Morning Newsletter

Top News of the Day: Third State Capture report dedicated to Bosasa, Riri stuns in a black steer dress at Paris Fashion Week

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / March 2, 2022

President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the third State Capture Inquiry investigation report on Tuesday, which has been made public. The 942-page report focuses on Bosasa, which is a South African corporation that specializes in government services, most notably prison services.

According to The Daily Maverick, “Zondo detailed how Bosasa was inherently corrupt and said there were prima facie corruption cases against Zuma, ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe and former minister Nomvula Mokonyane, all of whom received benefits from the company that was awarded at least R2.37-billion in government contracts between 2000 and 2016.”

The report recommended that certain government officials like Jacob Zuma, Gwede Mantashe and Nomvula Mokonyane should be investigated for corruption. The final State Capture Inquiry report will be made be landed over to Ramaphosa at the end of April.

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, Rihanna stunned in a black sheer dress at Dior’s fashion show. Dior presented its Fall 2022 collection during Paris Fashion week. Rihanna, Blackpink’s Jisoo and Anya Taylor-Joy were amongst the stars who sat in the front row.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: State capture report, Part 3: ANC, Zuma and Mokonyane implicated in Bosasa graft – News24

Headline: Rihanna Stunned In A Sheer Black Maternity Dress At The Dior Show During Paris Fashion Week – Elle Magazine 

Headline: Bosasa’s spending and shopping spree – corrupt state contracts worth over R2bn and bribes exceeding R75m – Daily Maverick 

Headline: These Are the Highest-Paid Hip-Hop Artists of 2021, Per New Report – Complex

Headline: Middlesbrough knock Spurs out but Man City and Palace progress in FA Cup – Sowetan Live 

Headline: Elgar beams after inexperienced Proteas rise to occasion: ‘They put their hands up’ – Sport24

Headline: ‘He felt too deeply, and he loved too much,’ – Riky Rick’s family pay tribute at funeral service – News24

Headline: WATCH: Will Smith Discusses His Latest ‘Growth Spurt’ After Emotional SAG Awards Win – Essence 

Image credit: Getty Images

Top News of the Day: Russia kicked out of World Cup, Riky Rick laid to rest in private ceremony today

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom, Uncategorized / March 1, 2022

On Monday evening, FIFA and UEFA announced that Russia has been kicked out of the World Cup and banned from playing international football games “until further notice”.

“FIFA and UEFA have today decided together that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice,” said the governing bodies of world and European football.

European football’s governing body has also discontinued its association with Russian energy company Gazprom.

According to News24, “FIFA announced on Sunday that Russian teams would be allowed to continue playing under the name of the Football Union of Russia, playing home games on neutral territory and behind closed doors, and with the Russian flag and anthem banned.”

In a separate statement, the Russian Football Union rejected the suspension, saying it was discriminatory. The statement read:

“It has an obvious discriminatory character and harms a huge number of athletes, coaches, employees of clubs and national teams, and most importantly, millions of Russian and foreign fans, whose interests international sports organisations must protect in the first place.”

In entertainment news, Rikhado Makhado, professionally known as Riky Rick will be laid to rest in a private ceremony today. The late rapper, entrepreneur and fashion designer died tragically last Wednesday in Johannesburg.

Riky Rick’s unexpected death has shaken the country to its core. His death also sparked a conversation about the growing concern of mental illnesses, especially for men.

The ceremony will be live-streamed at 10h30. Watch the full ceremony here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H172okxXeao

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Russia dumped out of all international soccer as FIFA confirms blanket suspension – News24

Headline: WATCH | Farewell Riky Rick | Remembering the fallen star – EWN 

Headline: The trouble with men – Times Live

Headline: ANALYSIS | Why the idea of a ‘neutral’ Ukraine is a non-starter in peace talks – News24

Headline: Climate change is hitting Africa’s staple crops, increasing parasites – Fin24

Headline: Proteas complete epic comeback in NZ with crushing win in 2nd Test, series drawn – News24

Headline: New boss Jesse Marsch confident he can win over Leeds’ fanbase – The Independent 

Headline: Has ‘The Queen’ on Mzansi Magic been cancelled? – The Citizen 

Image credit: Instagram/Riky Rick

Top News of the Day: Africans report racism while seeking safety from war zone, see full list of SAG award winners

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / February 28, 2022

African students stranded in Ukraine are reporting that they are being discriminated against as they try to leave Ukraine.

