Morning Newsletter

• SAHRC Chief: Malema’s hate speech is clear even to children.
• Matthew Booth allegedly uses car tracker to search her vehicle.
• Qatari World Cup ambassador apologises for homophobic comments.

EFF on Malema hate speech finding: ‘SA Human Rights Commission no different to AfriForum’ – News24 (for subscribers)

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is sure that it is “clear even to a child” that EFF leader Julius Malema engaged in hate speech during his speech to supporters last month, in which he stated that murdering is permitted, News24 reports. 

“Based on our observations, we got worried that the sentiments invite violence. It [Malema’s speech] encourages people to go and kill because his party members were beaten by someone, and by not retaliating, he says they are not revolutionaries,” said the chairperson of the SA Human Rights Commission Advocate Bongani Majola. Read more here

‘I hope you find what you are looking for’ — Sonia Booth to Matthew after alleging he ‘searched’ her car – TimesLIVE

According to TimesLIVE, hours after Matthew Booth broke his silence over his wife Sonia Booth’s infidelity charges, a new plot is unfolding. Sonia posted a live Instagram video on Wednesday, informing her followers that her husband allegedly followed her to the gym using a car tracker and then searched her vehicle while she was inside.

“Me being tracked, my car searched using a spare key … unfortunately for him I stepped out the gym as he was busy searching. Ten seconds later he steps out the gym for a ‘talk’, too late. Done with the lies,” Sonia said on Instagram. Read more here

‘Our religion and culture will NOT change’: World Cup ambassador – The South African

On Wednesday, a Qatari World Cup ambassador who referred to homosexuality as “damage in the mind” contended that his remarks were misinterpreted, but insisted that his country’s strict culture will not change. Khalid Salman’s remarks, which were aired on German television on Tuesday, sparked additional concerns regarding LGBTQ rights in the host nation of the international competition, which begins on November 20. “I regret that what I said was taken out of context, because neither our religion nor our nature is to offend or insult,” he said. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Avoid Dept of Labour, Home Affairs, Transport Dept as civil servants strike: PSA – EWN

Headline: WATCH | I’m hopeful we will remain in office – Phalatse

Headline: Bok coach’s lie about Kolbe, the goalkicker – TimesLIVE (for subscribers)

Headline: Kaizer Chiefs NEW transfer criteria detailed! – The South African

Headline: Rihanna makes modelling return in Savage x Fenty show – Independent

Weather: Cloudy, with thunderstorms and isolated showers in several regions – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

• Pearl Shongwe has passed away. 
• Qatar football ambassador “says homosexuality is ‘damage in the mind’.
• Condé Nast has filed a lawsuit against Drake and 21 Savage over their album cover. 

Metro FM newsreader Pearl Shongwe, 35, has died – News24

Pearl Shongwe, the presenter for Metro FM and Daily Thetha, has passed away. According to News24, Shongwe supposedly passed away peacefully while sleeping. On Tuesday, her neighbours found her dead.

“It is with great sadness that the Shongwe family announces the untimely passing of our beloved daughter Ntombifuthi Pearl Shongwe,” News24 reports. The family has requested privacy during their period of bereavement, noting that memorial information will be released in due time. Read more here

Qatar World Cup facing ‘boycott’ after ambassador’s statement – The South African 

The ambassador for Qatar at the World Cup was criticised on Tuesday by European and American officials for calling homosexuality “damage in the mind” in an interview broadcast in Germany, only 12 days before the tournament begins, The South African reports. 

Former international footballer Khalid Salman remarked in an interview with the ZDF television that LGBT visitors to Qatar would be welcome, but “they have to accept our rules.” After Salman declared homosexuality to be “haram” (prohibited in Islam), the interview was cut short. Read more here

Drake and 21 Savage sued over use of Vogue name to promote new album – The Guardian

Condé Nast, the parent company of Vogue magazine, has filed a lawsuit against Drake and 21 Savage for allegedly misappropriating the Vogue brand in order to promote their new album, Her Loss.

