Morning Newsletter

Top News of the Day: Judge Mandisa Maya interviewed by JSC, Food prices on the rise

Judge Xola Petse has taken the lead at the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) this week. He leads the committee, with 22 other commissioners to select the next Chief Justice. According to the Daily Maverick, four candidates have been nominated for the position, namely Judge Dunstan Mlambo, Judge Raymond Zondo, Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga and Judge Mandisa Maya. The much-anticipated selection process takes place in Sandton from Tuesday to Saturday.

Today Judge Mandisa Maya, the only woman among the candidates, will be interviewed for the Chief Justice post.

Meanwhile, Pick n Pay CEO Pieter Boone has warned South Africans that food prices are on the rise. The riot-related costs were largely carried by the retailers and insurers. Now, with energy and fuel prices likely to surge and the central bank and government set to remove the stimulus that’s helped South Africans cope with the pandemic, it’s consumers who will feel the pain. The price of gasoline increased in nine of the 12 months of last year.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: JSC to interview SCA president Judge Mandisa Maya for Chief Justice post – EWN

Headline: Zondo report unveils a hornets’ nest of corruption and racketeering – Times Live 

Headline: Pick n Pay CEO warns that rising prices are going to hit South Africans – News24

Headline: State Capture Central: How Transnet became the hub of the Gupta looting frenzy – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Here is how much it would cost to go on a Valentine’s Day date with Somizi – African Insider

Headline: Adele Seemingly Responds to Rumors She and Rich Paul Are Going Through Rough Patch – Complex

Headline: Whoopi Goldberg Suspended From ‘The View’ Over Holocaust Comments – Huffington Post 

Headline: Eskom to implement stage 2 load shedding until next week Monday – News24 

Image credit: Pixabay 

Top News of the Day: Ramaphosa to receive second report of state capture report, Rihanna and ASAP expecting first child

Two weeks ago, the first installment of the state capture was handed to President Cyril Ramaphosa by Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. On Tuesday, the President will receive the second installment of the state capture report. According to eNCA, “the second installment is said to most likely delve into capture at state-owned enterprises. The third and final part will be submitted later this month.”

In entertainment news, Rihanna and ASAP Rocky announced their pregnancy in New York yesterday. Businesswoman and superstar Rihanna wore a vintage pink puffer coat with Gripoix buttons from Chanel fashion week 1996. It’s only fitting that the couple made the announcement in Harlem New York, two weeks before the start of fashion week.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Second state capture report to be handed to Ramaphosa – eNCA

Headline:Singer Rihanna expecting first child with rapper A$AP Rocky – Times Live 

Headline: Ramaphosa will make final call on Chief Justice, no matter how messy JSC interviews get – News24 

Headline: Monique Muller responds to Katlego Maboe’s statement – The Citizen 

Headline: Beauty pageants ‘devastated’ by suicide of Miss USA 2019 – African Insider 

Headline: AA repeats call for review of fuel price in wake of latest hike announcement – EWN 

Headline: Nadal triumph slams door on pretenders again – Sowetan Live 

Headline: Transfer window closes: Premier League clubs spend £295m in busy January 2022 – BBC

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: New online car renewal system launched, Blitzboks wins fourth consecutive title

The South Africa Post Office has launched a time-saving and cost-effective online system to renew your motor vehicle license. The new system allows drivers to complete the full renewal process online. Once the driver uploads the documents and signed forms online, all that’s left is to select a delivery method. According to Business Tech, “no commission is charged on the renewal transaction. The cost of delivery to door is R75 and there is no charge to the customer when it is collected from a Post Office counter.”

In sports news, the Blitzboks beat Australia 33-7 in Spain on Sunday as part of the World Rugby Sevens Series tournament. South Africa has won four consecutive Cup titles this season and six gold medals overall.  

