Morning Newsletter

• Eskom load-shedding schedule update.
• Beyoncé has returned to the stage for her first headline show in almost 5 years. 
• Arsenal on top of the Premier League after a dramatic 3-2 win. 

Load-shedding levels worsen overnight – TimesLIVE

Monday, load-shedding will be implemented at stage 3 until 4 p.m., then at stage 4 until 5 a.m., according to Eskom. This is owing to the overnight shutdown of two generating units at the Tutuka power station, as well as the delayed return to operation of a unit at the Arnot power station, which further reduces available capacity, TimesLIVE reports. Eskom has warned South Africans to expect permanent load-shedding between stages 2 and 3 for the next two years so that it can fix maintenance issues. Read more here

Beyoncé Performs With Daughter Blue Ivy In Dazzling Dubai Comeback Gig – Huffington Post

Beyoncé returned to the stage Saturday night for her first headlining performance in nearly four years, appearing at a private hotel launch event in Dubai. The music icon was rumoured to have been paid $24 million for the exclusive concert at the unveiling of Atlantis The Royal, the world’s most luxurious resort. At one point, the singer was joined on stage by her 11-year-old daughter Blue Ivy for a duet of Brown Skin Girl from the 2019 album The Lion King: The Gift. Read more here

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A post shared by Atlantis The Royal (@atlantistheroyal)

Arsenal beat Man United to open 5-point lead and make huge title statement – News24

On Sunday, Arsenal made a resounding statement about their Premier League title aspirations by coming from behind to defeat Manchester United 3-2, News24 reports. Eddie Nketiah scored the game-winning goal in the 90th minute of a thrilling match, sparking wild celebrations as Mikel Arteta’s team regained a five-point advantage at the top of the league. “It doesn’t get much better than that,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “The second half especially, the performance was incredible.” Read more here

Time to relive it all again, Gooners 🤩 pic.twitter.com/xzVHCJJMz1

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 22, 2023

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Ramaphosa asks Eskom to halt 18.65% power tariff hike – News24

Headline: Joburg residents urged to use water sparingly – eNCA

Headline: Chiefs could easily have won 4-1, says Zwane after Sundowns loss – TimesLIVE

Headline: 5 out of 5 qualifiers: Who the SA franchises will play in the European knockouts – News24

Headline: Risk of Stage 8 load shedding receding Eskom CEO de Ruyter – EWN

Weather: South Africa Weather Service

Image credit: Pixabay

• Matric pass rate increases, but dropout and failure remain a concern.
• Kaizer Chiefs sign two foreign players to boost squad.
• Ntsiki Mazwai apologises for controversial tweet.

Matric pass rate of 80.1% – but 400 000 pupils lost in school system – News24 (for subscribers)

According to data presented by the director-general of the Department of Basic Education, Hubert Mathanzima Mweli, approximately 420 000 children who began Grade 1 in 2011 did not take the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams in 2022.

According to News24, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced that the matric class of 2022 achieved an overall pass rate of 80.1%, an increase of 3.7 percentage points over the previous year.

Professor Nuraan Davids, head of the department of education policy studies at Stellenbosch University, expressed concern regarding the lack of focus on the number of students who drop out of school.

“We have to ask how many pupils get lost along the way. It can be as much as 50% at some schools. This is often under-reported and there’s no net to catch those learners,” said Davids. Read more here

Kaizer Chiefs complete signing of two new players – TimesLIVE

Kaizer Chiefs have signed two new foreign players in an effort to bolster their struggling squad, TimesLIVE reports. Premier Soccer League (PSL) giants have acquired the services of Christian Saile Basomboli, a 22-year-old left-footed striker from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe from Botswana. Read more here

Kaizer Chiefs are pleased to announce the signing of Congolese 22-year-old left-footed striker Christian Saile Basomboli.

Basomboli arrives in Naturena after penning a three and half deal with the Glamour Boys.

Welcome to Amakhosi!#Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/ZGP3vb7uEX

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) January 19, 2023

Ntsiki Mazwai at war with trans community over her unpopular views – TimesLIVE

Ntsiki Mazwai has recanted her statement that trans rights pose a threat to women’s rights, TimesLIVE reports. The poet and activist recently deleted and apologised for her tweet after trans and gender-diverse organisations criticised and demanded that she remove it.

