Newsroom

• Eskom and Treasury are at war over the use of debt servicing funds. 
• Mamelodi Sundowns beat SuperSport United to retain Premiership lead. 
• Lori Harvey and Damson Idris fuel romance rumours. 

Eskom and Treasury at odds over diesel funds as load shedding crisis deepens – News24 (for subscribers)

According to News24, National Treasury and Eskom are fighting over how to pay for extra diesel as load shedding continues indefinitely. Eskom can only reduce load shedding by running its open-cycle gas turbines on diesel. All other load-shedding options require 18 months to two years.

Eskom management told political parties, organised labour, and industry on Monday, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, that load shedding will continue for two years, News24 reports. The Treasury and government anticipate Eskom to use Treasury debt servicing funds to buy diesel after the rollover. On Monday, Eskom claimed it had no spare capital and had already planned for the PIC rollover. Read more here

Leaders Sundowns stretch winning run to 11 matches – EWN 

Mamelodi Sundowns won their 11th consecutive South African Premiership match with a 1-0 victory over SuperSport United in the Pretoria derby on Monday, EWN reports. The victory handed Sundowns a 14-point lead over Richards Bay heading into the second half of the 30-match season, with SuperSport two points further behind in third place. According to Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena, the quality of play at Loftus Versfeld was high, with both teams having good opportunities to score. Read more here

Masandawana claimed the #TshwaneDerby bragging rights as they defeated SuperSport United on Monday evening! Full match report on our website! 👆

📲 https://t.co/vbx9DDzVVm#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/z3uJgToYVQ

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) January 16, 2023

Lori Harvey and Damson Idris fuel romance rumours – News24

E! reports that Lori Harvey celebrated her 26th birthday with Damson Idris and other guests at Lavo Ristorante. Despite the model’s recent statement to E! News that she is “single,” rumours of a relationship between Lori Harvey and Damson Idris continue to circulate. Harvey poses with Idris in one shot from her birthday event, while the British actor kisses her hand in another. Read more here

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A post shared by Lori Harvey (@loriharvey)

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Lawyers issue letter of demand to Eskom, Gordhan over load shedding – News24

Headline: Gauteng Rogue tiger spotted near waterhole – TimesLIVE

Headline: Meet the housemates of Big Brother Titans – EWN

Headline: WATCH | Court grants Ramaphosa interdict – eNCA

Headline: Prince Kaybee puts ANC on blast over promises – TimesLIVE

Weather: Tuesday’s weather: Heatwave expected in parts of Eastern Cape, KZN – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• South Africa is immune to the dreaded Covid-19 virus.
• Mahrez sends Chelsea packing at Stamford Bridge. 
• Minnie Dlamini opens up about the dark side of social media.

SA unlikely to face fresh Covid-19 outbreak like China, experts say – News24 (for subscribers)

Experts on Covid-19 have allayed fears that South Africa could have a pandemic comparable to that of China by asserting that our population has a much greater level of immunity to the virus, News24 reports. Dr. Jeremy Nel, the head of infectious diseases at the University of Witwatersrand, says that South Africans have no reason to panic at this time. Dr.  Nel stated, however, that the situation in South Africa is considerably different, as the people maintained a high level of immunity due to vaccination and earlier infection. Read more here

Riyad Mahrez nails winner as Manchester City down Chelsea – Vodacom Soccer 

Manchester City was up against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening. Jack Grealish, less than three minutes after coming in as a replacement with an hour remaining, set up Mahrez for the game-winning goal that keeps Arsenal in their sights, Vodacom Soccer reports. It also inflicted another loss on Chelsea, who continue to appear unconvincing under Graham Potter, but who caused City plenty of trouble in the first half despite suffering two injuries. Read more here

Minnie Dlamini speaks on how trolls cost her job opportunities – TimesLIVE

TimesLIVE writes that Minnie Dlamini recently revealed how the dark side of social media has affected her. In an interview with KFM, the media celebrity discussed the negative aspects of social media.

In May 2022, after announcing her divorce from spouse Quinton Jones, Twitter users speculated about the reasons for their split. The rumour that Minnie had an affair with the businessman Edwin Sodi spread among Twitter users. “I won’t lie, I’ve lost a lot of business as a result of people making up stories about me. People need to be a lot more cognisant that their words have power and you can destroy livelihoods and homes on statements that aren’t true.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ANC National Conference | Ramaphosa calls for discipline and patience – eNCA

Headline: Australia v South Africa: third Test, day three – The Guardian

Headline: ‘I finally got the pin for baby’s phone’ – Babes Wodumo, Twitter reacts – EWN

Headline: Prince Harry Reveals Charles’ Reaction To His Clash With Prince William: Report – Huffington Post

Headline: SARU president Alexander reacts to Kolisi’s imminent departure: ‘It’s sad to see Siya go’ – News24

Weather: Friday’s weather: Disruptive rainfall in several provinces, with flooding a possibility – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

• ANC will regroup on January 5 to finalise the national conference. 
• AKA and Nadia Nakai take a family vacation to Sun City. 
• Cristiano Ronaldo urges to speak out on human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.

