Newsroom

• Department of Public Works spends R800 000 to protest ministers from load shedding. 
• Springbok Sevens coach Sandile Ngcobo looking for their first victory.
• The New York Times names Thuso Mbedu among the top ten best actors. 

Almost R1 million spent to ‘shield’ Ministers from load shedding – The South African 

According to The South African, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure spent about R800,000 to ensure that Ministers were not affected by load shedding. Minister of Public Works Patricia De Lille reportedly told the Democratic Alliance that (DA). De Lille’s department spent over R800,000 on diesel for ministers’ generators. The amount exceeds the money spent on replacing 13 outdated generators for ministers. Four more generators are being purchased, while the rest of the nation experiences stage 6 load shedding. Read more here

Blitzboks looking to keep calm at Cape Town Sevens: ‘We have a plan that suits our weapons’ – News24

Prior to Friday’s Cape Town Sevens, the Springbok Sevens’ head coach, Sandile Ngcobo, has stated that the team will focus on creating opportunities, News24 reports. The article further states that the Blitzboks are seeking their first trophy at home since the inaugural Cape Town tournament in 2015, after capturing their tenth title in Dubai last weekend. At Cape Town Stadium, South Africa will compete in Pool A alongside Fiji, France, and Canada. Read more here

Thuso Mbedu shines among the New York Times’ 10 Best Actors of the Year – TimesLIVE

The New York Times has ranked Thuso Mbedu among the top ten best actors of 2022 for her role in The Woman King, adding to her extensive record of honours. Thuso portrays Nawi, a youthful warrior who joins the Dahomey warriors, in The Woman King. She believes that the story of the character would resonate with many viewers. “Thank you TIFF for this beautiful recognition. I look forward to learning and having an incredibly awesome time at the Toronto International Film Festival, where everyone will get to see The Woman King for the very first time,” said Thuso. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ANC integrity commission expected to release Phala Phala report – eNCA

Headline: Zuma ‘abusing’ private prosecution for political ends – Helen Suzman Foundation argues – News24

Headline: Powell says teamwork key for Sharks vs Harlequins as Kolisi named captain – TimesLIVE

Headline: ‘It is natural’ — Qatar World Cup chief says of migrant deaths – Scrolla

Headline: Gunners grab first win as Europe’s elite soak up Dubai sunshine – Scrolla

Weather: It’s going to be a scorcher, with Upington reaching 39°C – News24

Image credit: Pexels

• Eskom cancels planned Koeberg power outage.
• Three new players are set to join Orlando Pirates.
• DJ Zinhle Jiyane receives an award and ranks among the best female DJs in the world. 

‘Worst nightmare.’ Eskom’s desperate scramble to avoid Stage 7 – News24 (for subscribers)

On Wednesday night, Eskom called off the planned outage of Koeberg unit 1 at the last minute. The utility was trying to avoid going to Stage 7 load shedding, which would have shut down all the power plants, News24 reports. The power utility hasn’t made an official announcement to the public yet, but two independent sources told News24 about it. 

“Earlier in the day, at about 17:00, Eskom said that the six-month outage scheduled to start on Thursday was on track and would go ahead. But a decision to shift the outage out by a couple of days was made in the evening after Eskom lost additional two units, including one from Medupi.” Read more here

Reports: Pirates to announce three players – The South African

Orlando Pirates are rumoured to be introducing three new players, The South African reports. The local team gave former striker Ndumiso Mabena a trial before deciding to sign him. According to sources, a Cameroonian striker named as Souaibou Marou signed with the Buccaneers. In a separate report, the team is said to have acquired Craig Martin from Cape Town City. According to the South African, the Soweto titans are anticipated to announce the deals within the next few days or weeks. Read more here

DJ Zinhle is No 42 on the world’s greatest female DJs list – TimesLIVE

DJ Zinhle Jiyane received an international award from DjaneTop and ranks among the world’s best female DJs. The Umlilo hitmaker is ranked 42nd on the list of the world’s finest female DJs. In a previous interview with TimesLIVE, DJ Zihle referred to the value of hard work. “It’s important right now to show the youth that all the brands that become successful are doing a lot of work in the background and I feel I have that responsibility to teach people about the value of hard work. That you have to work hard to get the things you get … people need to know that I work hard”. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Jukskei drownings | Death toll rises to 15 – eNCA

