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Trending News: Investigating the deaths of 21 teens at Eastern Cape tavern

Newsroom / June 28, 2022

South Africans desperately want answers as to how 21 teenagers – the youngest just 13 years old – were tragically found dead at the Enyobeni Tavern in East London in the early hours on Sunday morning.

Many questions remain unanswered, why were there so many minors allowed into a tavern where alcohol was being consumed, why was the popular night spot so overcrowded, and what exactly caused the chilling deaths of so many?

Community youth leader Langa Miya says it’s not good enough that there are so many unanswered questions. “What we want as young people is the truth. We want to know what exactly happened to the deceased, and the owner must be arrested for what happened at his tavern. How can he allow teenagers to enter the tavern?”.

At first glance, it was reported that many believed the victims had been poisoned since there were no obvious injuries on the bodies of the deceased. But authotiries are still investigating the cause of death with forensic pathologists unable to confirm the cause of death at this stage.

Nomusa Cembi, a spokesman for the South African Democratic Teachers Union, said the “incident is a sad reminder of the appalling conditions our young people live under”.

While Suthentira Govender writes that the lack of recreational activities for the youth have led to underage drinking and “tavern-prowling”.

While we wait for the story to develop, here are the latest articles covering the tragic deaths.

Protesters demand the arrest of the owner of East London’s Enyobeni ‘death tavern’ – Daily Maverick

A locked door, hysteria and dead bodies: Teen describes horror as soccer mates died at Enyobeni Tavern – News24 (for subscribers)

Enyobeni tavern tragedy: What we know so far – News24

Lack of township amenities forces youth to ‘tavern-prowl’, says Sadtu in wake of Enyobeni tragedy – News24

Allow Police to investigate Enyobenu tavern deaths – EWN

Enyobeni tavern deaths: Parly urges EC govt to act in finding those responsible – EWN

Image credit: Pixabay

Top News of the Day: The mysterious deaths of 21 youngsters at an East London tavern | Non-biodegradable face masks on the rise

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 28, 2022
  • The mysterious deaths of 21 youngsters has been the subject of much controversy.
  • An excessive amount of non-biodegradable face masks are clogging landfills.
  • Ex F1 CEO reveals Lewis Hamilton is no longer ‘interested in winning’.

Tavern tragedy: too much blaming, too few answers – Times Live (for subscribers)

The “mysterious deaths of 21 youngsters at an East London tavern” has been the subject of much controversy. While Police Minister Bheki Cele was praised for assembling a forensic team to aid the Police in determining the cause of death, he was also criticized for questioning the deceased’s parenting style.

“A 13-year-old dies at 4am and you are asking where are the police — really? Why was a 13-year-old out at 4am?” 

According to Times Live, many things remain unanswered. Who is responsible for the death of these young adults? Why were minors let inside a tavern? Who is responsible for the venue’s security and where was the tavern’s owner? Who is the distributor for the alcohol and water pipes? 

Unathi Binqose, the spokesperson for the Eastern Cape department of community safety said forensic pathologists believe the death was caused by “inhaling or ingesting” something. 

“It was something they ingested, possibly from the beers they were consuming, or something they inhaled from those hubbly-bubblies that they were smoking,” Read more here 

Don’t dump your face masks just yet – if you must, think of hospitals and construction sites – Business Insider

In South Africa, it is no longer compulsory to wear a face mask indoors. While many have applauded the new regulation, Luke Daniels expresses worry that an excessive volume of non-biodegradable face masks are clogging landfills.

“Face masks, especially the single-use, disposable kind, are littering the planet in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic, with much of the world imposing mandates to limit the spread of Covid-19, some 130 billion disposable masks were being used each month.” Read more here 

Ex F1 CEO makes sensational claim that Lewis Hamilton has stopped trying to win – News24

Lewis Hamilton, the “joint-most successful” Formula 1 driver in history, has lost interest in winning. According to News24, Hamilton was devastated and enraged after losing the 2021 championship in a “controversial manner” in the Abu Dhabi finale. Experts believe this could have contributed to Lewis recent performance. ” His Mercedes car is now clearly less competitive”. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Ramaphosa shoots down MPs’ Phala Phala questions yet again, while ANC stonewalls Parliament on Zondo report – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Who is Buccaneers’ new coach and where’s he from? – Times Live (for subscribers)