According to Business Insider, individuals speaking to the publication (including social media reports) are reporting that black people are allegedly being barred from boarding trains and buses that transport passengers to the border, and some are not being allowed to travel into neighboring countries.

Korrine Sky, a student in Ukraine is currently assisting black students to flee the country.

“Some people have gone to get buses, but they’re not allowing Black people basically onto the buses. They’re prioritizing Ukrainians. That’s what they say” commented Sky.

Another source shared a video on social media of police and army officials “threatening to shoot” black students.

“Video from the Ukraine-Polish border appears to show a large group of Black people, including a baby, waiting in the open in the nighttime cold at the border fence.”

Many black students have taken to social media pleading for help and sharing their concerns about alleged racial discrimination.

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, the 28th Screen Actors Guild (SAG) awards took place in Santa Monica, California last night.

The SAG awards honours this year’s best television and film performances by actors. In the drama acting categories, “Squid Game” performers outperformed “Succession” while Will Smith and Michael Keaton gave emotional acceptance speeches for their awards in lead male acting in a motion film and male actor in a TV movie or miniseries.

See the full list of winners here.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: African students fleeing the Russian invasion say they have been prevented from crossing to Poland due to a ‘Ukrainians’ first’ policy – Business Insider 

Headline: How South Africa is tied to Russia through R25.5 billion in BRICS cash – Business Insider SA

Headline: Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper Hugged and Reunited at the 2022 SAG Awards – Elle Magazine 

Headline: The 13 Best-Dressed Celebrites At The 2022 SAG Awards – Nylon 

Headline: ‘It’s coming home’ — Fans celebrate Sundowns win over Al Ahly – Times Live

Headline: ‘This is the start’: Klopp eyes quadruple after Liverpool win League Cup – EWN 

Headline: 46% of South Africans are now on grants: Ramaphosa – Business Tech 

Headline: TV Review: Inventing Anna  – News24 

Image credit: Getty Images

Top News of the Day: Ukrainian president pleads with Western leaders to help stop the attacks, Kim Kardashian wants court to expedite her divorce

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / February 25, 2022

Cape Town – Minutes ago, the BBC reported that an apartment block in Kyiv was struck by a Russian rocket. Three people were injured, bringing the total number of injuries to 300 and deaths to 137.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy has pleaded with Western allies to ceasefire Russia’s attack. He addressed the nation on Friday morning. “This morning we are defending our state alone. Like yesterday, the world’s most powerful forces are watching from afar,” said Zelensky.

“Was Russia convinced by yesterday’s sanctions? We hear in our sky and see on our earth that this was not enough.”

Zelenskyy is currently in Kyiv and warns of an “intensifying attack” on the capital city. According to several sources, more explosions have been reported in and around Kyiv.

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, Kim Kardashian has urged the court to speed up her divorce from Kanye. The businesswoman and reality star filed for divorce after Kanye’s mental illnesses worsened.

In a declaration to Los Angeles court on Wednesday, Kim said that the divorce will help Kanye accept that the marriage is over.

“I believe that the court terminating our marital status will help Kanye to accept that our marital relationship is over and to move forward on a better path which will assist us in peacefully co-parenting our children.”

The couple started dating in 2012 and have four kids together.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: A round up of all the latest developments – BBC

Headline: Kim Kardashian urges quick divorce from Kanye – EWN 

Headline: Ukraine crisis and Africa: The effects on oil, students and bread – BBC

Headline: Rapper Riky Rick remembered by Hilton College – News24

Headline: ‘Which South Africa?’ — Government urged not to get involved in deadly Russia and Ukraine conflict – Times Live

Headline: Blom convinced his versatility will catch Broos’s eye – Sowetan Live 

Headline: Premier League and Carabao Cup final: 10 things to look out for this weekend – The Guardian 

Headline: Priyanka Chopra Shares a Sneak Peek at Motherhood – E! News

Image credit: Getty Images

Top News of the Day: The war has begun

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / February 24, 2022

Russia has initiated an attack on Ukraine’s military sites.

