Morning Newsletter

Top News of the Day: South Africa’s fuel woes | The best dressed celebrities at the 2022 amfAR Gala

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / May 30, 2022

The National Treasury and the department of mineral resources and energy met over the weekend to talk about what could be done about high fuel prices, which could hurt SA’s already fragile economy.

Thuletho Zwane, an economics writer for Business Day writes that the National Treasury and mineral resources & energy department would unveil the plan this week.

“Everyone understands that an increase in petrol prices is a blunt instrument — it cuts across food prices. It is just really going to raise the cost of living in the economy and therefore something must be done,” said Finance minister Enoch Godongwana. 

Zwana further stated that this year has been rough, with supply and demand imbalances made worse by geopolitical tensions, rising inflation, and slowing economic growth in the face of limited fiscal space.

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, the 75th Cannes Film Festival began on May 17 to showcase upcoming films and award prominent stars and actors. The invite-only event invites celebrities and actors to Cannes, France. The event continued through to 28th May. 

See some of the best dressed celebrities here: https://www.essence.com/celebrity/best-dressed-celebrities-2022-amfar-gala/

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Something must be done, says Godongwana ahead of news on fuel price relief – Business Day (for subscribers)

Headline: EXCLUSIVE | Eskom’s De Ruyter threatened to quit three months into the job: ‘Either he goes, or I go’ – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: The storm ain’t over: logistics legal head warns of financial fallout from KZN floods – News24

Headline: Blitzboks return to top of Sevens Series log, set up blockbuster finale – News24

Headline: ‘Until next time,’ says Trevor Noah after his successful ‘Back to Abnormal’ world tour – African Insider

Headline: ‘We win together’ — Cassper Nyovest reflects on 20-year friendship with Carpo – Times Live

Headline: Furious Charles Leclerc hits out at Ferrari after Monaco howler: ‘We cannot do that’ – News24

Headline: Shalulile scoops top accolades as Mamelodi Sundowns make clean sweep at PSL awards – Goal

Image credit: Pixabay

Top News of the Day: Food prices to “go through the roof” | Fenty has launched in South Africa

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / May 27, 2022

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: Food prices will ‘go through the roof’, Tiger Brands warns consumers – Daily Maverick 

Headline: The wait is over: Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, Skin lands in South Africa – EWN 

Headline: Zondo’s office defends Maya as it denies delays in Zuma appeals are deliberate – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Father of three siblings who died at school after drinking ‘energy drink’ he gave them found unconscious – Times Live

Headline: Netflix Adds Content Warning to ‘Stranger Things 4’ in Wake of Texas School Shooting – Complex

Headline: Ray Liotta Dead at 67: Stars Pay Tribute – E! News

Headline: ‘Only a matter of time before Downs conquer CAF again’ – Sowetan Live

Headline: Zwane a wise choice by Chiefs but rocky road lies ahead – Sowetan Live

Image credit: Pixabay

 

Top News of the Day: NPA arrests Gupta allies | Gun Violence in the USA is “staggering”

Morning Newsletter / May 26, 2022

As members of the Gupta family and a government official were handcuffed and taken to court on Wednesday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said there would be more arrests in the future. The NPA ” has promised there will be more to come as it works to bring perpetrators of state capture to book”. 

According to News24, Ronica Ragavan, a member of the controversial Gupta family, and two other people with ties to the family were arrested on Wednesday. They appeared in court on charges of fraud and money laundering “in relation to the rehabilitation funds of the Optimum and Koornfontein coal mines.”

The three were charged with fraud and money laundering.

“The Investigating Directorate, working with the support of the Hawks, is committed to ensuring that those responsible for corruption and facilitating state capture are held criminally accountable and that it will work steadfastly to claw back stolen funds back to the fiscus,” said said the NPA’s Investigating Directorate (ID).

The state did not object to bail, so Ragavan and Govender were each given an R20,000 bail and set free.

Meanwhile, in international news, more than 17,000 people, including 650 children, have been shot and killed in the United States in just the first five months of 2022.

