Newsroom

• Ramaphosa’ addressed the nation and provided a comprehensive plan to resolve SA’s energy crisis on Monday evening. 
• Bre Tiesi and Nick Cannon are proud to announce the birth of their first child.
• Charles Leclerc says he doesn’t deserve the F1 world title after crashing out at the French Grand Prix. 

Ramaphosa: Govt to life licensing threshold for energy generation projects – EWN 

On Monday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation and stressed how important it is to add more power to the national grid with urgency. During his speech, he highlighted immediate steps to address the country’s electrical problem, reports EWN. 

Ramaphosa also emphasized that Eskom and the grid will be fixed and reinforced.

“It is now been decided that over the next 12 months, Eskom will increase the budget allocated for critical maintenance to increase the reliability of its generation capacity,” he said. Read more here

Nick Cannon Welcomes Child With Model Bre Tiesi – Complex

Bre Tiesi announced on Monday that she just gave birth to her first with Nick Cannon. 

“I did it. An all natural unmedicated home birth,” she wrote on Instagram. “This was the most humbling / limit pushing yet awakening and completely empowering experience. I can’t thank my team enough for delivering my son safely.” 

Tiesi acknowledged Cannon’s participation in the delivery process. “This experience has changed me forever and I couldn’t of asked for a more amazing and supportive partner,” she said. Nick Cannon now has eight children. Read more here

F1 Championship fight ‘doesn’t look great’ – Leclerc after costly crash – News24 

According to News24, after crashing out of the lead of the French Grand Prix on Sunday, Charles Leclerc argued he didn’t deserve to be named Formula One world champion.

Leclerc should be leading this year’s championship race if not for a series of technical and strategical blunders, as well as driving errors at Imola and in the south of France, when he lost control on lap 18 of 53 into Turn 11.

“I feel like I am performing at the highest level of my career, but there is no point in performing at a high level if I make those mistakes,” he said. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Here it is: Ramaphosa’s ‘energy action plan’ to end SA’s rolling blackouts – Daily Maverick

Headline: Women’s Afcon earnings to form part of Banyana’s R9.2 million jackpot – News24

Headline: Comic-Con 2022: Casts for ‘Wakanda Forever,’ ‘The Resort,’ ‘Interview With The Vampire’ And More – Essence

Headline: Premier League 2022-23 preview No 3: Bournemouth – The Guardian

Headline: Selena Gomez Shares Pics & Sage Advice After Glam Birthday Party: ‘I’m Starting to Really Like 30’ – Billboard

Weather: Fine, cool Tuesday for most of SA – News24 

Image credit: Flickr

• Cyril Ramaphosa was booed by some of the delegates at the ANC KZN elective.
• Banyana Banyana beats Morocco to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. 
• A first look at Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was unveiled in San Diego.

Ramaphosa whisked away from media after boos at KZN conference – TimesLIVE (for subscribers)

As Cyril Ramaphosa left the Olive Convention Centre, where he was booed by some delegates at the ANC’s ninth KwaZulu-Natal elective conference.

According to TIMESLIVE, Ramaphosa showed up around 6 p.m., putting an end to rumours that he wouldn’t be there because he was afraid of getting a cold welcome in Jacob Zuma’s stronghold.

“The ANC appreciates that there might be confusion created by members of the ANC who left the venue while the president was still speaking. We want to clarify that the reason delegates left the venue was because they had been requested to go and vote for the PEC additional members,” said the head of presidency in the ANC and NEC member Sibongile Besani. Read more here

Celebratory mood across SA after Banyana Banyana crowned champions – EWN  

An exciting 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final took place on Saturday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with Banyana Banyana emerging victorious.

The final was very close, but in the end, coach Desiree Ellis’s said players showed courage and skill to win the game 2-1, EWN reports. 

Even though there were nine extra minutes added to the end of the game, Banyana was able to hold on for the win. Read more here

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever debuts emotional first trailer – News24

On Saturday, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was presented for the first time at San Diego Comic-Con.