“Condé Nast, also known as Advance Magazine Publishers Inc, is seeking at least $4m (£3.5m) in damages, or triple the defendants’ profits from their album and counterfeit magazine.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Ekurhuleni serial rapist Phakathi guilty of 148 charges – TimesLIVE

Headline: ‘Black people feel unwelcome’: Khampepe report slams Stellenbosch University language policy, DA to take it on review – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Here is SA’s first DRIVE-THROUGH service for motor vehicle license renewals – The South African

Headline: Veteran Le Roux among five Springbok changes for France Test – eNCA

Headline: So you’re looking for a TWITTER replacement – check this out! – The South African

Weather: Partly cloudy and warm, with rain in several regions – News24

Image credit: Pearl Shongwe/Instagram

• SAPS investigating Philani Lushaba’s theft allegations.
• Cher confirms romance with younger boyfriend Alexander Edwards after surprising PDA photos.
• Springboks to review goalkicking. 

‘Sex, lies and parties’: Crime Intelligence rocked by another scandal – News24 (for subscribers)

Major General Philani Lushaba opened a theft complaint in Tshwane on August 6. Lushaba told News24 he left his house with a companion the night before and went to various sites. On his return, the house was still in order, so he went to bed. When he woke up, his laptop and mobile, valued R75,000, were gone. But a source from CI and the Independent Police Union of South Africa (Ipusa) said that Lushaba was not telling the whole truth.

“It is alleged that General Lushaba brought in [sex workers] at his house in the absence of his wife, who was away on business purposes and partied the whole night until the morning. The [sex workers] ransacked the house of moveable properties, including [state-owned] properties (laptop and firearm),” said National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola. Read more here

Cher Shuts Down Critics Of 40-Year Age Gap With New Boyfriend: ‘Love Doesn’t Know Math’ – Huffington Post 

Cher was spotted leaving a Los Angeles restaurant while holding hands with Alexander “AE” Edwards over the weekend. The photographs, notably one of Edwards kissing her hand, fuelled rumours of a possible new romance and raised eyebrows over their 40-year age difference.

According to Huffington Post, Cher, 76, confirmed her relationship with the 36-year-old music businessman and responded to admirers who questioned the couple’s age gap. Read more here

Bok assistant coach Davids says goalkicking issues discussed ahead of France Test – News24

Prior to Saturday’s match against France at Marseilles, Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids stated that the team has thoroughly examined their goalkicking. At Saturday’s Test against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, the goalkicking was a significant issue, among others, News24 reports. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ‘We just want our daughter back’ – family of girl, 8, abducted in Cape Town pleads for safe return – News24

Headline: City of Joburg | Minority parties meet on way forward – eCNA

Headline: Boucher says Proteas’ poor World Cup history is a mental hurdle: ‘It’s not the only upset’ – News24

Headline: Drake finds ‘sense of fun’ on new album, but Alexis Ohanian and Megan Thee Stallion aren’t laughing – News24

Headline: PICS | Natasha Thahane and Thembinkosi Lorch reportedly got married – African Insider

Weather: Storm and flood warnings for several regions – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• Krugersdorp residents distrust police and are living in fear. 
• Nick Carter cries during performance after brother Aaron Carter’s death.
•  Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm wins man of the match.

Illegal mining | Krugersdorp residents living in fear – eNCA

Residents of Krugersdorp claim that the discovery of 21 deaths suspected to be illegal miners has traumatised and frightened them once more. Residents are losing hope that the murders will stop, they say. “We’re paranoid and fearful,” said one resident. While police have ruled out foul play for the murders, they say investigations are continuing, eNCA reports. Read more here

Nick Carter Sobs as Backstreet Boys Honor Aaron Carter Onstage at London Concert – E! News

Nick Carter is still grieving his brother Aaron Carter’s passing. During the Backstreet Boys’ performance on November 6 at London’s O2 Arena, the singer was visibly moved as he and his colleagues paid respect to the deceased musician onstage, E! News reports. 

