Morning Newsletter

• South Africa’s 2nd-quarter murder report shows a 13.6% increase.
• Japan stun Germany in a 2-1 opening World Cup win. 
• The Gauteng government has vowed to construct a cultural development school in honour of DJ Sumbody. 

Crime stats: Murder up by 13.6% in second quarter of 2022/2023- The South African 

On November 23, the South African Police Service (SAPS) revealed crime stats for the second quarter of the year. The South African writes that there were 7004 murders from July to September, which represents an increase of 841 (13.6%) compared to the preceding quarter. “Arguments, Misunderstanding, Road Rage and Provocation were the leading causative factors for murder accounting for 956 killings, followed by Vigilantism/Mob Justice with 528 murders and Robbery (362) and Retaliation (348).” Read more here

Another World Cup shock as Samurai Blue put Germany to the sword – TimesLIVE

Japan stunned four-time champions Germany 2-1 with goals from substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano in the final 15 minutes of their Qatar World Cup Group E opening on Wednesday. “The Germans had dominated the contest at Khalifa International Stadium and taken the lead with a 33rd-minute penalty from Ilkay Guendogan after Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda had fouled wing back David Raum.” Read more here

Gauteng pledges to build school in honour of DJ Sumbody – Sowetan Live

The Gauteng government has vowed to construct a cultural development school in honour of Oupa John “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka.  On Wednesday, the MEC of the Department of sport, arts, culture, and recreation, Morakane Mosupyoe, made this pledge at the memorial service for the deceased musician at Lewende Woord Church in Centurion, outside of Pretoria, Sowetan Live reports. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: SA school teacher held in Australia on child porn charges deported to SA – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Spain ignite World Cup bid by smashing 7 past Costa Rica – News24

Headline: Ramaphosa meets with UK PM for ‘ambitious R110 billion investments’ [PICS] – The Citizen

Headline: Kanye West Allegedly Showed Explicit Photos Of Kim Kardashian, Porn To Employees – Huffpost

Headline: Zendaya and Tom Holland See a ‘Real Future’ Together – Elle Magazine

Weather: Severe thunderstorms expected in parts of KZN, Limpopo and Mpumalanga – News24

Image credit: Pexels

• Manchester United’s owners have reportedly been considering a sale of the club.
• Eskom could soon run out of funds to purchase diesel.
• DJ Sumbody’s memorial service is to be live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook. 

Manchester United owners consider sale of club as Ronaldo exits – News24

The owners of Manchester United announced on Tuesday that they are willing to sell the club, potentially ending the Glazer family’s 17-year reign, News24 reports. Yesterday, the club announced that Cristiano Ronaldo had departed with “immediate effect”

“The board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company,” Manchester United said in a statement. Read more here

Diesel urgently needed to keep the lights on – eNCA

According to the South African National Energy Association (SANEA), the nation is in danger. It states that the government must immediately find the funds to purchase diesel. Last week, Eskom warned that it was running out of funds to purchase the diesel that frequently keeps the lights on, eNCA reports. The article further states that due to low diesel reserves and failures, Eskom has increased load shedding. “Without the diesel, we’re talking about two levels of load-shedding,” said SANEA’s Etienne Rubbers. Read more here

DJ Sumbody to be remembered at memorial service today – TimesLIVE

Wednesday will mark the memorial service for singer and businessman Oupa John “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka, attended by close friends and family. The celebrity died early Sunday morning, and the circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated, TimesLIVE reports. His passing caused shockwaves throughout the industry, and prominent colleagues and friends paid tribute to him. Beginning at 10 am, the memorial service will be live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook. Read more here

Memorial Service

Venue: to be Confirmed#Djsumbody #Ayepyep #RIPDJSumbody pic.twitter.com/7ztOBEqTte

— AyepyepLifestyle (@AyepyepMenlyn) November 22, 2022

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: UK to back SA’s green hydrogen plans with grant funding – News24

Headline: Cape Town taxi operators to return to work after 4 buses gutted in violent protests over 2 days – News24

Headline: Giroud equals Henry record as World Cup holders France sink Australia – EWN

Headline: Lambie weighs in on Willemse positional debate: ‘Perhaps he’s better suited to 12 or 15’ – News24

Headline: Best New Christmas Songs for 2022: Lizzo, Camila Cabello & More – Billboard

Weather: Warm day, with warnings for damaging winds issued for Northern, Western Cape – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

• Supreme Court overturns Zuma’s parole.
• Lionel Messi’s last chance to win the World Cup. 
• The future of social media, what could a world without Twitter look like. 