The two-minute clip is put together with a cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry.” It shows underwater scenes in Wakanda, futuristic technology, and what looks like a funeral with many white-clad Wakandans.

“The film synopsis states that the characters must fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: ‘Our lives could be in danger’: Inside Babita Deokaran’s R850m ‘fraud’ probe – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Ramaphosa will ‘soon’ announce a package of additional measures to reduce severe load-shedding – TimesLIVE

Headline: Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes driver bullish on F1 future, ‘with plenty left in the tank’ after 300th race – Sky Sports

Headline: Two world records fall on final day of world championships – TimesLIVE

Headline: ‘Find a new job!’ — Bonang Matheba slams Nathi Mthethwa … again – Sowetan Live

Weather: A chilly start to Monday morning – News24 

Image credit: Flickr

• Stellenbosch University finds the undergraduate guilty and expels him for urinating on another student’s belongings.
• Lyles breaks Michael Johnson’s American record in the 200m final.
• Ricky Martin responds to his nephew’s sexual abuse accusations.

Stellenbosch urine saga: Theuns du Toit expelled after university finds him guilty – News24

News24 reports that Theuns du Toit, a student at Stellenbosch University who was caught peeing on the possessions of a fellow student, has been expelled.

On Thursday afternoon, Stellenbosch university released a statement about the result of his disciplinary case, which took place in June. The article further states that Martin Viljoen, the university’s spokesman, said that Theuns Du Toit was found guilty of violating many clauses of the student disciplinary code. 

“A student shall not act in a manner that is racist, unfairly discriminatory, violent, grossly insulting, abusive, or intimidating against any other person. This prohibition extends but is not limited to conduct which causes either mental or physical harm, is intended to cause humiliation, or which assails the dignity of any other person, premises and property. A student shall not make use of, occupy, or enter any University premises without permission to do so.” Read more here

Wayde’s training partner Noah Lyles dominates men’s 200m final – Sowetan Live 

Noah Lyles, who trains with Wayde van Niekerk, won the men’s 200m title at the world championships in Eugene, Oregon, on Friday morning. He did it in 19.31 seconds, making him the fastest American of all time, according to Sowetan Live. 

“Kenneth Bednarek (19.77) and Erriyon Knighton (19.80) completed an American clean sweep — adding to the Yank clean-sweep in the 100m — while SA’s Luxolo Adams, who clocked a 19.82 best in Paris last month, finished last in 20.47.” Read more here

Ricky Martin says nephew’s claims were painful and devasting – TMZ

According to TMZ, Ricky Martin is now talking about his nephew’s claims that they had a sexual relationship and that he “stalked him”. Martin says the last two weeks have been “painful and devasting”. 

On Thursday, Ricky’s nephew dropped the restraining order in court. 

“I wish him the best and I wish he finds the help so he can start a new life filled with love and truth and joy and that he doesn’t hurt anyone else.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: More monster rate hikes feared – still, the Reserve Bank expects stronger growth this year – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Ramaphosa has failed to deliver on promises made during Sona, says Thabo Mbeki – TimesLIVE

Headline: Mosele concedes snubbing Bafana was uncalled for – Sowetan Live

Headline: Disjointed All Blacks on Highveld safari: 5 areas Boks needs to sort out – News24

Headline: Pics! Inside Riky Rick’s 35th Birthday Celebration – SA Hip Hop Mag

Weather: Cloudy and cool conditions with rain expected in some parts of the country – News24 

Image credit: Flickr

• Police haven’t caught the 15 suspects who tried to rob a mall in Benoni.
• Wayde van Niekerk makes it to the first major final after five years.
• Beyoncé releases tracklist for new album Renaissance.