“Tonight we’ve got a little bit of heavy hearts. Because we lost one of our family members yesterday. We just wanted to find a moment in our show to recognize him,” said Nick Carter. Read more here

Orlando Pirates’ Timm to snatch Soweto derby bragging rights back from Kaizer Chiefs? – Goal

Saturday evening in Durban, Orlando Pirates holding midfielder won the Man-of-the-Match award in their 1-0 MTN8 final victory over AmaZulu, Goal reorts. With the return of Miguel Timm for Orlando Pirates before their Black Label Cup Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs, Bucs could have the advantage they need to exact revenge. “Timm was the pick of a bunch of excellent Pirates players in the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and constantly seemed to be ahead of everyone else with his sense of anticipation, ball-winning skills and incisive passing.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Family of six, including three children, killed in HORRIFIC N4 truck accident – The South African

Headline: Daily load shedding planned from Monday – News24

Headline: France ‘on alert’ for South Africa despite world champions’ Ireland loss – News24

Headline: WATCH | Video of a fan hysterically chasing after Cassper Nyovest during his jog goes viral – African Insider

Headline: Kendall Jenner wears sheer bodysuit and silver skirt to LACMA gala – Elle Magazine

Weather: SA Weather Forecast

Image credit: Gallo Images

• Eskom’s Kusile chimney suffers ‘severe’ damage.
• Police release report on Takeoff’s death.
• MTN8 Preview: Orlando Pirates readies for AmaZulu.

Severe damage to Kusile chimney – News24 

Kusile’s severely damaged chimney is the latest setback for Eskom, News24 reports. On Wednesday, Eskom reported that on October 23, the flue gas duct at Unit 1 of the Mpumalanga power station “failed” in two places. 

“On 23 October 2022, a section of the Kusile Unit 1 flue gas duct (the equivalent of a chimney in a household) exiting the sulphur dioxide absorber failed on the horizontal rubber expansion joint as well as the compensator (a bend to direct flue gas up the chimney and to allow for thermal expansion of the chimney) whilst the unit was on forced shutdown for Flue Gas Desulphurisation recirculating pump repairs,” said spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha. Read more here

Takeoff shooting: Coroner’s report reveals Migos rapper was shot multiple times

The coroner’s report reveals new information on the recent death of rapper Takeoff. The former Migos member was tragically murdered on November 1 in a bowling alley in Houston, Texas, during a dispute that allegedly arose from a dice game According to a report published by the New York Post, Takeoff was shot many times. It revealed that he died from “penetrating gunshot wounds.” Read more here

‘We want to get rid of that feeling’: Pirates fuelled by Soweto derby upset as MTN8 final beckons – News24

The MTN8 finals are approaching as the first domestic trophy is up for grabs, with Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu facing off at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. According to the Orlando Pirates coach, the Buccaneers are coming off an intense and dramatic Soweto derby.

“We are competitive people. We are not good losers, to be honest. So when we suffer a defeat, like we did in our last game, obviously we want to get rid of that feeling as soon as possible,” said Jose Riveiro. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ‘Ekurhuleni serial rapist’ details crimes – eNCA

Headline: Ben Chilwell: Chelsea left-back an England doubt for World Cup after hamstring injury – BBC

Headline: T20 World Cup calculations: Proteas within touching distance of SF spot – News24

Headline: No foul play suspected after bodies of 19 illegal miners found in Krugersdorp – EWN

Headline: Selena Gomez Addresses Those Viral Photos With Hailey Bieber – Complex

Weather: Cloudy day, with thundershowers in several provinces – News24

Image credit: Flickr

• Ramaphosa: men should be responsible for ending violence against women and children. 
• Twitter Blue will cost $8 (R145) per month.
• The Springboks bench will be split six-to-two for Saturday.

