Morning Newsletter

Top News of the Day: Will Smith apologises to Chris Rock | ANC owes SARS R102 million

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / March 29, 2022

The ANC has been issued with a bill of R102-million from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for failing to pay 346 staff members’ taxes at Luthuli House in Johannesburg. The R102-million includes tax, UIF and the skills development levy.

“In December, the Gauteng High Court issued a civil judgment instructing the sheriff to attach assets to the value of R102,546,580.76 in 10 days. The sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to a request for whether it had done so or not.”

ANC Spokesperson, Pule Mabe has denied media reports and stated that “there are permissible payment arrangements in terms of the tax laws of the republic.” He further stated that the “story of the ANC being a tax invader is untrue”.

Staff members, with the help of Trade Union Nehawu, protested in the hopes that the ANC would pay the outstanding fees. To date, no payment was made. SARS has given the ANC 10 days to pay outstanding fees in tax debt or have its assets attached.

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, Will Smith apologized to Chris Rock after he slapped him at the Oscars. “I would like to publicly apologise to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong,” he said in a statement released on Instagram. Will further stated that his behaviour was “unacceptable and inexcuseable”.

The infamous slap happened after Rock made an uncanny joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head. According to BBC, the Oscars film academy condemned Smith over the altercation and ordered a formal review.

“Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally” he said.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: SARS slaps ANC with R102m tax bill – sheriff instructed to attach property – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Will Smith apologises to Chris Rock after Oscars slap – BBC 

Headline: Mr Price just launched period panties, and you can reuse them for up to two years – Business Insider SA

Headline: Top cop, top secret: Inside the national police commissioner interviews – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Oscars broadcast ratings jump from last year’s low – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Chris Rock’s Upcoming Comedy Tour Sees Spike in Ticket Sales Following Will Smith Slap at Oscars – Complex

Headline: SA tennis ace Lloyd Harris digs deep to reach Miami Open last 16 – Sport24

Headline: Kick it Out: How discrimination in football is being tackled one-on-one – BBC

Image credit: Getty Images

While you were asleep: No mediation between South Africa and Ukraine

Morning Newsletter / March 28, 2022

More than ten days ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa sent a request to his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, to speak about “SA’s possible mediation efforts”. To date, no response has been received.

“The apparent snub by the Ukrainian leader seems to raise fresh questions about SA’s rationale for its controversial abstention on the March 3 UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” writes Carien du Plessis for Business Day. “SA said it wanted to stay neutral because it had been asked by a third country to assist in mediating the conflict.” 

Du Plessis believes Zelensky has not responded to Ramaphosa’s request because he is unhappy with the neutral stance taken by the South African government. “Zelensky is unhappy with SA’s stance at the UN, where it has twice refused to support resolutions condemning Russia.” To further her argument, Ramaphosa also abstained from voting in the “Humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine” last Thursday.

In market news, the rand is now trading at R14.62, down 0.4 percent from its previous close. According to Treasury One, today’s trading range is projected to be R14.55/R14.70, with traders keeping an eye on the discussions between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Turkey.

Here’s a roundup of the world’s top and most interesting headlines:

SA Business

amaBhungane: SA is pursuing a major gas deal – and Russia wants in – News24

Unemployment expected to have reached 35.1% – Business Day (for subscribers)

Ramaphosa and his cabinet face no-confidence votes – Business Day (for subscribers)

Global Business

Gold Down as Ukraine and Russia Set to Resume Peace Talks, Dollar Strenghens – Investing.Com

Tesla to Suspend Production at Shanghai Plant on Virus Curbs – Daily Maverick 

Oscars 2022: Will Smith wins his first Academy Award for King Richard, after slapping Chris Rock in the face – Sky News

Markets

MONEY LIVE | Oil prices slide as EU snubs Russia ban – News24

Bitcoin’s Stealth Rally Erases Its Losses for the Year – Daily Maverick

Asia Session: Shanghai COVID Surprise Weighs On Regional Markets; Oil Lower – Investing.Com

Tech

A Large Solar Storm Could Knock Out The Power Grid And The Internet – Tech Financials 

Apple TV+ makes history as first streamer to win best picture Oscar – Tech Central 

R21.9 Million Grants: African Entrepreneurs Invited To Enter Jack Ma Competition – Tech Central 

Top News of the Day| The most shocking moment of the Oscars, 10 drugs found in Taylor Hawkins body…

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / March 28, 2022

The 2022 Oscar award ceremony may go down as the most memorable event.