Children of Stalingrad: Zuma’s court cases are multiplying and the time-space continuum is warping again – Daily Maverick 

On Monday, the Supreme Court of Appeal decided that former Correctional Services Commissioner Arthur Fraser’s decision to grant medical parole to Jacob Zuma was illegal. Judges deemed it improper for Fraser to overturn the Medical Parole Advisory Board’s judgement and release him to complete the remainder of his sentence at home, the Daily Maverick reports. However, it is quite improbable that Zuma will be required to report to prison in the foreseeable future. Read more here

Messi centre stage as Argentina, France begin World Cup title bids – EWN

Lionel Messi will begin what will likely be his final opportunity to win the World Cup on Tuesday, when Argentina and defending champion France play in Qatar, EWN reports. Messi and the Argentina squad will face Saudi Arabia first in Group C, followed by Denmark versus Tunisia in Group D. “If Messi is approaching the end of one of football’s greatest careers, his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Mbappe is only still starting his.” Read more here

What could a world without Twitter look like? – News24

After another week of major personnel departures and policy reversals, Twitter’s future remains uncertain, with users pondering what a world without the app might look like, News24 reports. In Twitter’s 15 years, it’s become the primary communication route for politicians, businesses, brands, celebrities, and news organisations. “Twitter, I think, has become the central platform for being able to disseminate the truth and the ground reality,” Charles Lister, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington, told AFP. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Senzo Meyiwa murder trial postponed to May 2023 after two accused sack their lawyer – Daily Maverick

Headline: Interest rates set for another hike – eNCA

Headline: World Cup: The moment Gareth Bale sent Wales fans wild against USA – BBC

Headline: (Graphic content) Pitbull attack: 11-year-old mauled trying to break up a dog fight – The South African

Headline: Kanye West Confirms Presidential Run, Enlists Milo Yiannopoulos for His 2024 Campaign – Billboard

Weather: Warm day, with thundershowers in several regions – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

• A 3-year-old boy was tragically killed by two pit bulls in Hennenman.
• Oupa John Sefoka aka DJ Sumbody shot and killed on Sunday morning. 
• Report: Qatar loses 2-0 to Ecuador in the opening World Cup match. 

Police to investigate pit bull owner after Free State boy, 3, mauled to death – News24

On Sunday around 8:15 a.m., Keketso Innocent Saule was mauled to death by a pitbull in Sekoti Mpate Phomolong, Hennenman, News24 reports. “An inquest was registered for further investigation, and there will be an additional charge under the Animals Amendment Act. A thorough investigation will be conducted regarding the circumstances which led to the two pit bulls killing the boy,” said police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng. According to News24, the boy was playing with other children at a house when he was attacked and fatally bitten by the dogs. Read more here

RIP: DJ Sumbody allegedly shot dead on day of his all-white party – The South African 

Oupa John Sefoka aka DJ Sumbody’s family made a statement to News24 announcing his death, while Twitter users reported he was shot and died early on Sunday, November 20. DJ Sumbody was scheduled to perform at the All-White Veuve Clicquot Picnic. An unnamed Sandton police officer told News24 that a third individual, thought to be DJ Sumbody’s second bodyguard, was brought to the hospital in critical condition after being shot multiple times in the solar plexus. The police are currently conducting an investigation. Read more here

Valencia leads Ecuador to 2-0 win over hosts Qatar in World Cup opener – TimesLIVE

Ecuador defeated Qatar 2-0 on Sunday with to two goals from veteran striker Enner Valencia. It was the first time in tournament history that a host nation lost its opening game, TimesLIVE reports. The all-time leading scorer for Ecuador, Enner Valencia, netted an early penalty and a well-taken header in the 31st minute. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: EC mother who allegedly killed kids dies – eNCA

Headline: Breaking point: Eskom metrics, projections show parastatal’s decline will not end anytime soon – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Here are the suspended Twitter accounts that have been reinstated since Elon Musk took over – Business Insider

Headline: ‘Stage 5 during the World Cup has to be their biggest crime yet’ — Eskom roasted over latest load-shedding – TimesLIVE

Headline: ‘Batho ba slege jo! Ai mara bafethu this can’t be it’ — Mzansi mourns the death of DJ Sumbody – TimesLIVE

Weather: SA Weather | 21 November 2022 – SABC

Image credit: Pexels

• Eskom implements stage 4 load shedding until further notice. 
• Rassie Erasmus banned for two tests by World Rugby.
• Qatari hosts may have to rethink beer sales at World Cup venues

Eskom increases load-shedding until further notice – MyBroadband

According to MyBroadband, Eskom implemented stage 4 load-shedding at 5:26 on Friday morning due to equipment failures and a shortage of emergency reserves. Load shedding stage 4 will continue until further notice. 