ANC to finally wrap up national conference – eNCA

eNCA reports that the ANC estimates it will take two days to complete the remaining tasks following the 55th National Elective Conference. The party was unable to complete its agenda at NASREC last month and had to adjourn until January 5. The conference was delayed by two days due to the poor pace of registration, which ruined the proceedings.

In a separate TimesLIVE article, ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed his trust in the newly elected top seven leaders, stating that  “we are well-armed with great wisdom and energy” to pursue the party’s renewal agenda. “This is a new year, a year of real renewal in the ANC, a year of action because the new leadership that has been elected is action orientated,” said Ramaphosa. Read more here and here

Inside AKA and Nadia’s big family vacay – TimesLIVE

AKA and Nadia Nakai recently visited Sun City for a “Johnson Family Vacation,” sharing pictures from their trip on social media. The family, including mothers and siblings, posed for a photo in The Palace of the Lost City, while the celebrity pair presented a visual lesson on how to live one’s greatest life, TimesLIVE reports. The couple drove with the top down around Sun City, soaked up the sun at the pool, and rode virtual reality rides. Read more here

pic.twitter.com/65B9I0cr9h

— AKA (@akaworldwide) January 3, 2023

Ronaldo urged to highlight human rights issues in Saudi Arabia – News24

After completing his multimillion-dollar transfer to Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to speak out on human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, News24 reports. The Portugal icon, who was greeted by fireworks and loud roars at Al Nassr’s Mrsool Park stadium on Tuesday, stated that he desired to be a part of the success of the country and its culture.

“Instead of offering uncritical praise of Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo should use his considerable public platform to draw attention to human rights issues in the country,” said Dana Ahmed, Amnesty’s Middle East researcher. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Severe weather warning issued for KZN – eNCA

Headline: ‘I try to be more consistent’: How Nortje became Proteas’ standout bowler in Australia – News24

Headline: Even Cardi B Hates the Rising Grocery Prices – Billboard

Headline: Prince Harry accuses brother Prince William of 2019 physical attack: report – News24

Headline: Arrows willing to sell Chiefs target Pule Mmodi to any club that wants him – TimesLIVE

Weather: Thursday’s weather: Warm day with disruptive rainfall across SA – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

• Multi-vehicle collision: Six injured and five dead
• Sha Sha says she’s NOT engaged.
• Ronaldo begins Saudi Arabia career with slip-up. 

At least five killed in N3 crash – eNCA

A multi-vehicle collision on the N3 between the Frankfort/Vrede Interchange and Wilge Plaza in the Free State has claimed the lives of five individuals, eNCA reports.

Sipho Towa, a representative for emergency services, stated that three light motor vehicles and a minibus taxi were involved in the collision. Towa reported that six persons were taken to a local hospital with injuries ranging from minor to severe. For the flow of traffic on the northbound carriageway, a stop-and-go system has been introduced. Read more here

‘I fooled you guys, hey?’ — Sha Sha sets the record straight on engagement rumours – TimesLIVE

Award-winning musician Sha Sha has moved to dispel rumours that she is engaged. A few weeks ago, she posted a photo of her hand with a diamond ring on her wedding finger, leaving followers to speculate. In an online statement provided by Amapiano Daily, the celebrity stated that she had tricked everyone and that she was not engaged. “I fooled you guys, hey? I am not engaged,” she said.” Read more here

WATCH | Oops! Did Ronaldo say he’ll play in South Africa during Al Nassr unveiling? – News24 

During his Al-Nassr FC unveiling on Tuesday, Portuguese sensation Cristiano Ronaldo made a minor slip of the tongue by mistaking Saudi Arabia for South Africa, News24 reports. “It’s not the end of my career to come to South Africa (meaning Saudi Arabia),” he told the reporters as he was presented at the Riyadh club where thousands of fans celebrated his signing for an estimated 200 million euros. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ‘There is no crisis’: Mbalula insists government ‘functioning’, but presses Ramaphosa for Cabinet shakeup – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Boksburg Blast | At least 50 people still in hospital – eNCA

Headline: Zwane ends goal drought as patient PSL leaders Sundowns sail past Swallows – News24

Headline: ‘Kaizer Chiefs is a beast’: Zwane explains why players are undergoing trials – TimesLIVE

Headline: Cardi B Covers a Fall Out Boy Classic to Ring in the New Year – Billboard

Weather: Rainy day across SA, with severe storms in parts of KZN – News24

Image credit: Flickr

• City of Cape Town closes Fish Hoek beach due to sewer overflow.
• Nigerian singer Burna Boy arrives six hours late for concert. 
• Sundowns show they’re a cut above the rest.