“The toll of gun violence in America is staggering, according to figures compiled by organisations pushing for stricter regulation of firearms sales.”

The Gun Violence Archive says that there have been 213 known mass shootings in the United States in the first 145 days of 2022. 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: NPA promises more to come as Gupta allies are cuffed – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: US gun violence 17000 killed in the last five months alone – EWN 

Headline: South Africans – rich and poor – are eating less bread, the maker of Albany says – Business Insider

Headline: Here’s how much more Joburgers will pay for municipal services from July — and how the city budget will be spent – Times Live 

Headline: ‘They saw me crying, I said Jamie is gone’ — Jamie Bartlett’s partner picking up the pieces after star’s death – Times Live (for subscribers) 

Headline: Kwaito meets amapiano on Spikiri’s new song – Sowetan Live 

Headline: Ambitious Truter wants to help Usuthu challenge Downs – Sowetan Live

Headline: Jose Mourinho: ‘A serial winner who has brought Roma to life’ – BBC

Image credit: Pixabay

Top News of the Day: South Africa gets its first Home Affairs branch in retail malls | Caitlyn “We don’t need another rapper in the family”

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / May 25, 2022

Aaron Motsoaledi, the minister of Home Affairs proposed a complete redesign of his department’s procedures to reduce lengthy lines, including plans to open branches in retail malls.

According to Business Insider, Motsoaledi added that although his department is developing new branches, “Home Affairs outlets” in shopping malls would give ‘instant relief’ in high-traffic locations.

He further stated that Home Affairs offices in malls will eliminate lines in extreme weather. Consequently, shopping malls will provide secure, easy parking, he added.

“Motsoaledi confirmed that discussions are already underway with the following shopping malls around the country”.

  • Menlyn Mall in Tshwane
  • Cresta Mall in Johannesburg
  • Southgate Mall in Johannesburg
  • The Pavillion in eThekwini
  • Tygervalley Mall in Cape Town

Motsoaledi added that the first Home Affairs mall outlet will be ready in Pretoria’s Menlyn Mall by September and then they’ll “roll out” the service to the rest of the provinces.

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, Caitlyn Jenner discussed Kim Kardashian’s ex-husband Kanye West and current boyfriend Pete Davidson on The Pivot Podcast.

“Actually, I’m really into Pete right now with Kim,” Jenner said. “We have a comedian in the family. Yay! We don’t need more rappers. We need a comedian in the family.”

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: The shopping malls where you’ll soon be able get your Smart ID or passport in South Africa – Business Insider

Headline: Parents fuming after ‘elitist’ behaviour blights Bishops-Wynberg schools’ rugby match – News24

Headline: Caitlyn Jenner Says Kanye West Was ‘Very Difficult to Live With’ During Marriage to Kim Kardashian – Billboard

Headline: ‘I’ve closed my laundry business. Thank you, Eskom’: The impact of blackouts on one small business – Business Insider

Headline: Government not yet on safe ground from debt crisis – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Lorde Calls Kendrick Lamar ‘The Most Popular and Influential Artist in Modern Music’ – Billboard

Headline: Ndlovu optimistic Gallants can beat Sundowns – Sowetan Live

Headline: Chelsea sale completed after Roman Abramovich agrees to government terms – The Guardian 

Image credit: Flickr

Top News of the Day: Jamie Bartlett dies at age 55 | First Nersa project approved

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / May 24, 2022

On Monday evening, award-winning actor Jamie Bartlett passed away at the age of 55 years. Details about Bartlett’s death are unknown at this stage.

“We’ve had confirmation from a close family member that Jamie has passed,” reported Times Live. “We will have more information in the morning.”

The actor was well known for his role as “The Don” or “David Genaro” on the soap opera Rhythm City. According to Times Live, his husky voice and deathly stare were praised for making people feel scared. He left the show after playing the part for more than a decade.

Meanwhile, in other local news, the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) authorized its first private 100MW power-generation project.