Russian troops have invaded Eastern Ukraine while large explosions can be heard in the main cities.

According to Bloomberg, “Russia confirmed it was targeting military facilities across the country, including airfields and anti-aircraft systems. The government in Kyiv called it a “full-scale invasion” and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy imposed martial law.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin said “he had ordered a military operation to support separatists in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, and claimed he did not plan to occupy the country.”

Western politicians, including US President Joe Biden, promptly lambasted Putin, promising “severe sanctions would now follow”.

South Africans are still in complete shock following the unexpected death of Riky Rick.

Tributes continue to pour in for the late rapper, fashion designer and entrepreneur Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, known professionally as Riky Rick.

On Wednesday afternoon, family spokesperson, Sheikani Makhado released a statement.

The statement read:

“Son, husband, father, brother and uncle, Riky ‘Ricky’ Makhado (34) sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning (February 23) in Johannesburg.

Affectionately known as Riky Rick across the globe, he was deeply loved by his family, friends and the entire entertainment industry. His love for family, friends, and community is well known. Riky’s nurturing and developing of young musical talent is well documented and will forever be remembered.

He leaves behind his wife, two children, mother, and five siblings.”

The Makhado family has requested privacy during the difficult time of mourning. Details of the funeral and memorial will be confirmed in due course.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Russia’s Putin announces military operation in Ukraine – EWN 

Headline: Riky Rick’s family ask for prayers and privacy as they confirm his death – Times Live

Headline: World condemns Putin’s ‘thuggery’ after Russia launches military operation in Ukraine – Global News

Headline: Connie Ferguson, Pearl Thusi ask for more kindness after Riky Rick’s death – The Citizen 

Headline: Liverpool put six past Leeds to cut Man City’s lead, Spurs stunned by Burnley – News24

Headline: Man United escape with a draw after Anthony Elanga pegs back Atletico Madrid – News24

Headline: R3 trillion club loses last member as Elon Musk’s wealth tumbles – Bloomberg

Headline: ‘It went well!’ – Amanda Du Pont recovering in hospital after breast augmentation surgery – African Insider

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Top News of the Day: All you need to know about today’s Budget Speech

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / February 23, 2022

What is likely to come out of the budget speech today?

The Minister of Finance Mr Enoch Gondwana will deliver his budget speech to members of the National Assembly at 2 pm today.

“Economists are expecting a low-key budget that sticks to the line that Godongwana spelled out in his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in November,” commented Gaye Davis for EWN.

Finance and economic experts believe the minister will cover some of the most pressing issues today like whether the R350 Social Relief of Distress will change into a formal Basic Income Grant? Or if Gondwana will increase the revenue collection? Is it worth increasing the budget to fight corruption and crime? Will South Africans pay higher levies on fuel, tobacco and alcohol? How will the goverment assist state-owned businesses like Eskom, Prasa, Land Bank and the Post Office that are struggling to stay afloat?

Gaye Davis believes that “people will pay slightly less tax, with lower-income earners set to benefit more than richer people.”

In a separate piece for the Daily Maverick, Marianne Merten believes “the finance minister, who cut his teeth over the years as the governing ANC’s economic policy honcho, must deliver the reality check against the pressure to increase social spending. That push, both ideological and driven by worsening hunger, poverty and inequality, will come as Covid-19 restrictions hit Lockdown Day 699.”

Merten says there should be a balance of politics and finances in the “shadow of vast debt”.