Sewage spills force temporary closure of some Cape Town beaches – News24

The City of Cape Town declared on Monday that the main swimming area at Fish Hoek Beach, between the lifeguard station and Jager’s Walk, had been restricted to the public until further notice, News24 reports.

The temporary closure is due to a sewer overflow triggered by a cleared-out clogged sewer pipe. Plastics and other substances were extracted from the sewer line. “The public is reminded to not dump illegally, and rather dispose of their waste using available solid waste services or take recyclables to the City’s drop-off facilities,” said the City of Cape Town. Read more here

Burna Boy turns up six hours late to show and insults crowd – Scrolla

The Nigerian singer Burna Boy arrived over six hours late for a concert in Lagos and proceeded to tell the crowd that they should be thankful he was there. His fans are not pleased with his punctuality. According to Scrolla, the Love Damini concert was set to take place on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. Fans who were present at the event claim that the performer did not take the stage until 3:30 a.m. Read more here

The situation on ground.

Almost 2AM and Burna Boy’s concert is basically yet to start.

Some people have been around since 9PM.

For an artists with the highest level of international exposure this is beyond terrible and unprofessional. pic.twitter.com/nL3v6FRnV5

— ADEAYO (@ade_adeayo) January 2, 2023

‘If there is a coach I frequently talk to, it’s Middendorp’: Sundowns boss Mokwena – TimesLIVE

Rulani Mokwena, the head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, credits his team’s increased comfort with their “diamond” system, where triangular formations formed in possession ensure there is always a free player, as one of the reasons for their dominance, TimesLIVE reports. The article further states that it may be too soon to call it a trend, but trophy machine Downs — the five-time consecutive DStv Premiership champions — have nearly reached a new level of mastery in the early stages of Mokwena’s rise to head coach. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ‘I thought he was dead’: Man saves 7-year-old boy from drowning at Port Alfred beach – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: De Ruyter failed to juggle political pressure and operational issues analyst – EWN

Headline: Lanky Jansen deadpans fine Proteas start and ICC nomination: ‘Haven’t really thought about it’- News24

Headline: Here’s when to get your January Sassa grant – TimesLIVE

Headline: Liverpool stunned by Brentford as Reds pay for defensive woes – EWN

Weather: South African Weather Service

Image credit: Flickr

• Soccer icon Pele dies at the age of 82.
• Gauteng to honour those who died in the Boksburg blast.
• Family and friends mourn the loss of Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo.

Brazilian football legend Pele dead at 82 – News24

Pele, widely recognised as the greatest player of all time and a three-time World Cup champion, passed away Thursday at 82, according to his family. “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace,” said his daughter Kely Nascimento. 

Before his retirement in 1977, Pele scored over 1000 goals during one of the most legendary careers in sports history. His health had deteriorated as he struggled with kidney disease and colon cancer, undergoing surgery in September 2021, followed by chemotherapy, News24 reports. Read more here

Gauteng government to host memorial service for Boksburg blast victims – eNCA

The Gauteng government will honour those who died in the blast in Boksburg. On Friday, the province will co-host a memorial ceremony with the City of Ekurhuleni. This comes after a gas tanker exploded in Boksburg on Christmas Day, killing 27 people. Read more here

The Gauteng government is set to honour those who lost their lives in the Boksburg explosion. The province will host a joint memorial service with the City of Ekurhuleni tomorrow. #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/rAFIN9PIZI

— eNCA (@eNCA) December 29, 2022

‘He was only sick for a short while’ — Mampintsha’s father pays tribute to his son – TimesLIVE

TI Maphumulo, the father of Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo, was visibly distraught as he stood before mourners on Thursday to bid farewell to his only son, TimesLIVE reports. The 40-year-old passed away over the weekend at a Durban hospital. After suffering from a stroke, he was admitted to King Edward Hospital for treatment. “I’m here to say until now its sad how he died. It didn’t make anyone at ease, and that stress still hits me today. He was only sick for a short while and after that he died,” said TI Maphumulo. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Two-and-a-half minutes of hate: CCTV shows shocking ‘racist’ attack as Free State men assault teens – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Convict who escaped from Bloemfontein hospital rearrested as he tries to catch a lift – TimesLIVE