Ramaphosa condemns ‘barbaric acts’ of GBV – eNCA 

President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke at the two-day presidential summit on gender-based violence and femicide in Midrand. According to eNCA, Ramaphosa stated that men are responsible for ending violence against women and children. He claims that the actions of GBV are cruel and highly unsettling. Read more here

Twitter will charge $8 per month for verification badge – MyBroadband

Elon Musk stated that the Blue premium version of Twitter will cost $8 (R145) per month and will feature a verified blue tick for paying user accounts, MyBroadband reports. Musk, who last week acquired the social network for $44 billion, stated that these Blue users will also receive precedence in replies, mentions, and Twitter search, as well as half as many advertisements. Read more here

Selections show Boks out to match Ireland’s mobility, proficiency in the ruck – TimesLIVE

The Springboks’ bench will be split six-to-two for Saturday’s crucial match in Dublin due to Ireland’s attacking dynamism and strength. Against the top-ranked team in the world, the world champions have placed a heavy emphasis on bench players’ forward mobility. “One of Ireland’s strengths is their multi-phased attack, their fitness and speed at the breakdown. We have to handle their agility and speed”, said Jacques Nienaber. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Rand Water lifts water restrictions – eNCA

Headline: Several KZN beaches reopened due to ‘improved water quality’ – News24

Headline: Davido loses three-year-old son, Ifeanyi – Scrolla

Headline: Adele Sets the Record Straight on How to Say Her Name – E! News

Headline: World Cup hosts Qatar face tough task to get out of group stage – SABC

Weather: Cool day for SA, with thundershowers in several provinces – News24

Image credit: Pexels

• Minister Bheki Cele assures the citizens of Finetown that he will deploy more police officers. 
• Taylor Swift is the first artist in history to hold the top 10 positions on the Billboard Hot 100 list. 
• Max Verstappen accuses Sky Sports of being disrespectful and living in the past. 

Cele deploys Amaberete to Finetown after gunmen killed 7 people – EWN

Police Minister Bheki Cele has assured the citizens of Finetown that he will increase police presence in the coming weeks. A group of gunmen targeted street vendors selling chicken feet over the weekend, resulting in seven fatalities and four injuries, EWN reports. 

Cele allowed people of the community to address him and Mawela about their safety concerns. According to EWN, they have requested the deployment of the Tactical Response Team, popularly known as “amaberete.” Read more here

Taylor Swift becomes first musician to claim entire top 10 on Billboard Hot 100 – Billboard 

Taylor Swift is the first artist in history to hold the top 10 positions on the US Billboard Hot 100 list with songs from her most recent album, Midnights. The new album was released on October 21 as both a conventional edition with 13 tracks and a deluxe release with seven bonus tracks. It has had one of the most successful album releases in the past seven years. According to Billboard, Swift is now tied with Barbra Streisand for the most No. 1 albums by a female artist. 

“10 out of 10 of the Hot 100??? On my 10th album??? I AM IN SHAMBLES,” said Taylor. Read more here

Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing take unprecedented stance boycotting Sky Sports – News24

After Red Bull boycotted the broadcaster at the Mexican Grand Prix, Max Verstappen accused Sky Sports of being “disrespectful” and “living in the past.” On Sunday, Verstappen and his whole Red Bull crew, including Christian Horner, refused to speak with Sky, News24 reports. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Oscar Pistorius parole hopes dashed as SCA backtracks on when murder sentence began – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Gauteng traffic cop in possession of hijacked vehicle arrested in Soweto – TimesLIVE

Headline: Proteas star Ngidi rates Indian masterclass as ‘one of my best’ – News24

Headline: Black joy, art and opulence – Get ready to party with DJ Zinhle at the Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town – News24

Headline: TikToker Dylan Mulvaney Responds to Caitlyn Jenner’s “Ridicule” – E! News

Weather: Disruptive rain in parts of Free State, North West and Northern Cape – News24

Image credit: Flickr

• Load shedding won’t affect Matric exams, says Motshekga.
• Celebrities are showing off their intriguing Halloween costumes for 2022.
• Max Verstappen sets new record for race wins in a season. 