Watch the budget speech live on the links below:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParliamentofRSA
Facebook: https://facebook.com/ParliamentofRSA
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ParliamentofRSA

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Godongwana’s Budget expected to ‘put some money back into people’s pockets’ – EWN 

Headline: Finance Minister Godongwana must balance politics and finances in the shadow of vast debt – Daily Maverick 

Headline: ANALYSIS | Ukraine crisis: What’s really behind Putin’s deployment of ‘peacekeeping’ troops? – News24 

Headline: 5 charts that show what to expect from South Africa’s budget – Business Tech 

Headline: Kanye Raps ‘I Stopped Buying Louis Bags After Virgil Passed’ on New ‘Donda 2’ Song – Complex

Headline: Cardi B Shares Thoughts on Russia-Ukraine Crisis: ‘If I Don’t Say the Right Things, I Might Get Killed’ – Complex

Headline: Troy Deeney calls for mandatory teaching of black, Asian and minority ethnic history – BBC

Headline: Gucci’s New Campaign Stars Miley Cyrus, Snoop Dogg, Beanie Feldstein & More – Nylon

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Putin declares Ukraine regions as independent states, Britney Spears lands a $15 million book deal

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / February 22, 2022

In a 65-minute televised ceremony on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order of decree recognizing the regions Donetsk and Lugansk of Ukraine as independent states.

“I consider it necessary to make a long overdue decision: to immediately recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic,” Putin said.

According to EWN, Russia will now send troops with the cooperation of separatist leaders, forcing Ukraine to choose between accepting the loss of a portion of its land and fighting a far more powerful neighbour.

In an article published by Variety yesterday, pop star Britney Spears has landed a multimillion-dollar book deal with Simon & Schuster for a memoir. “The book will feature Spears’ accounts of her record-smashing music career, her private life and her fractured relationship with her family.”

The terms of the contract have not been disclosed but it is reported that “multiple publishers had been in a months long bidding war prior to the announcement.”

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Defying West, Putin orders troops to Ukraine rebel regions – EWN 

Headline: Britney Spears Will Reportedly Receive $15 Million For Tell-All Book – Huffington Post 

Headline: Kanye West streaming device sales skyrocket ahead of album release – News24

Headline: Ricoffy drinkers are turning tins into knife racks – and a one-person braai – Business Insider 

Headline: Leon Reid: Irish sprinter plans to continue career despite criminal conviction – BBC

Headline: Premier League to continue with Covid-19 testing after restrictions are lifted – The Independent

Headline: Unemployment in Gauteng ‘at its worst’, (another) war room established, Makhura announces – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Colombia legalises abortion in move celebrated as ‘historic victory’ by campaigners – The Guardian 

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Top News of the Day: South Africans can request to mix their booster shots, Alleged Tinder Swindler breaks his silence in two-part interview

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / February 21, 2022

From Wednesday, fully vaccinated South Africans, over the age of 18 years can request a mixer booster vaccine.

According to EWN, “The Health Department has announced that adults who have received one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be eligible to receive a booster dose of either the same vaccine or Pfizer after an interval of three months.”

This is known as the “mix and match” approach.

In a separate piece for Times Live, the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) has not yet authorised the mixing of vaccines and booster shots. “Sahpra has not licensed mix-and-match vaccines. However, there is good evidence that mix-and-match vaccines are just as effective, and sometimes better, at increasing antibody levels. Sahpra has requested the submission of evidence to support a ‘mix-and-match’ approach,” commented Cebelihle Bhengu for Times Live.

Evidence is not clear of the efficiency of the mix and match approach at this point.

The Tinder Swindler, Simon Leviev, will break his silence in a two-part interview. Alleged conman Shimon Hayut has spoken out in an interview with Inside Edition. Inside Edition has confirmed that the interview is set to be released in two parts, the first due on Monday February 21 and the second interview released on Tuesday February 22. In the interview, Hayut confirms ‘I was just a single guy that wanted to meet some girls on Tinder. I am not a Tinder Swindler.’