@ntsikimazwai @thando_jerome @GenderDynamix @irantiorg pic.twitter.com/umXShAsakd

— Gender is a weird concept (@BlackRebel101) January 18, 2023

Despite offering an apology, Mazwai stated that she viewed trans women as “men who have transitioned”. She stated that trans women were “erasing women” in reference to the transition of Caitlyn Jenner. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: FRIDAY BRIEFING | Eskom’s death spiral: Can the grid survive? – News24

Headline: Desperate parents pay bribes to get children into school – Scrolla

Headline: Guardiola blasts ‘happy flowers’ Man City despite Spurs fightback – EWN

Headline: Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Share Their New Baby Girl’s Name and First Photo – Elle Magazine

Headline: West Indies may ‘cease to exist’ warns T20 inquest report – EWN

Weather: Friday’s weather: Severe thunderstorms expected in parts of Eastern Cape, KZN – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• Thousands of 12th graders eagerly anticipate the results of the 2022 National Senior Certificate. 
• Sbu Nkosi has provided an update on his health journey. 
• Kelly Khumalo slams rumours of a R22m Netflix deal.

Matric class of 2022 awaits release of final exam results – EWN

Thousands of 12th graders eagerly anticipate the results of the 2022 National Senior Certificate tests, EWN reports. Umalusi, the department’s quality assurance officer, has given the Department of Basic Education permission to disclose the results on Thursday after determining the exam process to be genuine. The results will be made available to pupils on Friday. 

The class of 2022 is the largest candidate pool, with over 900,000 students across the nation impatiently awaiting their results. On Wednesday, the Independent Examinations Board issued matriculation results with a 98.4% pass percentage, EWN reports. Read more here

‘I’ll be back soon to make up for lost time’: Bulls star Sbu Nkosi on his road to recovery – TimesLIVE

Sbu Nkosi has provided an update on his recuperation following a struggle with mental health precipitated by the stress of playing professional rugby. Nkosi was reported missing by his team, the Bulls, after he went Awol for three weeks. He was later discovered safe and sound in his father’s house in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, in early December. The 26-year-old 2019 Rugby World Cup champion disclosed his difficulties to Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone, who offered him assistance, including time off from rugby, TimesLIVE reports. The former Sharks player used Instagram to update his followers on his road to recovery and return to the rugby pitch. Read more here

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A post shared by Sbu Nkosi / Lawd Odin (@sbu_nkosi14)

Kelly Khumalo throws fuel on flames of Netflix rumour – Scrolla

Kelly Khumal has neither confirmed nor denied the rumour that she and her sister have landed an R22 million contract with Netflix. Kelly told Scrolla.Africa, “I have signed a business contract with a major streaming platform, and it’s none of anyone’s business what the deal is about.” Throughout the week, rumours circulated that the Khumalo sisters had struck a large contract with Netflix to produce a tell-all documentary series about the night Kelly’s boyfriend Senzo Meyiwa was murdered. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: WATCH | ‘I don’t build power stations’: Mantashe doubles down on claim he’s not to blame for load shedding – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Back to school | Tough start to year for some EC pupils – eNCA

Headline: SA’s electricity crisis | Millions of chickens culled – eNCA

Headline: SuperKings masters of their own demise against Capitals – TimesLIVE

Headline: ‘Generations: The Legacy’ introduces new faces – TimesLIVE

Weather: Thursday’s weather: Heatwave persists in KZN, fire warnings for Northern Cape – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• Sheba, the Walkerville tiger, euthanized after killing another animal.
• IEB matric pass rate: 98.42%.
• Super Kings hold onto the first podium finish.

Sheba the tiger found and euthanised after killing another animal – News24

An 8-year-old female tiger that escaped her enclosure on a smallholding in Johannesburg over the weekend was located and euthanized, bringing an end to the search for her, News24 reports. Representative of the community policing forum Gresham Mandy stated that reports of activity on the Arboretum Farm at Walkers Fruit Farms were received around 1:55 a.m. on Wednesday.