Headline: Eskom warns that SA’s electricity crisis unlikely to improve over next 12 months – EWN

Headline: Chris Hani’s killer Janusz Walus walks away – Scrolla

Headline: Anele Mdoda pleads with motorists to consider pedestrians when traffic lights are off due to load-shedding – TimesLIVE

Headline: Qatar to miss 1.2m World Cup visitor target as 765,000 arrive for first 17 days – The Guardian

Weather: Fire warnings for parts of Northern Cape, Western Cape – News24

Image credit: Pexels

• The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 6 warning.
• Morocco stuns Spain on penalties to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals. 
• Khaya Dlanga shares his top tips for being financially savvy in a marriage.

LEVEL 6 weather warning: Severe thunderstorms in Gauteng – The South African

On Tuesday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Level 6 Orange Warning for severe thunderstorms in Gauteng. The weather warning signal indicates a high probability of severe weather-related consequences, the South African reports. “If in a vulnerable low-lying area, place valuable items on desks or cupboards for protection. If possible, keep contact with you local disaster manager, council leader or listen to the radio for updates,” said the spokesperson for the weather service. Read more here

‘Son of Madrid sends Spain home!’: Football world reacts to Morocco’s shock World Cup win – News24

Morocco defeated Spain 3-0 on penalties to move to the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time in their history, thanks to a heroic performance by Achraf Hakimi. “It was difficult to separate both sides throughout the match, as Spain dominated the ball but lacked the cutting edge, while Morocco created the more clear-cut chances.” Read more here

Khaya Dlanga on how he would financially prepare for marriage – TimesLIVE

Khaya Dlanga, according to Joy Mphande of TimesLIVE, wants to ensure that he is financially prepared for marriage, as money is one of the leading causes of divorce. “I think you would have to ensure that you start your marriage with as little financial stress as possible because dealing with change is stressful enough. The change in this case being marriage, adding money problems on top of that is a recipe for disaster,” says Dlanga. Read more here

I used to tell my grandmother I’d get married when pigs fly. Now look, pigs are flying in Sandton 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/Kqfsp6xFhP

— Khaya Dlanga (@khayadlanga) November 23, 2022

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Sudanese businessman tells Sky News he is Ramaphosa’s buffalo buyer – but how does his story stack up? – Daily Maverick

Headline: Heavy rains expected to hamper Jukskei river search-and-recovery operation – EWN

Headline: Hat-trick hero Ramos helps Portugal thrash Swiss and reach quarters – TimesLIVE

Headline: Petrol up, diesel down – eNCA

Headline: Lizzo Is Officially a ‘Viral Sensation’ as TikTok’s Top Artist of the Year – Billboard

Weather: Severe thunderstorms expected over parts of Limpopo – News24

Image credit: Pexels

• Ramaphosa’s appeal against the Section 89 report was postponed.
• Springbok wing Sbu Nkosi reveals mental health battles
• Are Kanye “Ye West and Candice Swanepoel dating?

Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala challenge won’t impact NA processes – EWN 

According to the legal advisers of Parliament, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s legal challenge of a report questioning his conduct will not affect legislative proceedings, EWN reports. The article further states that the vote on the Section 89 independent panel report, originally scheduled for this Tuesday, has been postponed for one week. On Monday, Ramaphosa petitioned the Constitutional Court to dismiss the report that established probable cause that he had violated the Constitution. Read more here

Struggling Bok star Nkosi on being missing for 3 weeks: ‘I’ve been curled up in a ball’ – News24 (for subscribers)

