Morning Newsletter

• US government warns of an imminent terror attack in Sandton.
• Kanye West turned away from Skechers HQ.
•  Liverpool qualifies for final 16 of the Champions League.

Gay pride, comedy show potential ‘targets’ of Islamic State terror attack in Sandton – News24 (for subscribers)

News24 reports that a gay pride event and theatre production by Jewish comedian Nik Rabinowitz were potential targets of a terror assault in the heart of Sandton, causing the US Embassy to issue an urgent alert on Wednesday. “Three independent sources – within the police and the Crime Intelligence Division – who spoke on condition of anonymity said that American authorities had warned of the looming attack and identified seven individuals believed to be part of a cell aligned to the Islamic State (ISIS).” Read more here

Hey Skechers, got room for me??? Kanye West shows up uninvited at HQ – TMZ

Kanye West is making a swift move to locate a new home for his Yeezy sneakers, visiting the Skechers headquarters in an attempt to speak with the company’s executives, but he was turned away, TMZ reports. “Ye arrived unannounced and without invitation at one of Skechers’ corporate offices in Los Angeles. Considering Ye was engaged in unauthorized filming, two Skechers executives escorted him and his party from the building after a brief conversation,” a source told TMZ. Read more here

Liverpool, inter ease into last 16 as Barcelona exit with whimper – EWN 

According to EWN, Liverpool qualified for the final 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday, as Jurgen Klopp’s squad defeated Ajax 3-0, while Inter Milan eliminated Barcelona, who suffered a meek loss to Bayern Munich. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Medium-term budget is positive – perhaps too positive, economists say – News24

Headline: Kaizer Chiefs step up their Soweto Derby preparations! – The South African

Headline: T20 World Cup: Rollicking Rillee makes 2nd hundred in a row as Proteas soar – News24

Headline: Eskom implements varying stages of load-shedding until Sunday – TimesLIVE

Headline: Mother of Nick Cannon’s Late Son Announces Pregnancy – E! News

Weather: Thunderstorms in several provinces, with fire warnings in some regions – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

• Mpho Phalatse is reinstated as Joburg’s mayor on a legal technicality.
• Adidas cuts ties with West over controversial comments. 
• 90, 000 fans expected to flock to FNB stadium for Chiefs vs Pirates game this weekend. 

‘It is just a technicality’: Phalatse warned not to get comfortable as mayor again after court victory – News24 (for subscribers)

Mpho Phalatse was reinstated as Johannesburg’s mayor on a legal technicality, but she may be removed from office again, according to News24. The decision to include a vote of no confidence in Phalatse as executive mayor of the City of Johannesburg on the agenda for the “extraordinary meeting on 30 September is declared is declared unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid”. The ANC in Joburg has already made it clear that it will try to get another vote of no confidence in Phalatse. “While Phalatse is expected to resume her duties on Wednesday, her political opponents and experts have advised her not to get too comfortable.” Read more here

Kanye West reportedly no longer a billionaire as companies cut ties – The Guardian 

Recently made anti-Black and anti-Semitic comments have cost Kanye West his talent representation, connections to major fashion businesses, and other profitable partnerships in the period of two weeks. “As sports brand Adidas ended its estimated €250m partnership with West on Tuesday, reportedly costing the Black American rapper his billionaire status, many are asking if the fashion and music mogul’s actions have ended his decades-long career.” Read more here

90,000 fans to attend sold-out Soweto Derby – Scrolla 

This weekend, two Soweto titans will face off for the first time in three years in front of an expected crowd of 87 000, Scrolla reports. Pride and bragging rights are equally as crucial as actual glory for Chiefs and Pirates. All 87 000 seats at FNB Stadium were purchased on Tuesday, so it will be packed on the day of the event. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Lesufi convinced e-tolls will be a thing of the past – eNCA

Headline: Stellenbosch urination scandal: ‘We can’t shy away from these issues’ – vice-chancellor – News24

Headline: X – proud owner of Chile’s first non-binary ID card – EWN

Headline: 5-star Sundowns crush Maritzburg United to get Rhulani Mokwena-era underway with a bang – News24

Headline: Here‘s Why Swifties Think Taylor Swift Is Teasing ‘Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)’ – Billboard

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

Image credit: Gallo Images

• Mpho Phalatse is reinstated as Joburg’s mayor on a legal technicality.
• Adidas cuts ties with West over controversial comments. 
• 90, 000 fans expected to flock to FNB stadium for Chiefs vs Pirates game this weekend. 