Here are the top trending stories of the day

Headline: New online car licence renewal system launched in South Africa – how it works – Business Tech 

Headline: Blitzboks win in Seville for fourth straight Sevens World Series title – EWN

Headline: Here is the Spotify COVID content policy that lets Joe Rogan slide – The Verge 

Headline: Manchester Utd suspend Greenwood following assault accusation – SABC News 

Headline: Federer, Djokovic praise ‘great champion’ Nadal for Slam record – News24

Headline: Kylie Jenner Fan Arrested at Neighbor’s Home 1 Month After He Was Hit With Restraining Order – Complex

Headline: Nick Cannon Expecting Baby Boy With Bre Tiesi – Complex

Headline: Meet ‘MasterChef South Africa’ top 20 contestants – The Citizen 

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Police launch an inquiry into sexual allegations against Albert Fritz, 2 metre anaconda goes missing in KZN

The sexual assault allegations against suspended Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz have prompted police in the Western Cape to launch an independent investigation. One complaint of sexual misconduct was reported to Premier Alan Winde in November last year. Ever since the initial complaint, five more complaints of sexual misconduct were reported by three women and two men. The SAPS has encouraged more victims to come forward. “At this point, it bears noting that an inquiry has been opened by SAPS while key pertinent documentation is awaited before a case is registered. The doors of the SAPS remain open for all victims of the crime to open cases with the necessary support availed to them by police,” reported News24.

A non venomous anaconda escaped from a temporary enclosure in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal. Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) has encouraged residents in the area to be on the lookout for a “2 metre black and yellow female snake”. According to The Citizen, the snake escaped between 6pm on Wednesday and 10am on Thursday.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Western Cape police open inquiry into sexual assault allegations against Albert Fritz – News24

Headline: Anaconda escapes from temporary enclosure in Phoenix – The Citizen 

Headline: Four years later, Brian Molefe still hasn’t paid back his Eskom pension – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Parliament’s botched digitisation may mean millions of precious documents were lost in fire – News24

Headline: Kim Kardashian’s Skims Shapewear Line Now Valued at $3.2 Billion – Complex

Headline: Benchwarmer Khune has hope for action at Chiefs – Sowetan Live 

Headline: Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Liverpool make Dybala approach – Goal 

Headline: Twitter suspends spoiler account for ‘Wordle’ answer reveal – EWN 

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: South Africa’s first black billionaire purchases luxury wine farm, Kobe and daughter Gianna’s 2-Year anniversary of death

Patrice Motsepe, South Africa’s first black billionaire purchased Hidden Valley luxury wine estate in Stellenbosch. According to News24, it is estimated that the 28-hectare farm was purchased for over $5million in cash. Motsepe purchased the wine estate from Riaan Stassen, the founder of Capitec who owned the farm for nearly seven years. Experts believe Motsepe’s investment in the wine estate would be excellent for promoting tourism in the region, building relations between Gauteng and Stellenbosch, and increase sales to wine enthusiasts.

A temporary statue of Kobe and Gigi Bryant, as well as seven other passengers, was placed in Calabasas, California on Wednesday. The Los Angeles artist Dan Medina honoured their memory by placing a 160-pound (73-kg) bronze figure at the site where they tragically passed two years ago. The statue is a depiction of Kobe and Gigi standing together in basketball uniforms holding a ball. Medina hopes to create a permanent life-sized statue at the site.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: South Africa’s first Black billionaire just bought a luxury wine farm for over $5 million, reports say – Face2Face Africa 

Headline: Kobe and Gigi Bryant statue erected at helicopter crash site – TMZ

Headline: Rich Mnisi’s adidas collection reflects Tsonga heritage – Sowetan Live 

Headline: Did Western Cape take too long to suspend Albert Fritz after sexual allegations came to light? – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Egypt player ratings after dismissing Ivory Coast – Salah yet to find rhythm at Afcon – Goal 

Headline: Jesse Lingard’s loan move from Manchester United to Newcastle hits road block over relegation clause – The Independent 

Headline: Julia Fox & Ye’s Matching Styles at Paris Fashion Week – E! News

Headline: Missing anchovette toast? Try making your own fish paste – Times Live 

Image credit: Flickr

Top News of the Day: South Africa’s driver licence card machine fixed, Rihanna’s pledges $15 million to climate change

The driving licence card machine is fixed and back in operation! The machine was sent to Germany for repairs in November last year. Transport minister Fikile Mbalula posted a video to Twitter on Wednesday (26 January) showing staff at the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) working hard to clear the backlog. “The Licensing Card Machine has been fixed and is in operation. The Staff is pulling Day and Nightshift to ensure your License are made and delivered.” According to Business Tech, approximately half a million motorists are driving with expired licence cards.