Sbu Nkosi claims that he went “missing” because he was struggling with mental health issues brought on by elite-level, weekly rugby pressures, News24 reports. Nkosi was spotted at his father’s home in Emalahleni on Monday morning, three weeks after the Bulls opened a missing persons complaint with SAPS in an attempt to locate him. Nkosi appeared to be in good physical condition when Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone identified him, with the assistance of their sponsor SSG and various tips. “I’m a lot better. There’s obviously a lot to speak about that I can’t say out loud but my condition is improving,” said Nkosi. Read more here

Kanye West’s new arm candy is SA’s Candice Swanepoel – TimesLIVE

After spotting the South African model Candice Swanepoel and American rapper Kanye “Ye” West cuddling up together, tabloids suggest that they are dating. “TMZ reported that the pair couldn’t get enough of each other at a New York Fashion Week event held for the new Yeezy GAP sunglasses in September.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ANC MPs must not support adoption of Section 89 panel report, says Mashatile – News24

Headline: Cheers and Look Who’s Talking star Kirstie Alley, 71, has died – Reuters

Headline: Will Morocco become Africa’s fourth great World Cup team? – Goal

Headline: WATCH | Four goals in 36 minutes as Brazil coach Tite dances with players in Korea thrashing – News24

Headline: Cardi B Claps Back With Her Million-Dollar Paycheck for Half-Hour Art Basel Concert – Billboard

Weather: Thundershowers across several provinces, with severe storms in some parts – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

• Nkenke Kekana appeals to Ramaphosa to use his conscience ahead of the ANC conference. 
• England beat Senegal, sets up clash with France.
• SA girl Devonecia Swartz makes Broadway dreams come true.

It’s too risky to recall Ramaphosa to close to ANC conference – EWN

Nkenke Kekana, the head of communications for the African National Congress (ANC), stated that it would not be “prudent” for the party to recall President Cyril Ramaphosa so close to its 55th national elective conference, EWN reports. He instead asked Ramaphosa to use his conscience to help him get through the crisis. “The ANC is just 10 days away from electing new leadership but will on Monday deliberate on Ramaphosa’s future following the release of Parliament’s Section 89 panel’s report on the Phala Phala saga.” Read more here

England surge past Senegal to set up France quarterfinal – TimesLIVE

Sunday, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka scored for England as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Senegal to set up a mouthwatering World Cup quarterfinal matchup with defending champion France, TimesLIVE reports. England took a while to establish themselves on the African champions, a team they had never encountered before, and escaped a few scares before two goals late in the first half ended the game. Read more here

From TV to musical theatre, SA actor Devonecia Swartz on making her ‘Broadway dreams’ come true – News24

Calling Us Home is an inspiring story. Everyone is perpetually hopeful for a better life and future, Devonecia Swartz mentions her upcoming adventure. In the epic opera composed by South African composer Alice Gillham, the South African actor was cast as Grace, an African princess who flees a deadly civil war in her nation. “It is also a story of love and how home, the definition of home, shifts from it being a place to us finding our home in people.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Jukskei Drownings | 14 people die in flash floods – eNCA

Headline: Record Giroud, sublime Mbappé send France into quarters with Poland win – TimesLIVE

Headline: Blitzboks drawn with Fiji for Cape Town Sevens – News24

Headline: Maftown I have no words says Cassper after another iconic fill up – EWN

Headline: Trevor Noah’s latest stand-up draws few chuckles, but his performance and delivery remain unmatched – News

• Ramaphosa’s allies fight back to save the President. 
• Germany was knocked out of World Cup after Japan tops Spain.
• Netflix is ready to reveal the love story behind Prince Harry and Meghan Mark. 