“Breakdowns amounting to 17,056MW of generation capacity, low pumped storage dam levels, and lack of diesel are the reasons for the increase in load-shedding.” Read more here

Rassie banned again: Springbok boss punished for social media commentary on refereeing – News24

Following a week in which Rassie Erasmus sparked debate among rugby fans with various social media remarks about officiating, World Rugby has stepped in and suspended the Springbok director of rugby for two matches, News24 reports. 

“In a statement released on Thursday evening, World Rugby confirmed that the ban meant that Erasmus could not participate in any match-day activities for the upcoming Springbok Tests against Italy in Genoa on Saturday and England at Twickenham the following weekend.” Read more here

World Cup hosts Qatar pressure Fifa to stop beer sales at stadiums – The Guardian 

There are only a few days left until the World Cup starts, and The Guardian reports that the Qatari hosts are putting pressure on Fifa to stop selling beer at the eight stadiums. Qatar has strict rules about selling alcohol, but it should be available outside of match venues and in fan zones, as well as in hotels. Budweiser is one of Fifa’s largest sponsors, but on Saturday it was forced to relocate its stadium stalls to less conspicuous areas. “The Times reports that Qatar 2022 now wants to go even further and that discussions are ongoing between Fifa and Budweiser. A decision is expected on Friday but it is believed beer could be banned from all stadiums.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Police nab Eskom contractor for alleged sabotage – eNCA

Headline: Defence asks if there was fighting when Senzo Meyiwa was shot dead – TimesLIVE

Headline: SABC+: From a Senzo trial channel to no TV Licence required – 10 must-knows about the new streamer – News24

Headline: Charlize Theron ruffles Afrikaans feathers – Scrolla

Headline: Circular asking for LGBTQIA+ pupils’ database thrown out after complaints – TimesLIVE

Weather: Severe thunderstorms expected in parts of Mpumalanga, Free State – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• Gauteng government plans to reopen Kempton Park Hospital after 25 years. 
• Charlize Theron criticised for dismissing Afrikaans as ‘a dying language’. 
• Deaths, injuries, unpaid wages: Why Qatar World Cup workers are not happy. 

Plans to reopen Kempton Park Hospital 25 years after it closed – News24

The Gauteng health administration aims to reopen Kempton Park Hospital, which has been closed for 25 years. According to News24, the health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko informed the Gauteng legislature that there were intentions to reopen the 300-bed facility. “The need for a 300-bed hospital district hospital was identified due to the high demand for primary healthcare services in the area, said Nkomo-Ralehoko. “Since the hospital was closed, there has been an increase in the number of patients placing additional pressure on Tembisa Tertiary Hospital, which is the only public hospital in the area,” she said. Read more here

‘Stick to Hollywood & leave us out of it’ — Charlize Theron dragged for calling Afrikaans ‘a dying language’ – TimesLIVE

Charlize Theron, a Hollywood actress of South African descent, has been criticised on Twitter over remarks she made regarding Afrikaans. In a recent podcast interview with SmartLess, Theron referred to Afrikaans as a “dying language” and joked that “there’s about 44 people still speaking it”. “It’s not a very helpful language,” said Theron. 

According to TimesLIVE, South African actor Tim Theron dismissed the notion that Afrikaans is an endangered language. “Love the podcast guys. Just one small note after listening to this episode: As South Africans, we’re extremely proud of Charlize and everything she has achieved … but we’re also very proud of our diversity and our amazing and beautiful official languages, of which Afrikaans is one.” Read more here

Dreams of wealth turn to dust for Qatar migrant workers – The Citizen 

According to The Citizen, thousands of people have rushed to Qatar to work on massive building projects as the country improved its infrastructure in preparation for the World Cup. “Drawn by the prospect of making more money than they could ever hope to at home, migrants make up nearly 90 percent of Qatar’s population of 2.8 million.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Boys who witnessed friend drown in Apies River need counselling, says victim’s uncle – TimesLIVE

Headline: Ramaphosa dodges Phala Phala panel, bolstering his bid in ANC leadership race – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Lizzo Loans a Fan Her Emmys Dress After Viral TikTok Request – PopSugar

Headline: Hamilton targets future on return to scene of rancorous ‘injustice’ – EWN

Headline: ‘Only GOAT Benni is safe’ — Ronaldo urged not to come for McCarthy in tell-all – TimesLIVE

Weather: Hot day for most of the country, but heavy rain for parts of Mpumalanga – News24

Image credit: Pexels

• In the next 6 months, South Africa will experience its most severe load shedding.
• According to sources, Pete Davidson and Emily Ratajkowski are dating.
• Qatar says they won’t torture LGBTQ+ people. 