The Clara Lionel Foundation, founded by Rihanna, has pledged $15 million to 18 organisations fighting climate change working in Caribbean nations and the United States. The Barbadian singer and businesswoman said grants will focus on groups led by women, youth, Black, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+ and people of colour. “Climate disasters, which are growing in frequency and intensity, do not impact all communities equally, with communities of colour and island nations facing the brunt of climate change.”

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Good news for driving licences in South Africa – Business Tech 

Headline: Rihanna’s foundation to donate $15 million to organizations fighting for climate justice – Complex

Headline: More sexual assault allegations loom over Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz – Premier Winde – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Covid-19 corruption: SIU cracks the whip, wants swifter action in 224 funding abuse cases – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Zendaya & Tom Holland Getting COZY in the U.K. – E! News 

Headline: Pirates, AmaZulu clash the pick of Ke Yona first round – Sowetan Live 

Headline: Afcon title would be crowning glory for Salah – Goal 

Headline: CCMA rules company’s decision to sack unvaccinated worker is ‘substantively fair’ – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Malaria enters peak season, Kanye West reveals all

As South Africa exits its fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, malaria enters its peak season. Yesterday, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirmed that many malaria cases in South Africa are misdiagnosed as Covid-19. The NCID reported that “both malaria and COVID-19 have similar non-specific early symptoms including fever, chills, headaches, fatigue and muscle pain.” Any individual with flu-like symptoms that resides or travelled to malaria-risk areas in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga or Mozambique should consult with a GP and be tested for malaria.

In entertainment news, Kanye “Ye” West reveals all in an interview with Hollywood Unlocked. The 44-year old rapper and fashion designer got candid about everything from divorce, co-parenting, politics and the controversy surrounding Big Sean. He also reveals details of a recent incident where he was not allowed on Kim Kardashian’s property.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Malaria Alert – NCID 

Headline: 8 Takeaways From Kanye’s ‘Hollywood Unlocked’ Interview – Complex

Headline: The unlikely brotherhood of CBD Twitter and MacG – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Senior DA leader told victim to approach Winde and ‘party processes’ over Albert Fritz sexual assault – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Experts: End South Africa’s national state of disaster – Daily Maverick 

Headline: At least 6 dead in stampede outside soccer match in Cameroon – Times Live 

Headline: Australian Open: Madison Keys beats Barbora Krejcikova to reach semi-finals – BBC

Headline: Joe Biden appears to insult Fox News reporter over inflation question – The Guardian 

Image credit: Flickr

Top News of the Day: Why hasn’t Ramaphosa acted swiftly against Sisulu, Ari Lennox wants to be dropped by label.

In his latest opinion piece, Adriaan Basson, the editor-in-chief of News24 questions the silent leadership style of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Ever since Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu wrote an open letter attacking the Constitution and the judiciary, President Ramaphosa has not acted swiftly and decisively. “From the outside, it looks like a pretty straightforward matter. Sitole must go. But the president is procrastinating again. Like with splitting up Eskom and breaking up the State Security Agency, which haven’t happened despite his announcements since 2018 that it would” said Basson. Basson has requested that the president act swiftly and fire Minister Sisulu.

