Morning Newsletter

Top News of the Day: Charges against Gupta brothers to be finalised | Father who allegedly poisoned 4 children dies

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 13, 2022

Top News of the Day: Charges against Gupta brothers to be finalised | Father who allegedly poisoned 4 children dies

  • The Gupta brothers, who are now in Dubai, may only be extradited if they’ve been charged with or “convicted of an extraditable offense”.
  • Family members confirmed the death of a Ratanda man who allegedly poisoned his four.
  • Twitter is going crazy with rumors that Beyoncé might be dropping new music this month. 

State vs the Guptas: NPA under pressure to file further state capture cases against Rajesh, Atul – News24 (for subscribers)

“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has less than 50 days to formally charge Atul and Rajesh Gupta with further state capture offenses if it wants them to face more than just the R24.9 million Nulane scam prosecution.”

Karyn Maughan writes that South Africa’s extradition agreement with the UAE says that the brothers, who are currently in custody in Dubai, can only be sent back to South Africa if they have been charged with or convicted of a crime that can be sent back to South Africa. Read more here 

Heidelberg man who allegedly poisoned four of his sons, killing three, has died – Times Live

On Friday, the man from Ratanda who allegedly poisoned four of his five children died. The 39-year-old was taken to the hospital last month after he tried to kill himself.

“Several hours earlier, the man had reportedly given his children energy drinks which were believed to have been laced with rat poison.”

According to Times Live, two of the kids died at school, one died on the way to the hospital, and the fourth was taken to the hospital in a very bad way. It is reported that the fifth sibling had turned down the drink. Read more here

Twitter Reacts to Hints That Beyoncé Might Be Dropping New Music On Her Website – Elle Magazine 

Fans are confident Beyoncé has something major planned. On June 10, her social media profile photos vanished. Now, the musician’s Instagram profile picture is a grey figure. 

“Some fans then noticed that on Beyoncé’s website, a funny thing happens when you type in the date, June 11.” According to Elle Magazine, Beyoncé’s picture with the text “Image, B7” appears. Some fans have predicted that Beyonce’s seventh album is coming. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Thomson Reuters puts CaseLines subcontract on hold following news reports – News24 

Headline: FNB consultant accused of stealing R37m from deceased’s account bought fancy cars and gave money to church – Times Live 

Headline: Lewis Hamilton: Toto Wolff says Mercedes driver is doubtful for Canadian GP with back injury as Christian Horner questions complaints – Sky News

Headline: After Mkhwebane suspension, Public Protector’s office chases 30-day deadline for Farmgate report – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Rebel Wilson: SMH denies outing actor as LBGTIQ+ group denounces ‘appalling’ situation – The Guardian

Weather: Monday’s weather: Wind, rain warning issued for Western Cape – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

Top News of the Day: EFF tried to stop President Ramaphosa from delivering address | Treasury withholds disaster relief

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 10, 2022
  • President Ramaphosa’s budget speech descended into chaos
  • Finance Minister says they are not responsible for delayed KZN and EC relief funds
  • Britney Spears marries Sam Asghari

Ramaphosa tells Parliament state being rebuilt, but MPs want answers on farm theft cover-up – News24 

Thursday’s budget speech by President Cyril Ramaphosa was thrown into “chaos by EFF MPs” who said that a criminal shouldn’t be allowed to address them.

Jason Felix reports that all the EFF MPs who were present at the National Assembly were kicked out for making the same points of order over and over again.

When President Ramaphosa finally got to address the MPs, he said that the government would keep going after corrupt people. Ramaphosa also talked about the arrests of the Gupta brothers, Atul and Rajesh, who are accused of corruption, as well as the arrests of former Transnet executives. Read more here 

Cut the red tape, stop the blame game and get the funds to the flood victims – Times Live 

Flood victims in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have waited two months from government officials. Times Live says that President Ramaphosa told people that help is on the way to help with water, housing, and rebuilding communities.

“We will make financial resources available to meet this challenge. The minister of finance has said that R1bn is immediately available.”