Stage 3 load shedding and worse: Brace yourself for Eskom’s new normal – News24 (for subscribers)

In the next six to twelve months, South Africa will experience its most severe load shedding ever, as Eskom faces equipment breakdowns and is logistically unable to deliver and burn enough diesel to keep the lights on, News24 reports.

“In the most likely scenario, SA faces a minimum of Stage 3 load shedding almost daily, with the likelihood of this being significantly higher about half the time.” Read more here

Pete Davidson and Emily Ratajkowski Reportedly Dating – Complex

According to several sources, Pete Davidson and Emily Ratajkowski are dating. An insider told Us Weekly, “Pete and Emily have been talking for a couple of months now”, and while it’s still early, they genuinely like each other.

“The speculation comes on the heels of Davidson’s split with Kim Kardashian after nine months of dating. Meanwhile, Ratajkowski in September filed for divorce from her husband, film producer Sebastian Bear-McClard.” Read more here

World Cup hosts Qatar on the offensive over rights storm – News24

A well-known Qatari doctor and gay rights activist told The Guardian that gay people in Qatar have been told they won’t be physically tortured if they help the government find other LGBTQ+ people in the country. Dr. Nasser Mohamed, who lives in the US but stays in touch with hundreds of gay Qataris, said that the arrests made by Qatar’s preventive security department had made some secret networks vulnerable, The Guardian reports. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Meyiwa Murder Trial | Heated exchange between Thobane and Judge Maumela – eNCA

Headline: Beyonce-Adele rematch set to dominate 2023 Grammys – EWN

Headline: Orlando Pirates star drops Kaizer Chiefs BOMBSHELL! – The South African

Headline: Elon Musk says the new Twitter Blue will relaunch on November 29th – The Verge

Headline: There will be no PSL players at the World Cup – Scrolla

Weather: Fine to warm day expected across the country – News24

Image credit: Flickr

• Abirah Dekhta was found by police after a two-week search.
• Manchester United confirms that they are considering their response to comments made by Cristiano. 
• 5FM DJ Smash Afrika accused of having an affair with the Msaki.

8-year-old Abirah Dekhta reunited with family two weeks after being kidnapped – News24

Abirah Dekhta, who was kidnapped in Cape Town about two weeks ago, was found during a search operation on Monday evening, bringing relief to her family. According to News24, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, a police spokesman, verified that Abirah had been reunited with her family.

“SAPS members from various specialised units and City of Cape Town law enforcement officials utilising state-of-the-art technology have located her in a shack in Town Two, Khayelitsha, on Monday evening,” said Twigg. Read more here

Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United taking legal advice before responding to the Portuguese player’s shock interview – Sky News

The Sun published Ronaldo’s interview with TalkTV on Sunday evening, in which the 37-year-old criticised Manchester United and the manager Erik ten Hag, for whom he has “no respect.”

United issued the following statement in response to the interview on Monday: “Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo. The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.” Read more here

5FM DJ Smash Afrika allegedly cheats on Rami Chuene’s daughter with Msaki – The Citizen 

Sunday World reports that media personality and radio host Smash Afrika cheated on his wife, Kefiloe Chuene, with musician Asanda “Msaki” Mvana. According to reports, his suspected romance with Msaki led to the dissolution of his marriage following Kefiloe’s alleged mistreatment in her marriage. “Speaking to the publication, a source identified as Chuene’s relative disclosed that Kefiloe suffered emotional and psychological abuse from Smash Afrika.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Bokgabo Poo | Zikhali to return to court in February 2023 – eNCA

Headline: Meyiwa murder trial: State witness cites memory lapse under cross-examination – EWN

Headline: Jay Leno Gives Health Update After Being Burned in Fire – E! News

Headline: And breathe… Premier League on pause as eyes turn to Qatar – Scrolla

Headline: Bok assistant makes peace with contentious France try, TMO malfunction: ‘Accept, move forward’ – News24

Weather: Fire warnings for Northern, Western Cape on Tuesday – News24

Image credit: Facebook

• Ramaphosa addresses unemployment, inequality, and poverty at the NEC meeting. 
• Black Panther sets new movie record.
• Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he was “betrayed” by Manchester United. 