Headline: Vivienne Westwood, Influential Fashion Maverick, Dies At 81 – Huffington Post

Headline: Lions down WP to defend crown as One-Day Cup champions – News24

Headline: Nick Cannon Now Has A Dozen Kids After Welcoming 12th Child – Huffington Post

Weather: Friday’s weather: Cloudy with thunderstorms over some parts of SA – News24

Image credit: Getty Images

• Premier Lesufi wants NPA to speedily enroll the case against Boksburg truck driver.  
• Mampintsha’s memorial service will be held on Thursday. 
• South Africa capitulated against rampant top-ranked Australia

Boksburg blast: We have given police, NPA until Friday to enrol the case, says Lesufi – News24

According to News24, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has instructed the police and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to swiftly investigate the driver whose exploding gas truck reportedly caused the deaths of 26 people inside and outside Tambo Memorial Hospital. Lesufi reacted to the news that the police and NPA have decided not to file criminal charges against the driver.

“It is with a heavy heart that the driver was released from police custody. I immediately sought an explanation from the police and the NPA. They gave a detailed description,” he said. “They believe that their evidence would be complicated to have the necessary documentation to convince the magistrate to take a decision [to prosecute]. They were only ready with charges of reckless driving and destroying state property.” Read more here

Mampintsha’s family ‘trying to cope’ ahead of memorial and funeral services – TimesLIVE

Mandla Maphumulo, better known as Mampintsha, will be honoured on Thursday at the eThekwini Community Church during a memorial service. The 40-year-funeral old’s will be held on Friday at the Durban International Convention Center. 

Following a stroke, he was taken to King Edward Hospital in Durban for treatment last weekend, TimesLIVE reports. According to Afrotainment, Mampintsha was then transported to the Durdoc Hospital in Durban Central. Read more here

Australia thrash Proteas to win 2nd Test and series – eNCA

South Africa lost the second Test in Melbourne by an innings and 182 runs to the top-ranked and rampaging Australia on Thursday, as well as the series, eNCA reports. It ended a disappointing opening two Tests for the Proteas, who lost six wickets in two days in the opener at Brisbane, with a potentially face-saving third match at Sydney remaining. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Eskom plant worker appears in court for stealing diesel worth R500 000 – News24

Headline: Blackouts pushed to stage 4 – eNCA

Headline: Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates cannot challenge Mamelodi Sundowns in PSL race – Mashego – Goal

Headline: UPDATE | KFC hit by chicken shortage, with 70 outlets in Pretoria and KZN closed for now – News24

Headline: 7 MOST MEMORABLE Music Moments of 2022 – E! News

Weather: Thursday’s weather: Thunderstorms expected in parts of KZN, Mpumalanga – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

• The grieving father asks why nobody helped his son. 
• Kim Kardashian breaks silence on Kanye West.
• Rashford and Martial step up in Ronaldo’s absence.

Boksburg Blast: Father disappointed witness took video of his son burning – EWN

A father was disheartened by the explosion in Boksburg after his son was severely burned. According to EWN, a bystander filmed the victim instead of offering assistance.

A gruesome video of the incident has subsequently gone viral on social media networks. The young man in the video, 19-year-old Janil Geduld, died in the hospital just a few hours after the clip was captured. Geraldo Geduld, his father, was surprised when he received the footage and was asked whether that was his son. Read more here

Kim Kardashian Tears Up Discussing the Challenges of Co-Parenting With Kanye West – Elle Magazine 

In an episode of the Angie Martinez IRL podcast, Kim Kardashian became emotional when discussing the public breakdown of her relationship with ex-husband Kanye West. Initially, it appeared like they were handling their separation amicably, but West’s behaviour has become increasingly erratic. According to Elle Magazine, as she removed her life from his, Kardashian has done her utmost to conceal knowledge about West’s anti-semitic outbursts, public insults, and other attempts to lash out. “In my home, my kids don’t know anything that goes on, on the outside world,” said Kardashian. Read more here

Man United make bright start to life without Ronaldo – News24

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial emerged out of the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo to score in Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, according to News24. However, manager Erik ten Hag is still looking to replace Ronaldo with a striker in order to make the Red Devils more effective in the final third. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Christmas day racism FS police confirm attempted murder probe – EWN

Headline: R18m to repair Tambo Hospital – eNCA

Headline: Proteas’ gun bowling unnecessarily carries scars of deficient batting – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Chelsea back to winning ways against Bournemouth – eNCA

Headline: Bob Marley’s Grandson Jo Mersa Marley Dies At 31 – Huffington Post

Weather: South Africa Weather

Image credit: Gallo Images

• Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma voted in favour of impeachment.
• Messi urges Argentina to relish World Cup final spot.
• Kehlani speaks out after being sexually assaulted at her concert. 

