lizzo changed the lyrics. 

“It’s been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my new song,” Lizzo wrote on her latest Instagram post. “Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language. As a fat black woman in America, I’ve had many hurtful words used against me so I understand the power words can have (whether intentionally or in my case, unintentionally).” Read more here

Hey @lizzo my disability Cerebral Palsy is literally classified as Spastic Diplegia (where spasticity refers to unending painful tightness in my legs) your new song makes me pretty angry + sad. ‘Spaz’ doesn’t mean freaked out or crazy. It’s an ableist slur. It’s 2022. Do better.

— Hannah Diviney (@hannah_diviney) June 12, 2022

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Pressure mounts on Ramaphosa as Niehaus also lays criminal complaint against him – EWN

Headline: Pitso’s worth: R2.6m a month – Sowetan Live

Headline: Lawyer disputes Pretoria high court’s jurisdiction over Meyiwa murder case – Times Live

Headline: If only ANC NEC had the mind and feelings of a seven-year-old – Times Live (for subscribers)

Headline: Marilyn Monroe Dress Kim Kardashian Wore at 2022 Met Gala Has Allegedly Been Damaged – Complex

Weather: Your weather: More heavy rain, potential flooding in Western Cape on Tuesday – News24

Image credit: Stellenbosch Municipality, Facebook