“Renewable energy provider SOLA Group and titanium dioxide and inorganic chemicals producer Tronox Mineral Sands are working together to create the solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in North West.”

According to Times Live, PV converts solar energy into electricity and the additional 100MW will assist Eskom meet the country’s electricity needs.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Rhythm City actor Jamie Bartlett has died, aged 55 – Times Live 

Headline: Light at the end of the tunnel as first 100MW private supplier gets go-ahead – Times Live (for subscribers) 

Headline: No monkeypox cases detected in SA, but more than 140 cases reported in 15 countries – News24

Headline: Eskom vs municipalities that owe billions: ConCourt to rule on ‘human catastrophe’ – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Shalulile falls just short of record as Sundowns win last tie – Sowetan Live

Headline: Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Real Madrid want £50m Sterling after Mbappe snub – Goal 

Headline: Kravis’ 3rd Wedding, Kendall vs. Stairs & Kourtney’s Garter – E! News

Headline: Black Entertainers Lead TIME’s 2022 100 Most Influential List – Essence

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: KZN floods wreak havoc | Kourtney Kardashian & Travis Barker remarry in Italy

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / May 23, 2022

Following the “heavy downpours” and floods in KwaZulu-Natal, three dead have been found, and hundreds more people have been evacuated over the weekend.

According to News24, Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said that the municipality has not received a thorough assessment on the effects of the recent severe rains, but reports paint “a worrying picture”.

“Relief interventions are ongoing to ensure that all community halls with displaced people are receiving adequate relief assistance, social support services, and medical assistance. In the event flood-prone areas need to evacuate people due to rising water levels, the open halls will be able to accommodate them,” he said.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) continues to issue a Level 10 warning, and disaster management teams and emergency services personnel are on high alert.

In entertainment news, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker remarried in Italy on Sunday. “Surrounded by family and friends, the Poosh founder and Blink-182 drummer exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony at the seaside estate of fashion icons Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana,” TMZ reports.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Hundreds evacuated as KZN floods wreak havoc while 3 bodies, 2 with ‘gunshot wounds’, found near river – News24

Headline: ‘No attempt to disguise’ latest incident of sabotage at Eskom power station as another cable is cut – News24

Headline: Call to hold Stellenbosch University accountable after urination incident – eNCA

Headline: Kourtney Kardashian & Travis Barker Marry (Again) at Stunning Italian Wedding Ceremony: ‘Happily Ever After’ – Billboard

Headline: Stellenbosch University postpones exams by a week – News24

Headline: Hamilton reflects on what might have been in stunning drive – EWN 

Headline: Man City win Premier League title after epic fightback – EWN  

Headline: Johnny Depp Does Famous Jack Sparrow Voice For Fans Outside Of Trial In Viral Video – Huffington Post 

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Ramaphosa’s message to Black Businesses | Kanye West rocks a firetruck to drop off his kids

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / May 20, 2022

On Thursday evening, the incumbent President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the Black Business Council at the annual summit dinner in Midrand, Gauteng. Ramaphosa made emphasis on the “economic downhill” since 2008 and “defended government’s efforts to eradicate poverty, unemployment and inequality”.

“It isn’t true we have nothing to show after 28 years. It cannot be true. I refuse,” said Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa further stated that the ANC has been attempting to generate employment on a continuous basis. “We have barely been creating 300,000 jobs a year. Job entrants have been coming in at 500,000 or 750,000 every year and it is no wonder we have such a high unemployment rate today.”

According to Ramaphosa, the high rate of unemployment is due to deindustrialisation and the “structure of the economy”.

While Covid-19 has posed more challenges to an already fragile economy, Ramaposa ensured delegates at the summit that government will place more effort on job creation and inclusive growth.

“Black people today have greater opportunities. We have used instruments like preferential procurement, employment equity and broad-based black economic empowerment to begin to correct the huge distortions in our economy.”