But things seem to have changed since then. Last month, finance minister Enoch Godongwana said that the provinces won’t get the money “immediately” and “his department would not take responsibility for the delay in accessing funds”. Read more here (for subscribers) 

Britney Spears And Sam Asghari Are Officially Married After Intimate L.A. Wedding – Elle Magazine 

Britney Spears married Sam Asghari in Los Angeles last night. Page Six reported that the couple got married in a small ceremony in the backyard of Spears’ Thousand Oaks home. According to Elle Magazine, Spears wore a Versace dress in an intimate setting with “60 guests” present. Read more here 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Cyril, talk to us and put the matter to bed – or quit – Times Live (for subscribers)

Headline: REVEALED | ‘Cooperative’ Gupta brothers arrested at their luxurious Dubai home, remain behind bars – News24

Headline: Johnny Depp’s Lawyer Camille Vasquez Calls Out ‘Sexist’ Rumors of Romance With Actor – Complex

Headline: ‘Killer’ Miller teams up with hitman Rassie to sensationally take out India in first T20 – News24

Headline: Vettel questions if Formula 1 still excites Hamilton – Planet F1

Weather: Your weather: Cold front, heavy rains to hit Western Cape this weekend – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing increased pressure to tell the truth | The Springboks are treating Jantjies as innocent

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 9, 2022
  • Deputy President Mabuza Defends Ramaphosa
  •  Jacques Nienaber “We are handling the situation as if Elton is innocent”
  • Queerwell brings awareness to the fight against discrimination of LGBTQ+ individuals

No need for Ramaphosa to resign, David Mabuza tells MPs amid outcry over farm theft – News24 

President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing increased pressure to tell the truth about an alleged cash theft at his game farm in Limpopo. 

But it looks like Deputy President David Mabuza already fully backs President Cyril Ramaphosa. On Wednesday, Mabuza spoke to MPs defending the incumbent President.

“I don’t think we have reached any point that seeks to say the president must step down,” he said. Mabuza further stated that a case has been launched and that South Africa’s institutions will investigate and decide. Read more here 

Springboks backing Elton Jantjies after flight incident: ‘He hasn’t been found guilty of anything’ – Sports24

According to Sports24, Jacques Nienaber, the head coach of the Springboks, said that the team was handling the situation as if Elton Jantjies was “innocent until proven guilty” before any action could be taken.

Accusations are pending against Jantjies for causing deliberate property damage as well as violating the Aviation Act. Read more here

Continue to advocate for LGBTI+ rights this Pride Month, says Queerwell 

Queerwell is a non-profit organization with its headquarters in South Africa that serves the LGBTIQ+ community intending to provide free mental health treatment and support services. 

The NPO has brought attention to the significance of continuing to fight for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals all around the world during Pride Month. Read more here 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: With theft case hanging over his head, Ramaphosa may face rowdy House for budget vote speech – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Oil price expected to rise further – eNCA

Headline: Ria Ledwaba explains why she went to court to try to stop Safa elections – Times Live

Headline: SAFA election date under threat – SABC

Headline: Dwyane Wade Discusses Fears for Daughter Zaya Amid Increasing Anti-Trans Laws – Complex

Weather: Your weather: Cold front expected in Western Cape by Sunday – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Suspect in Ramaphosa burglary paid R1.7 million for flat | Kim Kardashian accused of stealing makeup brand name

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 8, 2022

Ramaphosa farm theft ‘suspects’ went from bumming bus tickets to paying R1.8m cash for flat – News24 (for subscribers) 

It is alleged that one of the burglars suspected of stealing millions of dollars from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm in Limpopo paid R1.775 million in cash for a flat in Bloubergstrand. 

“The flat is in an upmarket development in Table View called the Sandown Lifestyle Center, where properties regularly fetch between R1.5 million and R2 million.”

According to News24, the flat was paid for almost a year after the theft at Phala Phala farm. The article further states that the property is owned by Erkki Shikongo, who was named as one of the burglars in an affidavit given to the police by former spy boss Arthur Fraser.

Hamilton Ndlovu’s opulent empire implodes as he’s ordered to pay back the millions – Daily Maverick 

After flaunting his expensive cars worth R11 million on Twitter, Hamilton Ndlovu soon became the target of The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) back in 2020. 

According to News24, the SIU found that 19 contracts awarded to Ndlovu and his businesses were illegal. The total value of the contracts was R172,742,175.

“The businessman has been ordered to repay R157-million fraudulently acquired through personal protective equipment contracts. In addition, the contracts worth R172-million have been declared unlawful, invalid and set aside.”

UCT beefs up security after mid-exams disrupted – EWN

Earlier this week a group of intruders disrupted an examination session at UCT over insourcing. On UCT’s upper campus, a group of men can be seen on video walking through the exam venue, scattering exam papers as they go. 