“She had entered a farm area with six dwellings and with families living there. Sheba attacked and killed one of the domestic animals, and a call was made for urgent assistance. Members responded to the scene, and began to track the tiger,” said Mandy. Read more here

Matric results: ‘Outstanding’ performance as IEB matrics clinch 98.42% pass rate – News24 

Despite having missed out during their Grade 10 and Grade 11 years as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) matric class of 2022 achieved an amazing 98.42% pass rate, News24 reports. “According to IEB CEO Anne Oberholzer, the pass rate is slightly higher than last year’s 98.39%.”

Oberholzer stated that 89.32% of the class of 2022 earned a bachelor’s degree, compared to 89.2% in 2021; 7.52 % qualified to study towards a diploma, compared to 7.82% in 2021; and 1.57% earned a pass allowing them to study towards a higher certificate qualification, compared to 1.37% in 2021. Read more here

Super Kings claim thrilling last-ball win against Capitals in SA20 – TimesLIVE

The Joburg Super Kings and Pretoria Capitals produced the first last-ball thriller of the Betway SA20 on Tuesday at the Wanderers, amidst the shrill din created by thousands of whistles in between various fireworks for wickets or boundaries and sets of thumping hard music, TimesLIVE reports. The article further states that Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shepherd of the West Indies gave the Super Kings a much-needed eight-run victory in the midst of an overly enthusiastic stadium announcer’s cries. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Cyril Ramaphosa’s 7-point emergency plan to end load shedding – The South African

Headline: Elliotts rocket sends troubled Liverpool into FA Cup fourth round – EWN

Headline: WC teachers ready to get 2023 academic year under way, says dept – EWN

Headline: I might not be the best PSL coach but I am the hardest working: Sundowns’ Mokwena hits back – TimesLIVE

Headline: ‘If you want everything to be spoken of, let’s do it’: Enhle Mbali wants tell-all interview on CNN – TimesLIVE

Weather: Wednesday’s weather: Heatwave expected in parts of Eastern Cape, Western Cape, KZN – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• Eskom and Treasury are at war over the use of debt servicing funds. 
• Mamelodi Sundowns beat SuperSport United to retain Premiership lead. 
• Lori Harvey and Damson Idris fuel romance rumours. 

Eskom and Treasury at odds over diesel funds as load shedding crisis deepens – News24 (for subscribers)

According to News24, National Treasury and Eskom are fighting over how to pay for extra diesel as load shedding continues indefinitely. Eskom can only reduce load shedding by running its open-cycle gas turbines on diesel. All other load-shedding options require 18 months to two years.

Eskom management told political parties, organised labour, and industry on Monday, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, that load shedding will continue for two years, News24 reports. The Treasury and government anticipate Eskom to use Treasury debt servicing funds to buy diesel after the rollover. On Monday, Eskom claimed it had no spare capital and had already planned for the PIC rollover. Read more here

Leaders Sundowns stretch winning run to 11 matches – EWN 

Mamelodi Sundowns won their 11th consecutive South African Premiership match with a 1-0 victory over SuperSport United in the Pretoria derby on Monday, EWN reports. The victory handed Sundowns a 14-point lead over Richards Bay heading into the second half of the 30-match season, with SuperSport two points further behind in third place. According to Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena, the quality of play at Loftus Versfeld was high, with both teams having good opportunities to score. Read more here

Masandawana claimed the #TshwaneDerby bragging rights as they defeated SuperSport United on Monday evening! Full match report on our website! 👆

📲 https://t.co/vbx9DDzVVm#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/z3uJgToYVQ

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) January 16, 2023

Lori Harvey and Damson Idris fuel romance rumours – News24

E! reports that Lori Harvey celebrated her 26th birthday with Damson Idris and other guests at Lavo Ristorante. Despite the model’s recent statement to E! News that she is “single,” rumours of a relationship between Lori Harvey and Damson Idris continue to circulate. Harvey poses with Idris in one shot from her birthday event, while the British actor kisses her hand in another. Read more here

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A post shared by Lori Harvey (@loriharvey)