In a recent Tweet, Ari Lennox revealed that she wants to be dropped by the record label and vows to never visit South Africa after the virtual interview with MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho of Podcast and Chill. The American singer was “ambushed” and “blindsided” by MacG’s provocative question about her sex life. “I wrote every lyric on my Shea Butter album you worthless germ! I was completely shocked and have never in my life been asked such a distasteful and predatory question. Regardless of what the hell I wrote. It doesn’t give you losers the right to justify the disrespect”. Lennox is currently signed to Interscope and Dreamville and wants to be dropped by the label.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Analysis paralysis: Why hasn’t Ramaphosa fired Sisulu? – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Ari Lennox Wants to Be Dropped From Label Because She Wants to ‘Be Free’ – Complex

Headline: Ramaliar’ — Floyd Shivambu weighs in on Sisulu’s ‘apology’ – Times Live

Headline: Five in row: Blitzboks turn on the magic in Malaga to reign in Spain – Daily Maverick 

Headline: China warns of air pollution risks during Beijing Winter Games – SABC News 

Headline: Bible verse challenge: Why a Zimbabwean ‘prophet’ is offering R2m to SA youngsters – News24

Headline: How can transportation companies reach their sustainability goals? With better data – Fast Company 

Headline: #BettyWhiteChallenge Raises R191 Million For Animal Shelters – Good Things Guy

Image credit: Flickr

Top News of the Day: Mafe spent 30 hours in Parliament before starting the fire, Matric pass rate at 76.4-percent

New information released in the Parliament fire investigation states that Zandile Mafe, the alleged Parliament arsonist, spent 30 hours in the National Assembly building before setting fire to a stack of boxes. A senior Police official confirmed that there were two cops on duty as Mafe entered the building on 2 January, one cop was asleep, the other had headphones on. According to News24, “the police source confirmed that Mafe was seen on the footage making several telephone calls while inside Parliament, but said they were unaware that he had phoned the police. His cellphone was seized and would undergo forensic analysis to determine who he had called.”

Despite the pandemic and many challenges learners faced, the matric class of 2021 received a total pass rate of 76.4 percent. Angie Motshega, Basic Education Minister congratulated matriculants on their “high-quality passes”. “The classes of 2020 and 2021 produced the best results of quality in the history of the NSC exams,” said Motshega. The individual matric results will be released at their respective schools today.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: EXCLUSIVE | On duty cop asleep in control room as Zandile Mafe spent ’30 hours’ inside Parliament – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: 2021 Matric Results | Motshekga: Best results in history of NSC – eCNA

Headline: Showdown looms after Lindiwe Sisulu denies Presidency statement that she apologised and retracted her attack on judges – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Jota double fires Liverpool into League Cup final – News24

Headline: SA’s Proteas coach Mark Boucher faces charges which could lead to dismissal – African Insider

Headline: Tearful Adele pulls plug on Las Vegas show – EWN

Headline: Elon Musk’s Neuralink hiring clinical trial director as it moves towards testing chip implants in humans – Busines Insider

Headline: Matric results aren’t always a party. Here’s where you can go for help – EWN 

Image credit: NPR

Top News of the Day: The DA wants to end the rotational schooling system

Image: Gallo Images

The Democratic Alliance (DA) wants to end the rotational schooling system in South Africa. Following the start of lockdown in March 2020, the party now plans to take the government to court to allow all learners to return to school on a full-time basis. According to the DA, the government’s current one-meter policy requires schools to function on a rotating basis, resulting in children only attending 50% of the time. John Steenhuisen, DA party leader argues that the rotational schooling system highlights inequality and mostly impacts poor children. 

The Australian Open 2022 started with lots of drama surrounding Novak Djokovic’s visa application. According to The Sun, the unvaccinated Serbian tennis star is in discussion with lawyers to sue Australia for £3.2M for “ill-treatment”. Novak was deported on Sunday, a day before the Australian Open.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: DA heading to court in bid to end rotational schooling – EWN 

Headline: Novak Djokovic in talks to sue Australian government for £3.2million for ‘ill treatment’ – The Sun 

Headline: St Andrew’s headmaster ‘breached his duty’ by not taking appropriate steps against David Mackenzie – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Man United ride luck to seal important win at Brentford – SABC News 

Headline: Ramaphosa: New vaccine hub will move Africa into a new health science era – EWN 

Headline: GBV activists slam Patrick Shai for threatening to beat Cassper Nyovest – Sowetan Live (for subscribers) 

Headline: Postponed Grammys move to Las Vegas, set for 3 April – EWN 

Headline: The Fashion Industry & Celebrities Remember André Leon Talley – Nylon

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