Newsroom

• 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

• 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