Day of drama: President’s resignation speech put on hold as Ramaphosa told to ‘fight, fight, fight’ – News24 (for subscribers)

It became apparent on Thursday night that the president’s “allies” were persuading him to resist attempts to remove him from office and to refrain from resigning as president, News24 reports. News24 has learned that Ramaphosa, after recognising that he would have to quit in the morning and ready to make the announcement, changed course in the afternoon to listen to allies and supporters’ arguments. “A written resignation speech was put on hold after the president was told to “fight, fight, fight.” Read more here

Germany crash out of World Cup despite 4-2 win over Costa Rica – TimesLIVE

Germany was eliminated from the World Cup in the group stage for the second year in a row, despite beating Costa Rica 4-2 on Thursday. According to TimesLIVE, the four-time champions finished third in Group E after Japan beat Spain, which put them in last place. “Costa Rica deployed a five-man backline but Germany still found a way through in the 10th minute when David Raum floated in a cross that was headed home by Serge Gnabry, who restarted the game quickly fearing goal difference being a factor.” Read more here

Harry and Meghan Netflix docuseries gets first trailer – News24

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are about to release a Netflix special about their love story. The power couple will also talk about how they left their jobs as royals to be together, News24 reports. On Thursday, Netflix released the first trailer for the highly-anticipated Harry & Meghan docuseries. The trailer promises an intimate look at the couple’s courtship, as well as access to their troubled years as senior royals that has never been seen before. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: In the eye of the storm: Inside the report that might sink Cyril Ramaphosa – Daily Maverick

Headline: Walus to remain in jail after stabbing, awaiting medical clearance – eNCA

Headline: Japan upset Spain 2-1, both teams reach last 16 – TimesLIVE

Headline: At Qatar World Cup, Middle East tensions spill into stadiums – TimesLIVE

Headline: Nick Cannon Is Feeling the Holiday Stress as He Shops for His 11 Children in Hilarious New Video – Billboard

Weather: Warm day with strong winds in parts of the Western Cape – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

• ANC is to meet on Thursday to discuss the future of President Ramaphosa.
• Mexico fails to make it the next round of the World Cup.
• SuperSport apologises for Tshepang Moli’s profanity.

Ramaphosa in crisis: ANC leaders to meet on president’s future as enemies, opposition demand resignation – News24 (for subscribers)

The ANC’s national leadership will meet to talk about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s future on Thursday, News24 reports.

The theft of $580,000 from the president’s game farm in Limpopo was investigated by an independent panel. The panel was led by a former chief justice and was put together by the speaker of Parliament, News24 reports. According to the panel, Ramaphosa may have broken laws against corruption, broken the constitution, abused his power, and helped hide an investigation on purpose. Read more here

Mexico beat Saudi Arabia but miss out on last 16 – TimesLIVE

Mexico beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Group C of the World Cup on Wednesday, but they didn’t make it to the next round because of their goal difference. Henry Martin and Luis Chavez scored quickly in the second half to put Mexico on track to make it to the next round. Uriel Antuna also put the ball in the net, but it was taken away because he was offside, TimesLIVE reports. Read more here

SuperSport apologises after Twiggy Moli calls Christiano Ronaldo a ‘po*s’ – TimesLIVE

SuperSport has apologised for media personality and social media influencer Tshepang “Twiggy Moli” Mollison’s obscenity after footage of the presenter calling Cristiano Ronaldo a “po*s” during a SuperPicks programme on Wednesday went viral, TimesLIVE reports.

I can’t believe my eyes ladies and gentlemen pic.twitter.com/cB3NK8UuSP

— #FootyFansLinkUp 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@kevykay10) November 29, 2022

SuperSport issued a formal apology, stating that the video was not intended for broadcast. Read more here

pic.twitter.com/t3wza250ai

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) November 30, 2022

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ‘Waluś stabbing concerning’: Correctional Services – eNCA

Headline: World AIDS Day: Young woman’s WhatsApp group an HIV safe haven – Scrolla

Headline: European rugby chiefs ‘optimistic’ on creation of Club World Cup – News24

Headline: Messi misses penalty but Argentina advance at World Cup, Mexico exit on goal difference – News24

Headline: ‘Bye b*tch’: Trevor Noah ‘insults’ Queen – lands Meghan in trouble – The South African

Weather: A cloudy start to Wednesday, with temperatures heating up across SA – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

• ANC, SACP join forces in bid to keep convicted murderer Janusz Walus behind bars. 
• England becomes Group B winners with 3-0 win over Wales. 
• Kanye West and Kim Kardashian have officially settled their divorce.