“The lack of insourcing of casual workers who’ve been working for the university for years means they don’t [have the] benefits of their sweat, like other workers,” the spokesperson for UCT said. 

Times Live says that UCT has since called in the SAPS and will charge the intruders who broke in with trespassing and property damage.

Kim K causes stir once again as she announces launch of SKKN care line – Times Live

SKKN, Kim Kardashian’s latest skincare line, was introduced on Instagram last week. There has been a mixture of joy and criticism at the announcement. “Dissatisfied users took to social media to call out the reality star for the theft, urging her to rebrand her products.” 

Social media users claim that Kim K stole the brand name from Lori Harvey, the creator of SKN.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Justice dept confirms arrests of ‘fugitives’ Rajesh and Atul Gupta – but no word on extradition yet – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Senzo Meyiwa Trial | Mosia accused of tampering with evidence – SABC News

Headline: ‘Life With Kelly Khumalo’ season 3 drops amid Senzo Meyiwa trial – EWN 

Headline: There’s one IPL innovation Proteas’ Dwaine Pretorius would love to see at the highest level – News24

Headline: Disqualified Safa election candidate Nomsa Mahlangu: ‘I expected this’ – Times Live 

Weather: Wednesday’s weather: Northern Cape at risk of fires in several municipalities – News24 

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Gupta Brothers arrested in UAE | Jerusalema Creates History as Highest-Earned Gold Status Song

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 7, 2022

On Monday evening, News24 reported that Rajesh and Atul Gupta had been arrested for money laundering and fraud in Dubai.

Shortly after News24 published the story, the minister of Justice and Correctional Services released a statement on Twitter confirming the Gupta arrest.

“The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services confirms that it has received information from law enforcement authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that fugitives of justice, namely, Rajesh and Atul Gupta have been arrested. Discussions between various law enforcement agencies in the UAE and South Africa on the way forward are ongoing. The South African government will continue to cooperate with the UAE.”

According to the Daily Maverick, it is unclear why Ajay, the last Gupta brother doesn’t seem to have been arrested yet.

Meanwhile, in local entertainment news, hitmaker Nomcebo Zikode announced that the single Jerusalema has become the “highest earning gold status song in Mzansi”.

The singer wrote about her musical journey on her Instagram page after the song she wrote and sang went viral and became a worldwide hit in 2020.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Rajesh and Atul Gupta arrested in Dubai – but don’t expect them in SA too soon – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Nomcebo happy ‘Jerusalema’ reached the highest earning status, despite the drama – Times Live 

Headline: Senzo Meyiwa trial: Defence claims woman was seen cleaning house after shooting – News24

Headline: Boris Johnson survives motion of no confidence – News24

Headline: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Release 1st Birthday Photo Of Lili — And She Has Dad’s Hair – Huffington Post

Headline: Goodall steers Proteas to comfortably win, levels T20 series in Dublin – News24

Headline: Nadya Karpova: The Russia striker speaking out against war in Ukraine – BBC

Headline: Comair grounding: Here’s why other airlines won’t be able to plug the gap any time soon – Business Insider

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Ramaphosa ” I’ve not stolen taxpayers’ money’ | Michael B. Jordan and Lori Harvey have broken up

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 6, 2022

In February 2020, thieves broke into a house on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm near Bela-Bela in Limpopo and stole an “undisclosed” amount of cash.

According to News24, Ramaphosa’s spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, said that as far as he knows the head of Ramaphosa’s police protection unit, Major-General Wally Rhoode, did not report the burglary. He also said that he could not explain or discuss why Rhoode did not report the crime.

“All these issues will be ventilated in proper and appropriate forums. What we know is that he [Rhoode] conducted his own investigation and it ended there. Those are some of the issues that investigations will have to deal with,” said Magwenya. 

Cyril Ramaphosa swore that he has never stolen money from taxpayers.

According to food manufacturers and retailers, groccery prices are expected to go up even more in the coming months. This will hurt consumers who are already facing a high cost of living.

“The pain will be felt across the board, as the cost of groceries in South Africa — be it meat, bread, pasta or cooking oil — will go up, some by double digits.”

According to the Daily Maverick, Tiger Brands, the largest food manufacturer in South Africa, revealed that basic groccery prices will “go through the roof” in the next six months.