‘It was like a movie’: Bullets fly as gang with AK-47s storms Benoni mall – News24

According to News24, police haven’t caught the 15 suspects who tried to rob a store at Lakeside Mall in Benoni on Wednesday afternoon. Travelling in three vehicles, the suspects fired shots randomly with AK-47s and pistols as they headed back from the mall to the getaway cars. 

One worker was shot and beaten. 

“The suspects came here with three vehicles and they stole clothes, and I am not sure about the money. I quickly took cover after seeing them, it was like a movie,” an eyewitness reported for News24. Read more here

Wayde van Niekerk fights hard to book first final spot in five years – TimesLIVE

TimesLIVE reports that Wayde van Niekerk made it to his first major final in five years when he finished second in his 400m semifinal heat at the world championships in Eugene, Oregon, on Thursday morning. This was his first major final in five years.

“Van Niekerk, who was eliminated at the semifinal stage at the Tokyo Olympics last year, crossed the line in 44.75 to book his spot in the final, just ahead of Jones, whose 44.78 was quick enough to see him advancing as one of the two fastest losers.” Read more here

Beyonce’s ‘Renaissance’ Track List Is Here – Billboard

Beyoncé’s seventh studio album, Renaissance, is launching on July 29. On Wednesday evening, the Grammy award singer released the track list for her upcoming album, which got fans even more excited.

“The 16-song set Queen Bey shared to her Instagram Stories features the previously-released “Break My Soul,” plus tracks titled “I’m That Girl,” “Alien Superstar,” “Virgo’s Groove,” “Thique,” “America Has a Problem” and more.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Mkhwebane impeachment: Taxpayers face paying R130 000 a day for legal team led by Mpofu – News24

Headline: Will President Cyril Ramaphosa show his face at the ANC KZN provincial conference? – TimesLIVE

Headline: Rihanna Paired A Sleek Tracksuit With Pearls In Paris Two Months After Giving Birth – Billboard

Headline: Lizzo Shares How Destiny’s Child Concerts & Seeing Beyonce Inspired Her to Be a Singer – Billboard

Headline: Caster Semenya out of world 5000m as Coe signals tougher female sport rules – The Guardian

Weather:  Cold day expected with rain in some parts of the country – News24

Image credit: Pixabay 

• The test results reveal methanol was detected in the blood samples of youngsters who died in the Enyobeni Tavern.
• Warren Masemola remembers Ses’Topla co-star Busisiwe Lurayi
• Zambia: FAZ to appeal against the Banyana’s penalty.

ENYOBENI TRAGEDY: Methanol poisoning investigated as a possible cause of tavern deaths – Daily Maverick

Dr. Litha Matiwane of the Eastern Cape health department said that methanol was detected in the blood samples of the deceased who died last month in the Enyobeni Tavern. The Daily Maverick reports that tests are still being conducted to establish whether the methanol concentration was fatal.

“You can ingest it, but it is also a by-product of some other chemicals. We are waiting for those results,” Matiwane said. 

Matiwana further stated that the victims’ blood alcohol levels and carbon monoxide levels were not lethal. The deceased’s gastric contents were analysed to have a better understanding of what transpired, Daily Maverick reports. Read more here

‘I’m not OK’ — Warren Masemola pays emotional tribute to Busisiwe Lurayi – Sowetan Live

Constance Gaanakgomo pens that since the announcement of Busisiwe Lurayi’s passing, actor Warren Masemola has remained out of the public eye and has not spoken about her passing.

When he finally spoke up about his relationship with the late actress at her memorial on Tuesday, he was overcome with emotion as he spoke from the stage.

“I love you my friend, I’m not OK, I will always carry you artistically in my heart,” he said. Masemola shared many fond memories with Luyayi on the set of Ses’Topla. Read more here

Zambia fume over Banyana penalty, lodge referee complaint to CAF – News24

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has complained to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) about the referee’s decision to give Banyana Banyana a penalty in Monday’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.