‘It is just a technicality’: Phalatse warned not to get comfortable as mayor again after court victory – News24 (for subscribers)

Mpho Phalatse was reinstated as Johannesburg’s mayor on a legal technicality, but she may be removed from office again, according to News24. The decision to include a vote of no confidence in Phalatse as executive mayor of the City of Johannesburg on the agenda for the “extraordinary meeting on 30 September is declared is declared unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid”. The ANC in Joburg has already made it clear that it will try to get another vote of no confidence in Phalatse. “While Phalatse is expected to resume her duties on Wednesday, her political opponents and experts have advised her not to get too comfortable.” Read more here

Kanye West reportedly no longer a billionaire as companies cut ties – The Guardian 

Recently made anti-Black and anti-Semitic comments have cost Kanye West his talent representation, connections to major fashion businesses, and other profitable partnerships in the period of two weeks. “As sports brand Adidas ended its estimated €250m partnership with West on Tuesday, reportedly costing the Black American rapper his billionaire status, many are asking if the fashion and music mogul’s actions have ended his decades-long career.” Read more here

90,000 fans to attend sold-out Soweto Derby – Scrolla 

This weekend, two Soweto titans will face off for the first time in three years in front of an expected crowd of 87 000, Scrolla reports. Pride and bragging rights are equally as crucial as actual glory for Chiefs and Pirates. All 87 000 seats at FNB Stadium were purchased on Tuesday, so it will be packed on the day of the event. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Lesufi convinced e-tolls will be a thing of the past – eNCA

Headline: Stellenbosch urination scandal: ‘We can’t shy away from these issues’ – vice-chancellor – News24

Headline: X – proud owner of Chile’s first non-binary ID card – EWN

Headline: 5-star Sundowns crush Maritzburg United to get Rhulani Mokwena-era underway with a bang – News24

Headline: Here‘s Why Swifties Think Taylor Swift Is Teasing ‘Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)’ – Billboard

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

Image credit: Gallo Images

• Stellenbosch double tragedy: Couple killed after the car crashed into the quarry. 
• A fierce bidding battle took place between Blue Ivy and Monique Rodriguez at the Wearable Art Gala.
• Mamelodi Sundowns demotes Manqoba Mngqith. 

Stellenbosch deaths: Family loses ‘light of life’ after horror discovery of capsized car in quarry – News24 (for subscribers)

Leila Lees and Ethan Kirkland’s lifeless bodies were discovered in a Stellenbosch quarry as their devastated families clung to one another in grief. The two Stellenbosch students disappeared on Friday evening. On Monday afternoon, their bodies were found in a quarry. “It was a car accident. The vehicle swerved off the road and into the quarry. It’s quite deep and has a lot of water. The car landed on its roof under the water,” said Kirkland’s father Paul Midlane. Read more here

Watch Blue Ivy Get Into a Bidding War for Beyoncé’s Diamond Earrings at Charity Gala – Billboard

Blue Ivy Carter engaged in a fierce bidding battle at the 2022 Wearable Art Gala for a pair of diamond earrings previously worn by Beyoncé. Blue Ivy competed with Mielle Organics CEO Monique Rodriguez for the necklace. Rodriguez posted the bid on Instagram after the event, joking that her husband had won the battle (for charity). The Wearable Art Gala helps raise funds for the organization’s artistic and youth mentorship programs. Read more here

Mamelodi Sundowns demote Manqoba Mngqithi in shock technical reshuffle – TimesLIVE

Manqoba Mngqithi, the more seasoned coach of Mamelodi Sundowns’, has been demoted to the senior coach position. The club announced on Monday that after a reorganisation of their technical staff, Rulani Mokwena would continue as the Brazilians’ head coach while Steve Komphela would move up from the position of senior coach to “first team coach.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Stage 4 blackouts under way – eNCA

Headline: Dis-Chem faces legal action over CEO’s memo – News24

Headline: Kanye West documentary shelved by studio following rapper’s anti-Semitic remarks – Daily Maverick

Headline: Kim Kardashian Condemns Antisemitic Hate Speech After Kanye West’s Comments – Billboard

Headline: Zwane laments Kaizer Chiefs’ lack of killer instinct – TimesLIVE

Weather: Damaging winds, heavy rain warning for parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga – News24

Image credit: SAPS

• President Ramaphosa: New chapter in the fight against corruption.
• Travis Scott denies cheating rumours with Instagram model Rojean Kar.
• The Springbok fly half Elton Jantjies has checked himself into drug rehabilitation.