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Lawyers issue letter of demand to Eskom, Gordhan over load shedding – News24

Headline: Gauteng Rogue tiger spotted near waterhole – TimesLIVE

Headline: Meet the housemates of Big Brother Titans – EWN

Headline: WATCH | Court grants Ramaphosa interdict – eNCA

Headline: Prince Kaybee puts ANC on blast over promises – TimesLIVE

Weather: Tuesday’s weather: Heatwave expected in parts of Eastern Cape, KZN – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• South Africa is immune to the dreaded Covid-19 virus.
• Mahrez sends Chelsea packing at Stamford Bridge. 
• Minnie Dlamini opens up about the dark side of social media.

SA unlikely to face fresh Covid-19 outbreak like China, experts say – News24 (for subscribers)

Experts on Covid-19 have allayed fears that South Africa could have a pandemic comparable to that of China by asserting that our population has a much greater level of immunity to the virus, News24 reports. Dr. Jeremy Nel, the head of infectious diseases at the University of Witwatersrand, says that South Africans have no reason to panic at this time. Dr.  Nel stated, however, that the situation in South Africa is considerably different, as the people maintained a high level of immunity due to vaccination and earlier infection. Read more here

Riyad Mahrez nails winner as Manchester City down Chelsea – Vodacom Soccer 

Manchester City was up against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening. Jack Grealish, less than three minutes after coming in as a replacement with an hour remaining, set up Mahrez for the game-winning goal that keeps Arsenal in their sights, Vodacom Soccer reports. It also inflicted another loss on Chelsea, who continue to appear unconvincing under Graham Potter, but who caused City plenty of trouble in the first half despite suffering two injuries. Read more here

Minnie Dlamini speaks on how trolls cost her job opportunities – TimesLIVE

TimesLIVE writes that Minnie Dlamini recently revealed how the dark side of social media has affected her. In an interview with KFM, the media celebrity discussed the negative aspects of social media.

In May 2022, after announcing her divorce from spouse Quinton Jones, Twitter users speculated about the reasons for their split. The rumour that Minnie had an affair with the businessman Edwin Sodi spread among Twitter users. “I won’t lie, I’ve lost a lot of business as a result of people making up stories about me. People need to be a lot more cognisant that their words have power and you can destroy livelihoods and homes on statements that aren’t true.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ANC National Conference | Ramaphosa calls for discipline and patience – eNCA

Headline: Australia v South Africa: third Test, day three – The Guardian

Headline: ‘I finally got the pin for baby’s phone’ – Babes Wodumo, Twitter reacts – EWN

Headline: Prince Harry Reveals Charles’ Reaction To His Clash With Prince William: Report – Huffington Post

Headline: SARU president Alexander reacts to Kolisi’s imminent departure: ‘It’s sad to see Siya go’ – News24

Weather: Friday’s weather: Disruptive rainfall in several provinces, with flooding a possibility – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• ANC will regroup on January 5 to finalise the national conference. 
• AKA and Nadia Nakai take a family vacation to Sun City. 
• Cristiano Ronaldo urges to speak out on human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.

ANC to finally wrap up national conference – eNCA

eNCA reports that the ANC estimates it will take two days to complete the remaining tasks following the 55th National Elective Conference. The party was unable to complete its agenda at NASREC last month and had to adjourn until January 5. The conference was delayed by two days due to the poor pace of registration, which ruined the proceedings.

In a separate TimesLIVE article, ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed his trust in the newly elected top seven leaders, stating that  “we are well-armed with great wisdom and energy” to pursue the party’s renewal agenda. “This is a new year, a year of real renewal in the ANC, a year of action because the new leadership that has been elected is action orientated,” said Ramaphosa. Read more here and here

Inside AKA and Nadia’s big family vacay – TimesLIVE

AKA and Nadia Nakai recently visited Sun City for a “Johnson Family Vacation,” sharing pictures from their trip on social media. The family, including mothers and siblings, posed for a photo in The Palace of the Lost City, while the celebrity pair presented a visual lesson on how to live one’s greatest life, TimesLIVE reports. The couple drove with the top down around Sun City, soaked up the sun at the pool, and rode virtual reality rides. Read more here

pic.twitter.com/65B9I0cr9h

— AKA (@akaworldwide) January 3, 2023

Ronaldo urged to highlight human rights issues in Saudi Arabia – News24

After completing his multimillion-dollar transfer to Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to speak out on human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, News24 reports. The Portugal icon, who was greeted by fireworks and loud roars at Al Nassr’s Mrsool Park stadium on Tuesday, stated that he desired to be a part of the success of the country and its culture.