Tiger Brands predicts inflation for bread, maize meal, and baking flour (sensitive to volatile commodities like wheat and grains) will increase by 15 to 20%. “For context, inflation for these food categories, mainly bread and cereals, was measured at 4.8% in April, according to the latest figures from Statistics South Africa.”

Meanwhile, the Fenty launch took place at the Saxon Hotel in Sandton on Thursday evening in entertainment news. Fenty, owned by pop star and businesswomen, Rihanna “is viewed as an overall game-changer for the global beauty and skin industry”. Makeup fans from all over South Africa got together in Sandton for a master class on skin and beauty products.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Ramaphosa burglary: Head of SAPS protection unit did not open case after ‘millions’ of dollars stolen – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Michael B. Jordan & Lori Harvey SPLIT After 1 Year of Dating – E! News

Headline: Afrikaans quiz on South Africa travellers sparked outrage this week – SABC News

Headline: Water woes in KZN — Umgeni Water gives us a rundown – Times Live

Headline: OBITUARY | Long John Berks: mensch, change-maker, SA radio legend – Times Live (for subscribers) 

Headline: Sub Mohamed upstages Liverpool stars with late Egypt winner – EWN 

Headline: SA Rugby responds to Rassie’s hacked account: ‘He no longer has access’ – News24

Headline: Shakira denies she went to hospital after spilt – Citizen 

Image credit: Pixabay

Top News of the Day: “Corruption runs deep in the ANC” | Inside Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson’s relationship

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 3, 2022

Many South Africans may be shocked by the news that President Cyril Ramaphosa may have engaged in “criminal behaviour” this week. 

According to EWN, this case has political ramifications. John Perlman discussed the ramifications with Xubera Institute for Research and Development political expert Xolani Dube. 

Listen to the interview with Dube here: https://omny.fm/shows/afternoon-drive-702/analysis-why-are-we-shocked-that-ramaphosa-might-s

ANC corruption and criminality go deep, according to Dube, and we need to be vigilant of what we hear from the government and the African National Congress (ANC).

“He also stated that the cause of this issue did not come from a single person but the entire institution and that no one who came out of the institution was likely to be any different to what we have seen.”

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, Kim Kardashian reveals that she “made the first move in her relationship with Pete Davidson”.

According to News24, in the latest episode of The Kardashians on Hulu, Kim finally told what happened after she and Pete met in October 2021, when she hosted Saturday Night Live.

“I did SNL, and when we kissed in-scene, it was just a vibe,” Kim said in a confession. 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Why are South Africans shocked by claims of criminal conduct by Cyril Ramaphosa? – EWN 

Headline: Kim Kardashian was ‘DTF’ after SNL kiss with Pete Davidson – News24

Headline: Durban residents challenge UPL: ‘Stop ignoring us. We are not legal ghosts’ – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Queen Elizabeth to miss thanksgiving service due to mobility ‘discomfort’ – News24

Headline: Mmodi keen to join Amakhosi – Sowetan Live

Headline: Red Bull won’t cut more jobs to stay under the budget cap, citing a ‘superfluous situation’ – News24

Headline: Kelly Khumalo working on new ‘December hit’ – News24

Headline: Me Too Founder Tarana Burke Reacts To Depp-Heard Trial Verdict – Huffington Post 

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Witness Claims Kelly Khumalo ‘Accidentally Shot’ Senzo Meyi | Local flight prices are increasing at an alarming rate

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 2, 2022

“A witness due to testify in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial will allege that the footballer was shot by mistake by his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo, the high court in Pretoria heard on Wednesday.”

According to Times Live, Malesela Teffo, a lawyer for the defense, said that the same witness says Longwe Twala brought the revolver that Khumalo used to shoot Senzo in the home of Khumalo’s mother.

Teffo further stated that the “witness would also allege that removing Meyiwa from the crime scene [the house] by taking him to the hospital was intended to conceal the circumstances in which he had been shot.”

Meanwhile, in other local news, Comair suspended all Kulula and British Airways flights because it didn’t have “enough money”. 