Load shedding won’t disrupt matric exams, says Motshekga – EWN

Despite widespread fears, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has assured the public that load shedding will not affect this year’s exams. 

Matrics begin taking their final examinations on Monday, and on Sunday, the Minister gave a public address on the department’s level of readiness.

“Even if there’s load shedding, tomorrow we are writing English so we’ll use natural light. So it’s really working around it. We can deal with English with normal light so it’s going to be written during the day…whether there’s load shedding or there’s no load shedding, we’ll continue to write,” said Motshekga. Read more here

The Best Celebrity Halloween Costumes of 2022 – Variety 

According to Variety, Hollywood’s elite attended a series of costumed parties over the weekend. Lori Harvey, Kim Kardashian, and Lizzo are just a few of the celebrities who went all out for Halloween 2022. Read more here

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lori Harvey (@loriharvey)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian)

Mexico City Grand Prix: Max Verstappen wins from Lewis Hamilton – BBC

Max Verstappen of Red Bull broke the record for most victories in a season with a comfortable and controlled victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix. In the early stages of the race, the world champion resisted a charge from Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes before pulling away for his 14th victory of the year, BBC reports. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ANC’s December power contest likely to result in Ramaphosa having to ‘muddle through’ — a disaster for SA – Daily Maverick

Headline: Eskom announces Stage 2 blackouts from Monday – eNCA

Headline: Battling Bavuma has backing of Proteas dressing room: ‘We all know his ability’ – News24

Headline: T20 World Cup SF picture: Proteas in control after India win, Pakistan keep hopes flickering – News24

Headline: Cardi B Wants a Third Kid: ‘I Can’t Wait’ – Billboard

Weather: Severe thunderstorms, flooding in store for parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• Matshela Koko was released on R300,000 bail. 
• Rihanna releases ‘Lift Me Up’ track for Black Panther.
• Extra precautionary measures are being taken ahead of Soweto Derby. 

Former Eskom chief Matshela Koko out on R300,000 bail – Daily Maverick 

Matshela Koko, Thabo Mokwena, Hlupeka Sithole, Watson Seswai, and the former chief executive of the South African Local Government Association, Hlupeka Sithole, were also released on R300,000 bail, the Daily Maverick reports. 

The bail for Koko’s wife Mosima, his stepdaughters Koketso Aren and Thabo Choma, and attorney Johannes Coetzee was R70,000. They have been forced to surrender their passports and are prohibited from requesting new travel documents. Read more here

Rihanna Returns to Music With ‘Lift Me Up’: Listen – Billboard

According to Billboard, “Lift Me Up” is featured on the soundtrack of the upcoming Marvel sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever marks Rihanna’s long-awaited return to music on Friday, October 28.

The song’s release was revealed earlier this week, preceded by a series of “cryptic billboards” in New York and a teaser post on social media that featured the title of the next film before spotlighting the initial “R” in “Forever.” Read more here

Listen here ‘Lift Me Up’ here:

Extra precautions, bomb sweep at FNB Stadium for Soweto derby after US terror alert – Sowetan Live

The Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs takes place this Saturday, and precautions, like as a bomb sweep of the venue and additional security, are being taken. This action was taken in response to a US terror alert.

“Bertie Grobbelaar, CEO of Stadium Management, the company that oversees FNB Stadium, said security precautions were discussed at the highest level after the US government issued the alert on Wednesday.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Sandton City ‘trading as normal’ – eNCA

Headline: E-tolls may be dead, but Gauteng drivers will still pay for freeway – Godongwana – News24

Headline: Elon Musk buys Twitter — promptly fires top executives – MyBroadband

Headline: Hamilton: Too early for ‘Verstappen era’ – SABC

Headline: Katy Perry Pokes Fun at Her Viral Eye Glitch – E! News

Weather: Disruptive rain, flooding in parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images