Ramaphosa outlines plans to tackle inequality, unemployment – eNCA

President of the African National Congress (ANC) Cyril Ramaphosa said the government will continue to combat unemployment, inequality, and poverty, eNCA reports. Ramaphosa assured the country at the weekend’s NEC meeting in Soweto that the economy and job development are still top priorities. “The president further says that they are committed to maintaining and expanding social security to protect the vulnerable.” Read more here

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Earns Biggest November Debut Ever With $180 Million – Complex

The November opening for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was the highest of any film in history. Black Panther: Civil War, the sequel to 2018’s Black Panther, reportedly made $180 million in its first weekend in the United States, according to Variety. It made an extra $150 million from 50 territories overseas, increasing its global total to $330 million. In November of 2013, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire earned $158 million, setting a new record for the month, Complex reports. Read more here

Cristiano Ronaldo says he feels ‘betrayed” by Manchester United – BBC

In a recent interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV, Ronaldo disclosed that he was “betrayed” by Manchester United and is being pushed to leave the club. After failing to obtain a transfer away from United to a club playing in the Champions League, Ronaldo stated in August he would provide his version of life at Old Trafford, BCC reports. When asked if United’s leadership was attempting to force him out of the club, Ronaldo responded, “Yes, not only the coach [Erik ten Hag], but another two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Meyiwa murder trial to resume on Monday – eNCA

Headline: GRAPHIC: Neighbour’s Pitbull mauls to death eight-year-old boy – The South African

Headline: Hundreds displaced in Gauteng following heavy rains – Scrolla

Headline: SA’s singing policeman Thapelo Molomo wins Idols season 18 – News24

Headline: ‘Our mission was to make sure Chiefs continue their trophy drought’: Fans react to Pirates’ win – TimesLIVE

Weather: Cloudy start across the country, but warming up later in the day – News24

Image credit: Flickr

• The trial date for the 32-year-old mother accused of murdering her children is moved to 17 November 2022. 
• Springbok fly half Elton Jantjies owes agent R300 000. 
• Chris Rock is doing a live-streamed stand-up special for Netflix.

Case against mom accused of killing her children postponed – eNCA

The revised date for the trial of the 32-year-old mother accused of murdering her four children is November 17, 2022. Nomboleko Simayile is reported to have battered and killed her sleeping children with a sledgehammer.

eNCA reported that although Nomboleko Simayile has no criminal record, the father of her children’s girlfriend obtained a protective order against her. Simayile is unemployed and has relied on social subsidies to support her children. According to Ronald Masinda, Simayile confessed to killing her children, and it is believed that she may have suffered from a mental disorder because she became enraged before to killing her children. Her family feels she was a mother who cherished her children dearly. Read more here

Elton Jantjies sued for breach of contract – News24 (for subscribers)

Springbok fly half Elton Jantjies and his agent James Adams have developed a rift. According to News24, after assisting the rugby player in securing a lucrative international deal and endorsements, the latter sued Jantjies of breach of contract for neglecting to pay him his commission.

“The papers also outline that Jantjies accepted an acknowledgment of debt agreement in February last year, which subsequently led him to pay a lump sum of R300 000 late last month. The court application cites Adams’ company, In Touch Sports, as the second plaintiff in the matter.” Read more here

Netflix Taps Chris Rock for First Stand-Up Special to Livestream Globally – Complex

Netflix is looking to Chris Rock to accomplish something the streaming service has never attempted: a live-streamed stand-up special. Netflix tweet stated that the event will “premiere live—globally—in early 2023.” The post was accompanied by an image of the multihyphenate performing in July with a frozen goat. The farm animal’s name was Will Smith, a joke present from Kevin Hart at Madison Square Garden. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Phala Phala: Three investigations, very few facts, and a president under pressure – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: SAMWU vows to continue with protest – eNCA

Headline: Get your Smart ID and passport at a bank — These are the branches offering the services – TimesLIVE

Headline: Stream Rihanna’s New Song “Born Again” From ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ – Complex

Headline: Latest Kaizer Chiefs transfer rumours: Friday 11 November – The South African

Weather: Fire warnings for Northern Cape, with thunderstorms in several provinces – News24

Image credit: Wikimedia