1 000 entities, 26 cases, and 165 accused: Ramaphosa adamant SA turning ‘new leaf’ in corruption fight – News24

According to President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa has entered a new chapter in fighting corruption. During his Sunday evening address to the country, he stated that the state capture report was a critical milestone in the fight against corruption.

“Through the implementation of the actions contained in this report, we can start a new chapter and a new leaf in our struggle against corruption. No matter the challenges, we will walk this path together,” said Ramaphosa. Read more here

Travis Scott Slams Rumors He Cheated on Kylie Jenner – E! News

Travis Scott, the boyfriend of Kylie Jenner, has denied cheating rumours after becoming entangled in an infidelity controversy involving Rojean Kar. Instagram model Rojean Kar shared a video of Astroworld rapper Travis Scott on the set of a photoshoot on her private Instagram Stories late last week, fueling reports that the two had met. Then, Travis uploaded a statement to his account denying the rumours. Read more here

Elton Jantjies goes to rehab – News24

To restore his career, Elton Jantjies, the Springbok fly half has checked himself into a drug rehabilitation centre. Jantjies, who has been out of the public for several weeks since his alleged extramarital affair with Zeenat Simjee became public knowledge (both reject the charges). Jantjies admitted on Friday that he has sought therapy for his mental problems. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: State Capture Report | R2.9bn recovered, returned to SOEs – eNCA

Headline: Eskom confirms load shedding for the week: Here’s the full schedule – The South African

Headline: Taylor Swift’s ‘Midnights’ Off to Record-Breaking Start in U.S. – Billboard

Headline: Trevor Noah Addresses Supposed Beef With Kanye West: ‘I Grew Up Loving This Man’ – Huffington Post

Headline: Max Verstappen overcomes heartache and rare pit stop fumble to win 2022 US GP – News24

Weather: Today’s weather conditions – South Africa Weather Service

Image credit: Gallo Images

• Eskom load shedding Stage 3 is set to continue.
• Taylor Swift raises the bar with ‘Midnights’.
• The Springboks are on the verge to become one of the most experienced RWC squads. 

Stage 3 load shedding indefinitely, with all Kusile’s units offline – News24

Eskom announced on Thursday night that stage 3 load shedding would continue until further notice due to delays in restoring power units to service and additional failures. According to News24, Kusile power station is not producing any electricity at the moment.

“Currently, there are no units in service at Kusile Power Station due to breakdowns on three units while one unit is out of service on planned maintenance,” Eskom said. Read more here

Taylor Swift returns to pop with poetic ‘Midnights,’ her most deeply personal album yet – USA Today

According to USA Today, the Taylor Swift of “Midnights” could not have existed before “Folklore” and “Evermore.” Swift, who has never been afraid to expose an emotional weak spot, has dug even deeper this time. Swift raises the bar for herself on her tenth studio album by not only sharing some of her most introspective songs but also delivering them with a more refined sense of poetry and storytelling. Read more here

Bok masterplan will see a RWC 2023 team thin on greenhorns – TimesLIVE

“Despite losing a year in preparations for the Rugby World Cup (RWC), the Springboks are likely to arrive in France in 2023 as one of the most experienced squads to contend for the title.” Rassie Erasmus, director of South African Rugby, believes that his team’s average member will have played in 46 Tests by the time they face Scotland in Marseilles on September 10. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Eskom new chair in no rush to fire execs, but will he hit it off with De Ruyter? – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: ‘Will Boris bounce back?’: what the papers say as Liz Truss quits and Tories search for new leader – The Guardian

Headline: Bad news for Springboks, good news for Cheetahs as Frans Steyn’s ‘old knees’ buckle – News24

Headline: Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend – The Guardian

Headline: Untold: Inside The Shein Machine – Glamour

Weather: Severe storms in parts of Eastern Cape, with fire warnings for Northern Cape – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• Load shedding Stage 3 to continue indefinitely.
• Kanye West isn’t sorry for his anti-semitic comments.
• Ten Hag says he will deal with Ronaldo after “celebrating this victory”. 