Moments before Will Smith received an award for best actor, Chris Rock took the stage to announce the best documentary feature and joked about Jada Pinkett Smith starring in “G.I. Jane” because of her bald head. “Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane II, can’t wait to see it” he said. Jada Smith shaved her head after struggling with alopecia for many years.

Moments later, Will Smith confronted Rock and proceeded to punch him in the face. The altercation appeared as if it was staged at first. Then Will went back to his seat and yelled, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth!”.

Devil Washington and Bradley Cooper were seen comforting Will in private.

On Friday afternoon Foo Fighter’s drummer, Taylor Hawkins, was found dead in his hotel room at the Casa Medina hotel, in Colombia.

Prosecution officials have not released an official report confirming the cause of death.

However, a toxicology report found 10 substances in his body including opioids, marijuana and anti-depressants. Columbian Attorney General’s Office confirmed that the drugs may not be related to Hawkins’s death and further investigations are underway.

“The National Institute of Forensic Medicine is continuing its medical studies to be able to completely clarify the facts that led to Taylor Hawkins death.”

According to local reporters, “an ambulance was sent to the hotel after a man reported having chest pains”.

The Foo Fighters were meant to perform at a music festival this past weekend. Hawkins leaves behind his wife and their three children.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Will Smith Smacks Chris Rock on Oscar Stage After Jada Pinkett Smith Joke –Variety 

Headline: Taylor Hawkins: Drugs found in body of late Foo Fighters drummer – BBC

Headline: Team by team analysis of the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – News24

Headline: Oscars Video: Beyoncé Performs ‘Be Alive’ From King Richard – TV Line

Headline: A Very Single Regina Hall Uses Oscars To Find A Boyfriend, Pats Down Jason Momoa – Huffington Post 

Headline: amaBhungane: SA is pursuing a major gas deal – and Russia wants in – News24

Headline: Ukraine war: Biden denies calling for regime change in Russia a day after saying Putin ‘cannot remain in power’ – Sky News

Headline: Argentina coach Scaloni on Messi retirement talk: At some point it will happen but we must enjoy him – Goal 

Image credit: Getty Images

Top News of the Day: Bridgeton season 2 premiers on Netflix today, What does this rate hike mean for you?

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / March 25, 2022

On Thursday afternoon, SA Reserve Bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) announced the hiked repo rate by another 25 basis points to 4.25%, and the prime rate to 7.75%.

The increase is largely caused by the “skyrocketing oil prices, which resulted in petrol and diesel prices rising by more than one-third over the past year.”

Furthermore, the invasion of Ukraine has resulted in significant rises in commodities prices, such as wheat and cooking oil. Inflationary pressures will rise in South Africa in the coming months as a result of this.

What does the rate hike mean for you?

Well, according to News24, if you have a new home loan of R2 million at the prime rate, the monthly payment will increase by around R300 following the rate hike.

The Reserve Bank now forecasts headline inflation of 5.8% for this year, up from the earlier forecast of 4.9 percent. This increase is mostly due to increased food and gasoline costs.

Fortunately, it’s not all dark and gloomy. Experts are predicting a 2% growth in South Africa’s economy in 2022.

On a lighter note, the highly anticipated season 2 of Bridgerton premiers on Netflix today. 

According to The South African, Lord Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), the eldest Bridgerton brother and Viscount, sets out to find a suitable marriage. 

“Driven by his duty to uphold the family name, Anthony’s search for a debutante who meets his impossible standards seems ill-fated until Kate (Simone Ashley) and her younger sister Edwina (Charithra Chandran) Sharma arrive from India,” reads the synopsis of the show.”

Watch the trailer below:

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Reserve Bank hikes interest rates again as inflation pressures grow – News24 

Headline: It’s here! Netflix releases the official ‘Bridgerton’ season two trailer [watch] – The South African 

Headline: FRIDAY BRIEFING | Quitting Time: Why is the DA mired in instability? – News24

Headline: Summer Walker Links With Cardi B and SZA in Video for Extended Version of “No Love” – Complex

Headline: Ukrainian flees with Bitcoin life savings on a USB – My Broadband

Headline: Nedbank Cup quarterfinal dates and venues confirmed – Times Live 

Headline: Kaizer Chiefs ‘shocked’ as PSL to review arbitration ruling in High Court – Sport24

Headline: Russia will emerge weaker from Ukraine conflict, says Pentagon official — DW

Image credit: Neflix 

Top News of the Day: Can Zuma afford a R18.2m legal bill, Brazilian singer hospitalised for “trapped farts”.