Watch the preview of the interview below:

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: SA reduces intervals between COVID vaccine jabs, allows mixing of booster shots – EWN

Headline: From Wednesday you can mix the Pfizer and J&J vaccines on request – at least in theory – Business Insider

Headline: Alleged Tinder Swindler Simon Leviev to break his silence in two-part interview – News24

Headline: SSA DECLASSIFIED I Networks which looted R1.5bn from spy agency still in place as investigations collapse – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Man United survive Leeds storm to tighten grip on top four – News24

Headline: La Liga: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores first Barcelona hat-trick in Valencia win – BBC

Headline: Pitt sues Jolie over sale of French vineyard where they married – EWN

Headline: A South African Just Launched An Afrikaans Wordle Called Wortel! – Good Things Guy

Image credit: Twitter

Top News of the Day: Malema requested to pay R500 000 in damage, Lizzo’s ‘Watch Out for the Big Grrrls’ Trailer

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / February 18, 2022

In a cross-examination held by AfriForus on Thursday, Julius Malema, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, has informed the High Court that he will respect their decision should the struggle song “Dubul’ ibhunu” be declared as hate speech.

According to EWN, “Malema also warned that by doing so, the court would be declaring that the liberation movement was driven by hate.”

Malama defended the struggle songs saying, “Our songs are not in any way meant to engage in any literal engagement.”

The lobby group has requested the EFF and its leader pay R500 000 in damage and make a public apology.

We’ve just had a sneak peek at Lizzo’s new show, Watch Out for the Big Grrrls. Global superstar and body positive activist Lizzo branches out to reality TV and is the star of a new Amazon Prime series. The show follows ten dancers and helps Lizzo find inclusive backup dancers for her world tour. “It’s time to show the world how we do it. Watch out for the big girls”, says Lizzo. The series premieres March 25 on Prime Video.
 
Watch the trailer here:

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Malema our songs are not meant to be taken literally – EWN 

Headline: Lizzo Searches for Backup Dancers in Trailer for Her New Reality Show Watch Out for the Big Grrrls – People 

Headline: ‘That is racist’: Qatar Airways demand African travellers wear face shields – The South African 

Headline: Back on track: Prasa pays City of Tshwane almost R16m to restore services – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Adidas latest bra campaign met with mixed reaction – EWN 

Headline: Kanye West Announces ‘Donda 2’ Will Be Released Exclusively on His Stem Player – Complex

Headline: Djokovic ready to play ‘better than ever’ – EWN 

Headline: Winter Olympics: Kamila Valieva treatment by entourage ‘chilling’ – BBC

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons 

Top News of the Day: Sandton City owns R168 million in debt, Pete Davidson rejoins Instagram

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / February 17, 2022

Metropolitan municipalities are taking a stand against outstanding municipal bills.

In an effort to claim back more than R38 billion owning to the city of Johannesburg from businesses, residents and government departments, a pre-termination notice was handed to Sandton City on 12 February to pay back the outstanding debt before the end of the month.

Sandton City owes the city of Johannesburg R168 million for water and rates.

According to News24, “Sandton City was sent a pre-termination notice on 12 February, and that notice was set to expire on 26 February, which would result in its water being cut off.”

Sandton City and the City of Johannesburg have reached an agreement to put legal procedures on hold while awaiting the outcome of the Assessment Appeal Board hearing. The hearing will “determine the correct valuation of Sandton City for rates purposes.”

In entertainment news, Pete Davidson has officially rejoined Instagram. The Saturday Night Live comedian reopened this account on Wednesday evening after taking a three-year break to address his mental health. According to E! News, “he has been on the app off and on for short periods of time, once promoting the semi-autobiographical film The King of Staten Island in May 2020. Two months ago, he joined friend Machine Gun Kelly for a takeover of Calvin Klein’s Instagram, where they stripped down to their underwear.”

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Now City of Joburg has Sandton City in its crosshairs over R168m outstanding municipal bill – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Pete Davidson Officially Rejoins Instagram – E! News

Headline: 50% more popular: Julia to make MILLIONS after romantic stint with Kanye – The South African 

Headline: Kuli Robert’s sister Hlubi Mboya: ‘Let her go because she needs to rest & we all know that’ – Times Live 

Headline: ‘State of SA’s economy keeps me up at night’ – Ramaphosa – News24

Headline: Jacob Zuma’s Downer appeal application dismissal unfair, says foundation – EWN 

Headline: Liverpool see off spirited Inter to put one foot in Champions League quarters – The Mail & Guardian 

Headline: PODCAST | Kaizer Chiefs slayer Tim – Times Live

Image credit: Flickr

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