“Late in the second-half, Jermaine Seoposenwe was brought down on the edge of the box, and the Ethiopian referee Lidya Tafesse Abebe was advised by VAR (video assistant referee) to have a look at the side pitch screen monitor.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Ramaphosa under renewed pressure over Phala Phala farm theft as Public Protector subpoenas him – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Enyobeni tragedy: ‘methanol can be a byproduct when home-made punch ferments’ – TimesLIVE (for subscribers)

Headline: Chris Rock’s Brother, Tony Rock, Believes Will Smith Oscars Slap Stemmed From Jada’s ‘Relationship With 2Pac’ – Complex

Headline: Khloe Kardashian Breaks Her Silence Amid Tristan Thompson Baby News – E! News

Headline: Banyana a match away from pocketing R400k each – Sowetan Live

Weather: A cool, cloudy day expected across the country – News24 

Image credit: Pixabay

• SSA officers gave Busisiwe Mkhwebane the illegal order to amend the SARB’s constitutional mandate.
• Banyana Banyana qualifies for the sixth successive Women’s AFCON final
• A year sober: How Chrissy Teigen found a new meaning to life

Mkhwebane painted as a puppet of the State Security Agency – News24 (for subscribers) 

News24 reports that a former investigator in Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s office has testified that Mkhwebane illegally encouraged Parliament to change the mandate of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) following State Security Agency (SSA) directives.

Tebogo Kekana, who was subpoenaed to give evidence at Parliament’s section 194 inquiry into Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office, has provided evidence to back up his extraordinary claims, which paints Mkhwebane as a puppet of the SSA. Read more here

Maharaj eager for world champions test – SABC News

South Africa is going to its sixth Women’s AFCON final after beating COSAFA rival Zambia in the first semi-final on Monday night at Morocco’s Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, according to SABC News. 

“In 2018 we came so close, there was no competition in 2020 and before we started our camp, we sat down as a group and said what is our main objective? The first one was to qualify for the World Cup, the second was to win the final – we cannot win the final if we’re not in the final,” said Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis. Read more here

Chrissy Teigen Celebrates One Year of Sobriety: ‘I Really Feel Good’ – Billboard

Chrissy Teigen decided to stop drinking alcohol a year ago. To commemorate one year of sobriety, the model revealed on Instagram her complicated history with alcohol.

“Not a drop of alcohol in 365 days! I miss feeling loopy and carefree sometimes, but to be honest toward the end, it didn’t give that fun feeling anymore anyhow,” she wrote on Instagram. “I drank to end crazy anxiety that later mostly went away when I – get this – quit drinking! sigh. anyhow I feel really good.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Fuel price hikes | Taxi industry warns of national shutdown – eNCA

Headline: Tristan Thompson hand in hand with mystery woman after clubbing in Greece – TMZ

Headline: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce fixes wig mid-race but still qualifies at world titles – The Guardian

Headline: ‘Sad day’ as Jele ends 16-year stay at Bucs – Sowetan Live

Headline: What’s behind the mass shootings in SA? – EWN

Weather: Fine and cool day expected for most parts of the country – News24

Image credit: Flickr

• South African Cluster of Mass Killings: Is it organised crime?
• Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are married!
• Springbok Bongi Mbonambi played his 50th Test Match on Saturday.

Bloody weekends: Shooting sprees, mass killings not coordinated, says top cop Masemola – News24 (for subscribers)

Following an address in Alexandra on Sunday, national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has refuted claims that the country’s recent spike in mass killings and gun sprees are organised assaults, reports News24. 

“There are more individual incidents, and in most cases, we are on track to get the suspects. In areas where we have to make an arrest, we already know who we are looking for, and it is not about that there was coordination from one incident to the other.” 

Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela announced the arrest of an eighth suspect in connection with the recent shooting spree in Alexandra.

News24 reports that the accused is suspected of going on a robbery and shooting spree in the region. Officers arrested them after discovering stolen telephones, ammo, and guns. Read more here

It’s official, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are married – CNN 

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have formally married, according to a source close to Lopez.