Eskom extends Stage 3 power cuts indefinitely – eCNA

Stage 3 load shedding will continue indefinitely, according to a statement from Eskom. “Blackouts were supposed to end at 5am on Thursday and then resume again at 4pm.” Eskom has announced that power generators have stopped working. There are three power plants involved this time around: Kendal (two units), Kriel (one unit), and Arnot (two units). Read more here

Due to the failure of 2 units at Kendal Power Station and a unit each at Kriel and Arnot power stations, Stage 3 loadshedding has been extended from 05:00 today until further notice.

A full statement will be published during the day.

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) October 20, 2022

Kanye Refuses to Apologize for Antisemitism, Then Says Sorry to Those Who ‘Had Nothing to Do With’ His ‘Trauma’ – Complex

In an interview with Piers Morgan, Kanye West said that he doesn’t feel bad about his recent anti-Semitic comments. In a preview of his conversation with Morgan, Ye was asked if he was “sorry” that he said he was going to “go DEFCON 3 on Jewish people.”

“No. He smiled and said, “Absolutely not.” Morgan told him he should be. Morgan said, “That is as racist as anything you say you’ve been through, and any pain you’ve experienced, it’s the same thing,” Ye replied, “Yeah, obviously, that’s why I said it.” Morgan asked, “So you said it knowing it’s racist?”. Read more here

Cristiano Ronaldo: Erik ten Hag will ‘deal with’ Man Utd forward over early exit down tunnel – BBC

Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has promised to deal with Cristiano Ronaldo after the unused replacement left the field during the final minutes of United’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham. “I will deal with that tomorrow, not today. We are now celebrating this victory,” said Ten Hag. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Toddler killed, mom critical after giraffe tramples them in KZN – News24

Headline: Suspect arrested for murder of German tourist remanded – TimesLIVE

Headline: Kelly Rowland will be back in SA in December – TimesLIVE

Headline: Jose Riveiro ‘happy’ as Pirates end winless run – News24

Headline: Cosatu, DA call on NPA to pursue criminal charges against Markus Jooste – EWN

Weather: Rain in most provinces, with fire warnings for parts of the Northern Cape – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• Gauteng water crisis: Minister admits lack of action led to outages.
• George Floyds’s baby Momma sues Kanye West for $250 million.
• Orlando Pirates triumph over Golden Arrows.

Alarmist to call Gauteng water shortages a crisis, says Mchunu – News24

Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu says that media portrayals of the water problem in Gauteng as a crisis are exaggerated. He acknowledged, though, that Johannesburg was “leaking big time” and that the city’s water supplies might have been managed “in a better way” in the past, News24 reports. “Mchunu said the city was losing more than 40% of the water supply to leaks. This includes water being taken without payment and without recording it.” Read more here

George Floyd’s family sues Kanye West for saying he died from drug abuse – The Guardian

The mother of George Floyd’s daughter, has sued rapper Kanye West for $250 million after he claimed that Floyd died from drug usage rather than police officer homicide.

West, who legally changed his name to Ye, said Floyd died of a fentanyl overdose on the Drink Champs podcast on Saturday. In the same interview, which YouTube has subsequently removed, West also made antisemitic remarks. Read more here

Bucs Ease Past Arrows – Orlando Pirates

On Tuesday night at Princess Magogo Stadium, Orlando Pirates triumphed 2-0 over Golden Arrows to earn three points in a DStv Premiership match. In a matchup in which goals have been sparse in recent years, with only two scored in the last six meetings between the two teams, the Buccaneers were looking for their first victory since September. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Hillary Gardee’s family demands R18m from JCS minister for trauma and constitutional damages – TimesLIVE (for subscribers)

Headline: One rearrested after 7 inmates escape from Makhanda prison – News24

Headline: Sisulu outraged after prison visit blocked – Scrolla

Headline: Crystal Palace 2-1 Wolves: Patrick Vieira impressed with Palace’s ‘character and quality’ – BBC

Headline: ‘Tali’s Joburg Diary’: Showmax releases trailer for season three – The South African

Weather: Rain across several provinces, with fire warnings for parts of Northern Cape – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• Eskom implements Stage 4 load shedding due to breakdowns.
• Kanye West purchases the social media platform Parler. 
• Damian Willemse cashes in with big-money deals. 