Dlamini Zuma defends move to vote to favour of Ramaphosa impeachment proceedings – EWN

Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma defended her vote in favour of impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa, EWN reports. Dlamini Zuma was the first ANC MP to break ranks and vote for impeachment. She was one of four ANC members that broke with party leadership and voted against Ramaphosa’s defence of the Section 89 panel findings. She voted in support of impeachment proceedings alongside Supra Mahumapelo, Mosebenzi Zwane, and Mervyn Dirks. Read more here

‘My family must be going crazy!’: Messi revels in success as Argentina reach World Cup final – News24

Lionel Messi urged his colleagues to “enjoy the occasion” following Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Croatia on Tuesday to advance to the World Cup final against France or Morocco. Messi gave Argentina the lead with a penalty kick in the first half, but Julian Alvarez scored twice at Qatar’s Lusail stadium, where Sunday’s final will take place. “Argentina are, once again, in the World Cup final. Enjoy it!” said Messi. “We’ve been through tough situations, other very good ones. Today we’re experiencing something spectacular,” he said. Read more here

Kehlani Says She’s ‘Sick to My Stomach’ After Being Sexually Assaulted at Her Concert – Billboard 

After being sexually attacked at one of her recent gigs, Kehlani is speaking out. She resorted to Instagram Stories to express her anger with the situation. “I don’t care how sexual you deem my music, my performances, my fun with my friends dancing at clubs, or ME… That does not give any of you the right to cross a boundary like sticking your hands up my skirt & pulling my underwear to TOUCH MY GENITALS as I am being escorted through a crowd after performing. This s— made me sick to my stomach. As a victim of sexual assault, I am endlessly triggered and mindblown,” she said. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Phala Phala saga: How the rebellion against Ramaphosa fumbled, stumbled and ultimately crumbled – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Festive season readiness | Domestic travel demand on the rise – eNCA

Headline: Morocco’s miracle run faces its toughest test – Scrolla

Headline: WATCH | ‘R6m in the bin’, says Malema as opposition MPs criticise ANC – TimesLIVE

Headline: Diddy Defends Yung Miami, Says She’s ‘Not My Side Chick’ After Announcing Daughter’s Birth – Billboard

Weather: Warm day on the cards, but severe thunderstorms in several parts of the country – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

• No secret ballot for Rammaphosa’s vote in parliament. 
• World Cup 2022: Could this be Lionel Messi’s final chance to win?
• Brittney Griner has finally returned home after nearly a year in prison. 

Phala Phala: No secret vote for MPs after Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula declines requests – News24

On Monday evening, National Assembly (NA) Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said that she had denied appeals “to reconsider her decision to not allow the secret ballot to be used as a voting procedure”, according to News24. Votes on whether to accept the Section 89 panel’s report on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala dealings will not be secret. Parliament’s spokesperson Moloto Mothapo stated, “the Speaker, using her powers as enjoined by the NA rules, has a right to exercise her discretion in determining the voting method to be employed when deciding on questions before the House – where no voting method is prescribed in the rules of the National Assembly.” Read more here

Argentina and Messi in World Cup shutdown with Modric’s Croatia – EWN

On Tuesday evening, Lusail Stadium will play host to the World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and Croatia. All eyes will be on the Lusail Stadium, where Messi, at 35, will try to lead Argentina into the final for the second time in eight years against the 2018 champions. Messi, who was defeated by Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, is keen to cap an incredible career by eventually winning the World Cup and emulating the late Diego Maradona, EWN reports. Read more here

Brittney Griner’s Wife Shares First Photos Since the WNBA Star’s Release from Russian Prison – Elle Magazine 

Brittney Griner has finally returned home after nearly a year in Russian detention, and her wife is grateful to those who made her return possible. This past weekend, Cherelle Griner published her first Instagram post since her release from the WNBA. In it, she produced two collages including photographs of friends and advocates who called for Griner’s release. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Phala Phala manager who stashed dollars now works for lodge partly owned by Fraser’s niece – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Level 5 weather warning issued for Johannesburg – eNCA

Headline: FIA rules against Mercedes Formula 1 team’s new front wing after rivals complain – News24

Headline: ‘The people, the turnout, the energy’: What went down at the first edition of Cape Town Cotton Fest – News24

Headline: ‘Succulent didn’t deserve to go out like that’ — Malome Shadrack’s goat from ‘How To Ruin Christmas’ trends – TimesLIVE

Weather: Warm day, but expect thundershowers in several regions – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images