“Instead of offering uncritical praise of Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo should use his considerable public platform to draw attention to human rights issues in the country,” said Dana Ahmed, Amnesty’s Middle East researcher. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Severe weather warning issued for KZN – eNCA

Headline: ‘I try to be more consistent’: How Nortje became Proteas’ standout bowler in Australia – News24

Headline: Even Cardi B Hates the Rising Grocery Prices – Billboard

Headline: Prince Harry accuses brother Prince William of 2019 physical attack: report – News24

Headline: Arrows willing to sell Chiefs target Pule Mmodi to any club that wants him – TimesLIVE

Weather: Thursday’s weather: Warm day with disruptive rainfall across SA – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

• Multi-vehicle collision: Six injured and five dead
• Sha Sha says she’s NOT engaged.
• Ronaldo begins Saudi Arabia career with slip-up. 

At least five killed in N3 crash – eNCA

A multi-vehicle collision on the N3 between the Frankfort/Vrede Interchange and Wilge Plaza in the Free State has claimed the lives of five individuals, eNCA reports.

Sipho Towa, a representative for emergency services, stated that three light motor vehicles and a minibus taxi were involved in the collision. Towa reported that six persons were taken to a local hospital with injuries ranging from minor to severe. For the flow of traffic on the northbound carriageway, a stop-and-go system has been introduced. Read more here

‘I fooled you guys, hey?’ — Sha Sha sets the record straight on engagement rumours – TimesLIVE

Award-winning musician Sha Sha has moved to dispel rumours that she is engaged. A few weeks ago, she posted a photo of her hand with a diamond ring on her wedding finger, leaving followers to speculate. In an online statement provided by Amapiano Daily, the celebrity stated that she had tricked everyone and that she was not engaged. “I fooled you guys, hey? I am not engaged,” she said.” Read more here

WATCH | Oops! Did Ronaldo say he’ll play in South Africa during Al Nassr unveiling? – News24 

During his Al-Nassr FC unveiling on Tuesday, Portuguese sensation Cristiano Ronaldo made a minor slip of the tongue by mistaking Saudi Arabia for South Africa, News24 reports. “It’s not the end of my career to come to South Africa (meaning Saudi Arabia),” he told the reporters as he was presented at the Riyadh club where thousands of fans celebrated his signing for an estimated 200 million euros. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ‘There is no crisis’: Mbalula insists government ‘functioning’, but presses Ramaphosa for Cabinet shakeup – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Boksburg Blast | At least 50 people still in hospital – eNCA

Headline: Zwane ends goal drought as patient PSL leaders Sundowns sail past Swallows – News24

Headline: ‘Kaizer Chiefs is a beast’: Zwane explains why players are undergoing trials – TimesLIVE

Headline: Cardi B Covers a Fall Out Boy Classic to Ring in the New Year – Billboard

Weather: Rainy day across SA, with severe storms in parts of KZN – News24

Image credit: Flickr

• City of Cape Town closes Fish Hoek beach due to sewer overflow.
• Nigerian singer Burna Boy arrives six hours late for concert. 
• Sundowns show they’re a cut above the rest.

Sewage spills force temporary closure of some Cape Town beaches – News24

The City of Cape Town declared on Monday that the main swimming area at Fish Hoek Beach, between the lifeguard station and Jager’s Walk, had been restricted to the public until further notice, News24 reports.