Blood spills on eve of ANC-led protest against Chris Hani’s killer Janusz Walus – News24 (for subscribers)

The political tension surrounding the release of Janusz Walus, the man responsible for the death of Chris Hani, has reached a boiling point, as the convict was stabbed the day before a wave of protests was scheduled by the ANC-led tripartite alliance and a court bid was filed to have his parole revoked, News24 reports. Singabakho Nxumalo, a spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, told News24 that the 69-year-old Polish immigrant was attacked on Tuesday afternoon while waiting in line for food at the Kgosi Mampuru II jail. Read more here

Rashford double downs Wales and sends England into last 16 – TimesLIVE

Marcus Rashford scored two goals in the second half to help England beat Wales 3-0 on Tuesday. This put England in round 16 as the winner of Group B, TimesLIVE reports. “The win moved England to seven points and set up a tie against Senegal in the next round, while Wales finished bottom with one point as their first World Cup in 64 years ended without a victory and only one goal scored in three games.” Read more here

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian Settle Divorce, Agree on Equal Joint Custody and $200K Monthly Child Support for Kim – Complex

The divorce between Kanye West and Kim Kardashian has been formalised. According to Complex,  TMZ received court paperwork indicating that West and Kardashian agreed to joint custody with “equal access” to their four children: North, 9, Saint, 6, Chicago, 4, and Psalm, 3. In addition, Ye will pay Kim child support of $200,000 each month. In addition, he is accountable for 50 percent of the educational and security costs for the children. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Teacher assaulted after being found naked with learner – Scrolla

Headline: Black women and youth most vulnerable in SA job market – EWN

Headline: World Cup 2022 briefing: the joy of Mbappé and Argentina’s escape plan – The Guardian

Headline: Senegal overcome plucky Ecuador to join Netherlands in World Cup knockouts – News24

Headline: DBN Gogo’s debut is a strong Amapiano offering – News24

Weather: Warm day, with fire warnings and thundershowers in parts of SA – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

• 2 Men witnessed pit bulls attacking a woman, she died before receiving medical attention.
• Ramaphosa impeachment report set to be tabled on Wednesday.
• Portugal beat Uruguay 2-0 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals. 

SPCA confiscates three pit bulls believed to have killed woman in Eastern Cape – News24

On Sunday morning, the SPCA in the Eastern Cape confiscated three pit bulls suspected of killing a woman. Zimkhitha Gaga, a 37-year-old woman was attacked on her way to work, News24 reports. On Alfred Road, two men witnessed the pit bulls attacking Gaga. Local security guards were notified, who then phoned the police. According to News24, Gaga sustained severe injuries to her face and upper body. She died before she could receive medical attention, said the police spokesperson. Read more here

Phala Phala report to be handed over on Wednesday – eNCA

Wednesday will mark the completion of the Section 89 panel’s report on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s handling of the Phala Phala farm controversy, eNCA reports. The article further states that the purpose of the independent panel is to examine whether or not the president’s actions deserve impeachment. On Wednesday, Retired Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo will present the report to Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the speaker of the National Assembly. Read more here

Portugal beat Uruguay 2-0 to become third team into last 16 – TimesLIVE

Bruno Fernandes scored twice as Portugal defeated Uruguay 2-0 on Monday. Portugal has become the third team after France and Brazil to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals, TimesLive reports. “The Europeans had dominated possession before Fernandes’ 54th minute cross floated past Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, who was rooted to the spot as Cristiano Ronaldo rose to head the ball and initially celebrated the goal as his.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ‘Policeman’ De Ruyter won’t fix Eskom’s problems – Mantashe – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Janusz Walus to serve parole in SA – eNCA

Headline: Rassie ban: SA Rugby boss explains Erasmus-World Rugby meetings: ‘Sometimes we talk past each other’ – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Chris Hani’s monument damaged days before his killer walks free – Scrolla

Headline: Doja Cat Says She’s ‘Never Felt More Beautiful’ Since Shaving Her Head – Billboard

Weather: Warm day, with fire warnings for parts of Northern Cape, Western Cape – News24

Image credit: Pexels