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / March 24, 2022

Former President Jacob Zuma’s corruption trial with arms company Thules is set to begin on 11 April this year. But the Office of the Solicitor-General (OSG) has confirmed: “it will sue the former president for the R18.2 million plus interest he allegedly owes in state-funded defence costs.”

According to News24, Zuma has now applied for the case to be postponed, while urgently seeking to resurrect his failed Supreme Court of Appeal bid to have Billy Downer removed as his prosecutor (SCA).

Zuma’s organization launched a crowdfunding campaign last year to help seek funds for his legal bills. In addition to the crowdfunding campaign, they also sold autographed copies of his book, Jacob Zuma Speaks, for R1000 per copy.

The state attorney’s planned battle to reclaim R18.2 million in state-funded legal expenses from Zuma would exacerbate his defense financing issues. He also faces a multimillion-rand legal expense for his failed attempt to overturn the State of Capture report by then-Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, Karyn Maughan reports for News24. 

Brazilian singer Viviane de Queiroz Pereira has been hospitalized with a case of “trapped farts”. The reason? She refused to fart in front of her boyfriend. 

The 27-year-old told her 15.7 million Instagram followers that she couldn’t pass gas in front of her boyfriend, so she held her farts in for long periods of time. Pocah told Metro that she had watched TikTok videos telling her to ignore any discomfort produced by the gas, but the ache grew so intense that she sought medical help.

“I’m now fine. Just an accumulation of trapped farts,” she reported in a post on Instagram. “Girls, don’t be ashamed to fart in front of your guy. Because what’s really embarrassing is not letting your guy sleep because you’re in discomfort, going to hospital with your guy, and the diagnosis being ‘trapped farts.’ From now on, I’m letting them rip, guys. I’m medicated and I’m fine.”

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Zuma’s financial woes worsen: State attorney comes knocking for R18.2m legal bill, can he afford a costly corruption trial? – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Brazilian Singer Hospitalized After Refusing to Fart in Front of Boyfriend – Complex

Headline: Taxi operators block N2 as CATA, Codeta embark on strike action – News24

Headline: Look Up! There’s a political asteroid heading our way – Daily Maverick

Headline: All Bafana players to taste action in friendlies – Sowetan Live

Headline: Major phone and SIM-card change planned for South Africa – what you should know – Business Tech 

Headline: Google Tests Letting Apps Like Spotify Offer Own Billing – Daily Maverick

Headline: Bob Saget Reportedly Told Crew Members He Was Experiencing COVID and Hearing Issues Before Death – Complex

Image credit: Commons Wikimedia

Top News of the Day: What Ramaphosa’s easing of SA’s Covid-19 regulations means for you

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / March 23, 2022

While the state of disaster remains in place, the relaxation of Covid-19 regulations will make it possible for South Africans to fill venues to half capacity. In his state of the nation address on Tuesday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa said visitors have to show proof of their vaccination card or have a negative Covid test. Further to that, citizens no longer have to wear masks outside. 

“Both indoor and outdoor venues can now take up to 50% of their capacity, provided that the criteria for entrance is proof of vaccination or a COVID test that’s no older than 72 hours.”

Here are the new lockdown rules: 

  • From today, you are no longer required to wear a mask outside with a “1-metre space between people”. According to Business Insider, “masks will only be required indoors, and on public transport, but no longer when you are otherwise outdoors.”

  • Anyone who cannot verify they have been fully vaccinated, “must nevertheless submit a PCR test that is no more than 72 hours old,” said Ramaphosa. Venues are allowed to fill a maximum of 1000 people indoors and 2000 people outdoors. 

  • At South African borders PCR testing has been a standard entry requirement “with an option for testing on arrival reserved for special cases. Proof of immunity by way of previous infection has not been considered as an alternative to vaccination for any rules related to travel.” 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Here’s how lockdown rules change today, from masks to PCR entry tests – Business Insider 

Headline: LISTEN | ‘I work for fuel only’ — e-hailing driver speaks out during strike – Times Live 

Headline: Ukraine’s Zelensky sees hope in ‘confrontational’ Russia talks – News24

Headline: Monare won’t pay attention to naysayers – Sowetan Live

Headline: More than 42,000 tickets snapped up for Shane Warne memorial at MCG – The Guardian

Headline: Paul Pogba: Burglars stole World Cup winner’s medal, Man Utd & France midfielder says – BBC

Headline: Naked DJ labels his relationship with Kayleigh Schwark as ‘unique love’ – Sowetan Live

Headline: Bridgerton Season 2: All the Fashion You MUST See – E! News 

Image credit: Getty Images

Top News of the Day: Uber and Bolt are going on strike today, Pete Davidson: On a rocket to Mars.