The temporary closure is due to a sewer overflow triggered by a cleared-out clogged sewer pipe. Plastics and other substances were extracted from the sewer line. “The public is reminded to not dump illegally, and rather dispose of their waste using available solid waste services or take recyclables to the City’s drop-off facilities,” said the City of Cape Town. Read more here

Burna Boy turns up six hours late to show and insults crowd – Scrolla

The Nigerian singer Burna Boy arrived over six hours late for a concert in Lagos and proceeded to tell the crowd that they should be thankful he was there. His fans are not pleased with his punctuality. According to Scrolla, the Love Damini concert was set to take place on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. Fans who were present at the event claim that the performer did not take the stage until 3:30 a.m. Read more here

The situation on ground.

Almost 2AM and Burna Boy’s concert is basically yet to start.

Some people have been around since 9PM.

For an artists with the highest level of international exposure this is beyond terrible and unprofessional. pic.twitter.com/nL3v6FRnV5

— ADEAYO (@ade_adeayo) January 2, 2023

‘If there is a coach I frequently talk to, it’s Middendorp’: Sundowns boss Mokwena – TimesLIVE

Rulani Mokwena, the head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, credits his team’s increased comfort with their “diamond” system, where triangular formations formed in possession ensure there is always a free player, as one of the reasons for their dominance, TimesLIVE reports. The article further states that it may be too soon to call it a trend, but trophy machine Downs — the five-time consecutive DStv Premiership champions — have nearly reached a new level of mastery in the early stages of Mokwena’s rise to head coach. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ‘I thought he was dead’: Man saves 7-year-old boy from drowning at Port Alfred beach – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: De Ruyter failed to juggle political pressure and operational issues analyst – EWN

Headline: Lanky Jansen deadpans fine Proteas start and ICC nomination: ‘Haven’t really thought about it’- News24

Headline: Here’s when to get your January Sassa grant – TimesLIVE

Headline: Liverpool stunned by Brentford as Reds pay for defensive woes – EWN

Weather: South African Weather Service

Image credit: Flickr

• Soccer icon Pele dies at the age of 82.
• Gauteng to honour those who died in the Boksburg blast.
• Family and friends mourn the loss of Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo.

Brazilian football legend Pele dead at 82 – News24

Pele, widely recognised as the greatest player of all time and a three-time World Cup champion, passed away Thursday at 82, according to his family. “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace,” said his daughter Kely Nascimento. 

Before his retirement in 1977, Pele scored over 1000 goals during one of the most legendary careers in sports history. His health had deteriorated as he struggled with kidney disease and colon cancer, undergoing surgery in September 2021, followed by chemotherapy, News24 reports. Read more here

Gauteng government to host memorial service for Boksburg blast victims – eNCA

The Gauteng government will honour those who died in the blast in Boksburg. On Friday, the province will co-host a memorial ceremony with the City of Ekurhuleni. This comes after a gas tanker exploded in Boksburg on Christmas Day, killing 27 people. Read more here

The Gauteng government is set to honour those who lost their lives in the Boksburg explosion. The province will host a joint memorial service with the City of Ekurhuleni tomorrow. #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/rAFIN9PIZI

— eNCA (@eNCA) December 29, 2022

‘He was only sick for a short while’ — Mampintsha’s father pays tribute to his son – TimesLIVE

TI Maphumulo, the father of Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo, was visibly distraught as he stood before mourners on Thursday to bid farewell to his only son, TimesLIVE reports. The 40-year-old passed away over the weekend at a Durban hospital. After suffering from a stroke, he was admitted to King Edward Hospital for treatment. “I’m here to say until now its sad how he died. It didn’t make anyone at ease, and that stress still hits me today. He was only sick for a short while and after that he died,” said TI Maphumulo. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Two-and-a-half minutes of hate: CCTV shows shocking ‘racist’ attack as Free State men assault teens – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Convict who escaped from Bloemfontein hospital rearrested as he tries to catch a lift – TimesLIVE

Headline: Vivienne Westwood, Influential Fashion Maverick, Dies At 81 – Huffington Post

Headline: Lions down WP to defend crown as One-Day Cup champions – News24

Headline: Nick Cannon Now Has A Dozen Kids After Welcoming 12th Child – Huffington Post

Weather: Friday’s weather: Cloudy with thunderstorms over some parts of SA – News24

Image credit: Getty Images