Load shedding escalates to Stage 4 until further notice

Early on Tuesday morning, Eskom stated that load shedding had progressed to Stage 4. “Stage 4 load shedding was implemented at 05:30 due to breakdowns of five generators at five power stations overnight. The load shedding will be implemented until further notice,” said Eskom’s spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha. Read more here

Kanye West agrees to buy social network Parler – eNCA

Just over a week after his Twitter and Instagram accounts were suspended for anti-Semitic postings, social network Parler announced on Monday that Kanye West would be purchasing the platform popular among US conservatives.

“In a world where conservative opinions are considered to be controversial we have to make sure we have the right to freely express ourselves,” West said in a statement released by Parler. Read more here

Stormers, Bok star Willemse to cash in with mega contract – News24

According to News24, a third-party deal enabled Damian Willemse to become one of the highest-paid rugby players in South Africa.

Recently, the Springbok utility back inked a five-year contract with WP Rugby that would keep him at the Stormers through to at least 2027. The 24-year-old also secured an agreement with worldwide glass packaging company Ardagh last week. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Woman details finding slain 4-year-old Bokgabo Poo’s leg in her garden – News24

Headline: Warning over Mchunu’s emergency plan to urgently give Gauteng residents running water – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Rumors Swirl Rihanna Recorded New Music For ‘Black Panther’ Sequel, And Twitter Goes Wild – Huffington Post

Headline: WATCH | Egyptian king! Smiling Salah mobbed by Liverpool fans after Anfield heroics – News24

Headline: Jhene Aiko And Big Sean Celebrate Their First Baby Shower Together – Essence

Weather: Cloudy day, with storm warnings for parts of KZN, Mpumalanga – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• Bokgabo Poo was declared dead.
• Amakhosi failed to secure the win against the Chilli Boys.
• Behati Prinsloo is focused on baby no. 3.

Missing 4-year-old Bokgabo Poo confirmed dead – News24

Bokgabo Poo, age 4, who went missing last week in Wattville, Benoni, has been declared dead, News24 reports. Johannes Sibiye, the girl’s stepfather, who has lived with her since she was a newborn, told News24 that police officers came at the family home on Saturday with a photograph of the clothing she was wearing when she went missing. 

“They took her grandmother and mother into the mortuary and they were able to positively identify her,” said Sibiye, her stepfather. “It is exactly the same as Bokgabo. She is dead,” he said. “The family is not doing well, especially the mother. Knowing our daughter died a horrible death is heart-breaking.” Read more here

How old Orlando Pirates style helped beat Kaizer Chiefs – Chippa United’s Mammila – Goal

Amakhosi lost 2-1 against the Chilli Boys at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, preventing them from taking over first place in the Premier Soccer League. Siyabonga Ngezana’s first goal of the season gave the Naturena team the lead in the first half, but they were unable to retain it as they surrendered two goals in the second. Read more here

Behati Prinsloo Is All Smiles As She Shows Off Her Baby Bump After Adam Levine DM Scandal – E! News

Adam Levine admitted a few weeks ago that he had acted inappropriately online in response to cheating rumours. His pregnant wife Behati Prinsloo showed that she is happy and focused on their third child, E! News reports. The former Victoria’s Secret model shared a clip of herself modelling a black maxi-dress by Bumpsuit from her closet on her Instagram Stories on Saturday. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: UCT VC Phakeng lambasted for ‘disgusting’ tweet about late colleague – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: From ‘Hot Girl Hospital’ Nurse to Twerking Workout Coach, Here Are Megan Thee Stallion’s Best Moments While Hosting ‘SNL’: Watch – Billboard

Headline: Satawu vows to intensify Transnet strike as members reject latest salary offer – TimesLIVE

Headline: Partey’s superb defensive impact lifts Arsenal against Leeds United – Goal

Headline: AKA Explores Legal Route Over Cassper Posting Him As Billiato Ambassador – SA Hip Hop Mag

Weather: It will be a wet Monday as thunderstorms are expected across SA – News24

Image credit: Facebook