Since then, fares on other airlines have gone up sharply for flights in the next week, especially for people who need to fly before the weekend. According to Business insider, some airlines are extending these price hikes into next week. Since Comair’s announcement, SAA’s midweek flights from Johannesburg to Durban have gone up by 69 percent.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Johnny Depp wins defamation lawsuit – News24

Headline: ‘Kelly Khumalo shot Senzo Meyiwa by mistake’, witness will say: advocate Teffo – Times Live 

Headline: Flying around SA just got more expensive – thanks to the grounding of Kulula and BA, again – Business Insider 

Headline: Ukraine beat Scotland to keep World Cup dream alive – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Jury hears Bill Cosby sexual assault claims as new civil case begins – EWN 

Headline: PSL awards show only Shalulile has been consistent – Sowetan Live

Headline: Messi stars as Argentina beat Italy in Finalissima – EWN

Headline: The poor’s winter of discontent: We are heading for a meltdown – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

Top News of the Day: Stellenbosch University in hot water over commitment to transformation | BTS Radio breaks Apple Music record

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 1, 2022

In its investigation into two allegedly racist occurrences that occurred at Stellenbosch University, the Human Rights Commission has given the university until June 3 to deliver its findings.

It has been verified by Commissioner André Gaum that one of the incidences includes Babalo Ndwayana, who videotaped Theuns du Toit urinating on his possessions. The event was captured by Babalo Ndwayana.

According to eNCA, following a recent protest, student leaders are upset because the educational establishment has not complied with all of the students’ requests.”Stellenbosch University wasn’t available for comment on its probe into the urinating incident.”

The Stellenbosch University investigation into the urinating event is still ongoing, and the university declined to comment on its findings.

“Management says it will establish a hotline for students to report any discrimination or wrongdoing at the institution.”

Meanwhile, in the world of entertainment, BTS’s new weekly limited series for Apple Music came out on May 28. In just a few days, the show has already broken records.

According to Complex, Apple Music said on Twitter on Tuesday that the group “broke the record for the biggest show of the year with their debut episode of #BTSRadio on Apple Music 1.”

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Student leaders at Stellenbosch University not happy – eNCA

Headline: Urination incident: Questions raised about Stellenbosch University’s commitment to its transformation project – Daily Maverick

Headline: ‘BTS Radio’ Breaks Record for Biggest Show of 2022 on Apple Music – Billboard

Headline: Comair apologises to customers, says it did everything to avoid flight suspensions – Times Live

Headline: As petrol breaches R24/litre, red-hot oil price spells more pain – News24

Headline: Andile Ncube Details How He Scouted Bonang To Co-Host ‘Live’ With Him – OkMzansi

Headline: Ncikazi shoulders the blame for Pirates’ poor season – Sowetan Live

Headline: Rafael Nadal’s dominance on clay continues with epic French Open win over Novak Djokovic – The Guardian 

Image credit: Pexels

Top News of the Day: Tongaat without water for 50 days | Trevor Noah: “We’re at the French open, watching tennis live”

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / May 31, 2022

The aftermath of the floods continues to be a challenge for the communities around Durban. Many people still lack access to even the most basic services, like clean water. 

Residents of Tongaat vented their anger by blocking the roads and participating in a protest over the lack of access to water for more than 50 days. 

“Local residents blocked Watson Highway, burning trees and tyres, and demanding immediate action from government officials.”

They are making accusations of inadequate service delivery and neglect against the government.

“The community of largely elderly residents said they received little to no help from authorities even though they are well aware that their taps are dry. The area was hit the hardest by the floods.”

Watch highlights from the protest here: 

Meanwhile, in the world of entertainment, Trevor Noah, Khaya Dlanga, Ze Nxumalo, and Xolisa Dyeshana enjoyed a wonderful day together in Paris. The group of friends spent the day watching the French Open match. 

“What a wonderful journey it’s been and continues to be,” Trevor wrote on Instagram. “When we met 14 years ago, one of us had no car, half of us had never left the country, and we all used to watch tennis on TV. Now we’re at the French open, watching tennis live and discussing how to get our friend a car.”

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline:  ‘The City does not care’ – Durban residents protest after almost 50 days without tap water – News24

Headline: Trevor Noah catches up with his South African buddies in Paris – News24 

Headline: Cost Of Living | AA sceptical about call to scrap fuel levy – eNCA

Headline: What it will take to keep Eskom going – Business Tech

Headline: Moutaraji strikes twice as Wydad become African Champions El – EWN

Headline: Cardoso wants to stay at Chiefs but future is unclear – Sowetan Live

Headline: Stranger Things S4: Volume 1 – News24

Headline: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Daughter Simone Responds to Backlash Over Her WWE Name – Complex

Image credit: Pixabay

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