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / March 22, 2022

Uber, Bolt, InDriver, and DiDi drivers in South Africa plan a national shutdown from Tuesday until Thursday this week confirms Private Public Transport Association (PPTA).

The national shutdown includes services like Uber Eats.

The spokesperson and organiser of the PPTA, Vhatuka Mbelengwa, believes that drivers are being exploited by e-hailing services.

“We believe a regulated industry will serve South Africa better, it will curb the exploitation. It will end the abusive commissions that we don’t have a say in negotiating,” said Mlelengwa. 

“We are not happy with the pricing, we are not happy with the over-saturation of the market, but most importantly, we are not happy with the fact that government has not shown up in defence of its people.”

E-hailing drivers have demanded more pay in the face of rising fuel prices, and they want the safety of all e-hailing drivers and customers to be prioritized.

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, Pete Davidson will travel to space as part of a six-person crew on Blue Origin’s second voyage, which will take place next week.

According to News24, on board the New Shepard rocket, the Saturday Night Live performer will be the lone non-paying passenger. It will be the company’s fourth human journey, after sending its billionaire founder and CEO Jeff Bezos to space on its first crewed mission last summer.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Uber and Bolt national shutdown planned for South Africa – My BroadBand

Headline: Pete Davidson blasting off to space – Channel24

Headline: Clasico demolition vindicates Barcelona, shifts doubts to Real Madrid – African Insider

Headline: This change will impact every person with a mobile phone in South Africa: Ramaphosa – Business Tech 

Headline: British Airways flight fails to land four times after Comair suspension lift – Citizen 

Headline: ‘Looking like rich Jewish old money’ – Somizi on a high after announcing new talk show – The Citizen 

Headline: Chrissy Teigen Confirms She’s Just Finished Latest Round Of IVF – Huffington Post 

Headline: Kylie Jenner Reveals Baby Boy NO LONGER Named Wolf – E! News

Image credit: Getty Images

 

Top News of the Day: How is your groccery list impacted by the war in Ukraine?

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / March 18, 2022

Your grocery list is about to get more expensive.

Because of the conflict in Ukraine, shipments of critical commodities, such as wheat, are disrupted, causing bread costs in South Africa to soar.

Consumers, on the other hand, will most likely only see the effects three months from now.

According to Business Insider, “Russia’s invasion has sent prices for essential commodities soaring, including wheat, and disrupted wheat exports. The two nations control more than a quarter of the world’s wheat exports, and South Africa has imported 30% of its wheat from Ukraine and Russia over the past five years.”

The good news is the difference between market pricing and consumer prices on store shelves is usually three months. So there’s enough time to stock up on bread and store it in the freezer. 

In a separate piece for Times Live, Ramaphosa assured South Africans that the government is doing everything in its power to address the rise of living costs. 

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, Cassper Nyovest finally broke his silence on the Braai show court case lawsuit.

The rapper finally shared his stance on the legal battle between AKA, MakhuduCom and Cake Media, where AKA won 50% of the show’s intellectual property. 

“No story to tell. I was offered a job, I got paid what I wanted, including getting (a) promotion for my shoes and alcohol which I’m making Multi Millions from and the story ends there. Even if the broer did cartwheels naked on Mandela bridge, there’s nothing that’s gonna happen. Lol” Cassper tweeted on Thursday. 

According to Hip Hop SA Mag, Cassper stated that he was only offered a task that he would accept, and he was able to advertise his Billiato Alcohol brand and The Root Of Fame footwear line in the process. 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Yes, bread prices are going to skyrocket. No, you shouldn’t buy a new freezer just for bread. – Business Insider

Headline: Rising food and fuel prices caused by war are concerning, says Ramaphosa – Times Live 

Headline: Cassper To AKA : “Even If he did cartwheels naked on Mandela bridge, there’s nothing that’s gonna happen” – SA Hip Hop Mag

Headline: ‘Thank you for making me trend’ – Thuli P bags more gigs after trolls tore apart her skills behind the DJ deck – African Insider

Headline: Nange concedes he’s not hit top level yet for Chiefs – Sowetan Live

Headline: Everton 1-0 Newcastle: Frank Lampard suffers broken hand celebrating dramatic Toffees’ winner – BBC

Headline: President Cyril Ramaphosa visits Project Panda – Biz Community 

Headline: Tied up: The perils and pitfalls of a Ramaphosa second term – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

Top News of the Day: US committed to sending their ‘most cutting-edge systems to Ukraine’, Ye suspended from Instagram.