In entertainment news, the latest episode of Hulu shows Kanye West surprising his kids by taking them to school in an over-the-top fire truck. While Kanye made sure to give himself some credit for coming up with such an outrageous surprise while his family took turns trying on fire helmets and sitting in the driver’s seat of the fire truck.

“North West, 8, alongside 6-year-old Saint, 4-year-old Chicago, and 3-year-old Psalm are seen walking out of the house to discover a red fire truck brought in courtesy of the Hollywood Fire Department.”

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ‘It isn’t true we have nothing to show after 28 years’, says Ramaphosa – Times Live

Headline: Chuckling Ramaphosa says he advised a panicked Nathi Mthethwa to ‘cancel that (flag) thing’ – Times Live

Headline: Beyond the ANC: South Africans need to start thinking about what comes next – News24

Headline: Watch Kanye West Take His Kids to School in a Fire Truck – Complex

Headline: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcome first child – News24

Headline: Climate change: We are wedded to our own suicide – Mail & Guardian 

Headline: Key battles that could decide Confed Cup final – Sowetan Live

Headline: Everton 3-2 Crystal Palace: Lampard calls survival a special night in club’s history – BBC

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Fathers of Stellenbosch University students plan “reconciliation talks” | Nick Cannon is considering a vasectomy

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / May 19, 2022

The fathers of the Stellenbosch University students have decided to meet up for “Reconciliation talks” after an alleged racially motivated incident where Theuns du Toit urinated on Babalo Ndwayana’s belongings took place on Sunday. 

Rudi du Toit, a wine farmer from Worcester, said “call it reconciliation” but “there are definitely going to be talks”. According to News24, a date has not been confirmed yet.

“The incident ripped the scab off the festering wounds of racial discrimination on the campus and immediately set off cries of outrage at the treatment of a black student by a white student. Thousands of petitioners have called on the university to expel Du Toit.”

According to Mkuseli Kaduka, du Toit showed “remorse” and said that the lack of contact was due to the fact that he was afraid and speechless about what he would say since he “did not raise him [Theuns] like that.”

The University of Stellenbosch has since released a statement saying that the disciplinary hearing will take place on Friday. Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande, expects a report from the institution thereafter.

Theuns du Toit was suspended until Friday’s disciplinary hearing. 

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, Nick Cannon is considering a vasectomy with his eigth child on the way. Cannon said that being a father gave him “a sense of purpose”, but he also said that after he and his girlfriend, Bre Tiesi, have their first child together later this year, that will be it for him.

“Cannon shares 11-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe with ex-wife Mariah Carey; 5-year-old son Golden and 1-year-old daughter Powerful with Brittany Bell; as well as 11-month-old twins Zion and Zillion with Abby De La Rosa. He and Alyssa Scott welcomed a baby boy, Zen, in 2021, who tragically died from brain cancer just five months after his birth.”

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ‘Call it reconciliation’ – fathers of Stellenbosch students in urination row agree to meet face-to-face – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Government, don’t add fuel to SA’s burning embers of discontent – Times Live

Headline: R22-million flag project to be reviewed – eNCA

Headline: Nick Cannon Considering Vasectomy With Eighth Child on the Way: ‘I Ain’t Looking to Populate the Earth Completely’ – Complex

Headline: Selena Gomez Teams Up With Dr. Jill Biden for Inaugural Mental Health Youth Action Forum: Watch – Billboard

Headline: World hunger levels ‘at a new high’, UN chief says, as 22 million tonnes of grain are stuck in Ukraine – Sky News

Headline: Shandu explains why he excels in Confed, but struggles domestically – Sowetan Live

Headline: Giovanni van Bronckhorst: Rangers’ Europa League final defeat ‘will hurt a lot’ – BBC

Image credit: Flickr

Top News of the Day: “Expulsion is not enough” says Stellebosch student | Heard denies assaulting Depp

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / May 18, 2022

The angry father of a Stellenbosch University student who was allegedly the victim of racism at the university says he is glad his son, Babalo Ndwayana, filmed the incident to show that racism is still a problem at Stellenbosch University.