The pair married on Saturday in an “intimate ceremony in Las Vegas,” a source said. Lopez announced the nuptials in her email on Sunday, signing off with a new name: Mrs. Jennifer Lynn Affleck.

“Last night we flew to Vegas, stood in line for a license with four other couples, all making the same journey to the wedding capital of the world,” Lopez wrote. “We barely made it to the little white wedding chapel by midnight. They graciously stayed open late a few minutes, let us take pictures in a pink Cadillac convertible, evidently once used by the king himself (but if we wanted Elvis himself to show, that cost extra and he was in bed).” Read more here

Cheerful Mbonambi savours 50th Bok cap, jokingly looks to 100: ‘It hasn’t been an easy journey’ – News24

On Saturday, the Springboks celebrated Bongi Mbonambi’s 50th test match, which also happened to be a victory for the Springboks. Mbonambi plays the hooker position for the Springboks.

According to News24, after making his debut against Ireland in 2016, he became the 45th Bok to reach 50 Tests. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: On Mandela Day, what we desperately need in South Africa is an ethics of responsibility – Daily Maverick

Headline: Mr President, on this Mandela Day, please tell us Eskom 2.0 was a joke – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck’s Wedding: ALL the Details! – E! News

Headline: Lizzo’s ‘Special’ Is A Radical Political Statement – Rolling Stone

Headline: World Athletics Championships: Dina Asher-Smith fourth as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce wins women’s 100m title – BBC

Weather: SA Weather, 18 July 2022 – SABC

Image credit: Getty Images

• The EFF condemns the government for its lack of response to crucial national issues.
• Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson aren’t ready to start a family yet.
• Banyana Banyana qualifies for Fifa Women’s World Cup of Nations. 

EFF calls for national shutdown over Eskom, fuel prices, Phala Phala farm sage – EWN 

Thursday, EFF party leader Julius Malema called for a countrywide shutdown, citing the government’s incompetence and lack of direction.

Malema told the media, according to EWN, that the ANC is no better than a “criminal organisation” and that South Africans can no longer stay inactive while unemployment, crime, and the cost of living continue to grow.

“The EFF will also form part of all the progressive formations and the organisations in South Africa to plan and engage a national shutdown, which will seek to remove Cyril Ramaphosa from office.” Read more here

Where Kim Kardashian Stands on Having Kids With Pete Davidson After His Comments – Elle Magazine 

Elle Magazine reports that in the nine months that Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson have been dating, their relationship has become more serious, but they aren’t ready to start a family together just yet. In a recent interview with Kevin Hart, Davidson said his dream is to become a father soon.

“Kim is getting more and more serious about her career as a lawyer, and she’s not necessarily thinking about having more kids at the moment.” 

Kim and Pete are only “enjoying themselves” and taking each day as it comes, according to the article. Read more here

Banyana heroines slay Tunisia to reach Wafcon semis and 2023 World Cup – TimesLIVE

With Thursday night’s 1-0 win over Tunisia, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana women’s football team qualified for their second Fifa Women’s World Cup and kept their hopes alive for the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).

“Banyana, unlike a flat performance in their 1-0 win against Botswana that made it three wins from three for SA in Group C on Sunday, controlled the quarterfinal. SA, though, will be aware that they still have a gear or two to go up if they are to lift a trophy in Morocco.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Soweto tavern manager ‘haunted’ by souls of 16 who died at the premises – TimesLIVE

Headline: A silver lining: Hope, despite SA’s dark times – News24

Headline: Kaizer Chiefs have to spend R100m to compete with Sundowns: experts – TimesLIVE (for subscribers)

Headline: Third Test breakdown battle: Teamwork will make dream work to tame Tommy Reffell – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Demi Lovato’s Angry New Song & Video for ‘Substance’ Are Here: Watch – Billboard

Weather: Choppy seas expected between East London and Port St Johns – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images