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / March 17, 2022

President Joe Biden has commended Ukrainians for showing “remarkable courage” amidst the Russian invasion. 

President Joe Biden said that the US will send drones and thousands of anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles to Ukraine in response to the country’s president’s heartfelt call for help in fighting Russia’s invasion.

“Putin is afflicting appalling, appalling devastation and horror on Ukraine,” said Biden at the White House on Wednesday. The US will send their most “cutting edge systems” to assist Ukraine.

Together with drones and a longer-range-anti-aircraft system, the US will aid Ukraine with “800 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, 9,000 anti-tank missiles and 7,000 small arms along with 20 million rounds of ammunition”. 

It seems like Ye’s harassment has come to an end. 

According to TMZ, Ye, formally known as Kanye West, is suspended from Instagram for violating their harassment and bullying policy.

The rapper and fashion mogul targetted comedians Trevor Noah and Pete Davidson in his social media posts on Wednesday. 

According to Huffington Post, Kim Kardashian and her boyfriend, Pete Davidson, have been targeted by Ye, who has exposed facts about their personal lives to his millions of fans. He also produced a new music video earlier this month that looked to show a claymation version of West decapitating Davidson and burying him alive.

“Instagram removed content from the rapper’s account for violating those policies and restricted the account from posting, commenting and sending direct messages, among other actions, for 24 hours.”

Instagram may take further action against Ye if he further violates the rules.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Biden ramps up military aid to Ukraine, including armed drones – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Kanye West Suspended From Instagram For Violating Harassment, Bullying Policy – Huffington Post 

Headline: Kim Kardashian DISHES on Pete Davidson’s New Tattoos – E! News 

Headline: The transparency tightrope: Why regulators are being taken to court over Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine – News24

Headline: Kaizer Chiefs star Dolly ready to help Bafana acclimatise in France – Sowetan Live 

Headline: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool: Relentless Reds throw down the gauntlet to Premier League leaders Man City – BBC

Headline: Bella Hadid on being the ‘uglier sister’ and the nose job she now regrets – Times Live 

Headline: Thousands of households without power in northeast Japan after earthquake kills four – Daily Maverick 

Image credit: Commons Wikimedia

Top News of the Day: Mabuza to address MPs on Wednesday, Kylie Jenner reveals new details surrounding her second kid

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / March 16, 2022

Top News of the Day: Mabuza to address MPs on Wednesday, Kylie Jenner reveals new details surrounding her second kid

Deputy President David Mabuza is expected to address members of parliament on Wednesday. The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) question-and-answer session will address the following issues:

  1. Mabuza will share his views on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
  2. Whether he agrees with Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, who has called on Russia to remove its soldiers from Ukraine.
  3. Mabuza will react to questions on his involvement as head of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture on land claim processing.
  4. Mabuza will have to answer to the government’s efforts to solve water supply problems and provide citizens with safe drinking water.
  5. He is expected to assure MP’s that the National Council of Provinces movement continues to conduct programs in support of the country’s larger social cohesion and national building agenda.
  6. Mabuza will also address the implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

According to News24, answering questions from MPs is one of Mabuza’s “least favourite things”. The NCOP’s question-and-answer session with Mabuza is set to begin at 14:00.

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, Kylie Jenner reveals that ‘postpartum has not been easy’. In a recent Instagram post, Jenner opens up about her mental, physical, and spiritual health after having a second child with rapper Travis Scott.

“I just want to say to all my postpartum moms, that postpartum has not been easy. It’s not been easy, it’s very hard. This experience for me personally has been a little harder than with my daughter. It’s not easy mentally, physically, spiritually” she said. 

Kylie expressed that despite the pressure she faces a month after having her second child, she is in a better space.  

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Ukraine war, service delivery and xenophobia: These are the questions Mabuza will answer at the NCOP – News24

Headline: Kylie Jenner Opens Up After Giving Birth to Second Child: ‘Postpartum Has Not Been Easy’ – Complex

Headline: Government warns of possible petrol restrictions in South Africa – Business Tech

Headline: Transfer rumours: Salah, Haaland, Suarez, Kessie, Kane, Hazard – BBC

Headline: Manchester United out of Champions League after Atlético Madrid triumph – The Guardian 

Headline: Evan Rachel Wood Describes Her Years With Marilyn Manson: “The Darkest Time Of My Life” – Elle Magazine 

Headline: How Russia’s war in Ukraine is pushing up prices in South Africa – Business Tech 

Headline: SAA assures customers it won’t increase prices amid demand for domestic flights – EWN 

Image credit: Commons Wikipedia

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