“This incident clearly highlights deep-rooted racism at that institution,” Kaduka told Malibongwe Dayimani for News24.

According to News24, Mkuseli Kaduka, the father of 20-year-old Babalo Ndwayana, wants Theuns du Toit, the student who peed on his son’s desk, laptop, and school materials to be expelled.

In a separate article for EWN, Kevin Brandt writes that first-year Agricultural Business Management student Ndwayana also wants the intruder, Theuns du Toit to be expelled. Du Toit is a first-year law student at the University of Stellenbosch.

“I’m still traumatised and I feel like he took my dignity and violated my rights,” says Ndwayana. 

Ndwayana wants du Toit to be expelled “so others can know that racism is not accepted”.

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, Johnny Depp’s lawyers tried to portray Amber Heard as the aggressor in their turbulent relationship.

According to EWN, Heard, 36, denied inciting violence between the years 2015-2017 during cross-examination. “I never assaulted Mr. Depp or anyone else that I had been romantically linked to,” says Heard. 

“Depp, during his four days on the witness stand, denied ever striking Heard and claimed that she was the one who was frequently violent.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Stellenbosch University sponsors flight home for student, outraged father says expulsion is not enough – News24

Headline: Stellenbosch University student opens criminal case over urinating incident – EWN 

Headline: Govt refutes claims that it is withholding KwaZulu-Natal flood relief funds – News24

Headline: DStv Disney+ bundle deals launched – MyBroadband

Headline: Parliament calls for urgency in resolving matter of SA rugby boss Jurie Roux – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Depp lawyers wrap up cross-examination of Amber Heard – EWN

Headline: ‘Not likely but possible’ – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on title hopes – BBC

Headline: All eyes on Tiger’s comeback and Jordan Slam quest at PGA – EWN 

Image credit: Flickr

Top News of the Day: Racist incident at Stellenbosch is a “vulgar display of power and supremacy” | Kourney and Travis tie the knot

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / May 17, 2022

Stellenbosh University is investigating the alleged racist incident that took place over the weekend. A white student entered Babalo Ndwayana’s room and urinated all over his belongings.

The intruder has since apologized for this behaviour. “I know what I did was wrong and I just want to apologise. Sorry guys,” he said.

“But his regret was not enough. On Monday, dozens of students gathered outside the residence, demanding answers and severe repercussions.”

The University of Stellenbosh has suspended the student.

“Expulsion and/or criminal charges are not excluded from the possible available options, based on the investigation’s findings,” the statement read, referring to the incident as “destructive, hurtful and racist”

Adriaan Basson, the editor-in-chief for News24 comments on the matter saying that it is “a vulgar display of power and supremacy”.

“I am not an expert in psychology, but you don’t have to be to understand the symbolism of urinating on someone or something or making someone drink your urine. It is the ultimate, vulgar display of power and supremacy.”

Basson further states that when asking black students about diversity and inclusion at the University of Stellenbosch, many have reported that even though “old, abusive traditions and cultures of initiation” have ended, “nothing has changed over the past 20 years”.

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, People and TMZ reported that Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker got married in Santa Barbara, California, with just a few close friends and family members there. The couple then made it official on Instagram.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Stellenbosch University student says he will forgive suspended fellow Matie who urinated on his belongings – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: FIRST TAKE | Allegedly racist urination video a wake-up call for Stellenbosch University – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Zuma corruption trial to resume – eNCA

Headline: Russia-Ukraine war: bloodiest battle ends as Ukrainian fighters evacuated from Mariupol steel plant – The Guardian

Headline: History against Bucs as they enter CAF final – Sowetan Live

Headline: Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal: Mikel Arteta says Newcastle deserved win ‘by a mile’ – BBC

Headline: Kourtney Kardashian & Travis Barker Are Officially Married: ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ – Billboard

Headline: Jerry Bruckheimer Says It’s Unlikely Johnny Depp Will Play Captain Jack Sparrow Again – Complex

Image credit: Flickr

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