Headline: Parents of victims await clarity on EC tavern deaths; owner’s wife apologises – EWN

Headline: Kendall Jenner & Devin Booker’s FLIRTY Reunion After Breakup – E! News

Headline: Britney Spears’ Ex Ordered To Trial On Stalking Charge – Huffington Post

Weather: Cloudy and cool conditions on Tuesday – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Monkeypox case confirmed in Joburg | Zondo report: criminal investigations needed

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 24, 2022
  • SA’s first case of monkeypox was detected in a patient. 
  • The State Capture Inquiry did not conduct criminal investigations.
  • Orlando Pirates set to let go of Mntambo and Nyauza

First case of monkeypox identified in SA – Times Live

On Thursday, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirmed that the first South African tested positive for monkeypox. 

“The patient had not been travelling.”

According to Times Live, the report says that the virus is not easily transmitted and that close physical contact is needed for it to spread. Read more here

Zondo report: Now the ‘criminal investigations’ begin, says NPA – News24

“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says the State Capture Inquiry did not conduct criminal investigations and this would need to happen following the release of its report.”

According to News24, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says that criminal investigations were not done by the State Capture Inquiry. The criminal investigations need to begin now that the report has been published. Read more here 

Pirates confirm two more departures – Kick Off

Orlando Pirates have confirmed parting ways with two players, midfielder Linda Mntambo and defender Ntsikelelo Nyauza.

The team released a statement on Thursday thanking both players for their professionalism, contributions to the success of the team and positive spirit. Read more here 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Zondo VI: The unravelling of the ANC, capture – and 20 questions for Batohi, Lebeya – News24

Headline: Illegal power plant strike in South Africa – Eskom warns power cuts will get worse – MyBroadband

Headline: ‘I feel naked without a mask, it will take some getting used to’: Shoppers get use to face time – News24

Headline: Adele Announces All-Female Bill With Kacey Musgraves, Gabrielle, Mahalia & More for BST Hyde Park Festival – Huffington Post

Headline: Leach says freak Nicholls wicket all part of ‘silly’ cricket – News24

Weather: Persistent rainfall in parts of Western Cape on Friday – News24

Image credit: Getty Images

Top News of the Day: Health Minister Joe Phaahla says the country has “exited 5th wave” | No water for parts of Joburg to help search for Khayalethu Magadla

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 22, 2022
  • Health Minister calls for an end to further Covid-19 restrictions
  • Rescue team continues to search for 6-year-old boy from Soweto
  • Bill Cosby found guilty of sexual assault in Playboy Mansion

Covid-19: SA set to ditch face masks after more than 2 years, but some experts still have concerns – News24

A leaked memo from Health Minister Joe Phaahla captured everyone’s attention yesterday.

According to News24, in a letter to MECs, Health Minister Joe Phaahla said that the country has “exited” the 5th wave and can now think about getting rid of the Covid-19 regulations like wearing masks indoors and limiting the numbers at gatherings. 

A former member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) who still advises the government on Covid-19 told News24 that they were worried about masks being taken away completely, especially at health facilities. Read more here

No water for parts of Joburg to help search for 6-year-old Soweto boy who fell down manhole – Times Live

The search continues for six-year-old Khayalethu Magadla who fell down a manhole in Soweto on 12 June. 

According to Times Live, some parts of Johannesburg won’t have water for the next two days to help find a Khayalethu who has been missing for nine days. This will allow the rescue team to further inspect the sewer line for any trace of the body. 

“As a result, Johannesburg Water (JW) has resorted to isolating specific reservoirs and sewer network points between 21 June from 20:00 to 22 June at 08:00.” Read more here

Civil jury finds Bill Cosby sexually assaulted teenager at Playboy Mansion in 1975 – Complex

On Tuesday, a California jury found Bill Cosby guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage girl at the Playboy Mansion in 1975. The girl was only 14 at the time.

“NBC News reports the Los Angeles County jury determined that Cosby intentionally caused harmful sexual contact with Judy Huth, who is now 64, when she was 16 years old. Cosby was 37 years old at the time.”

Complex reports that Huth has been awarded $500,000 in damages. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Zondo report must deliver. We can’t afford a R1bn exercise in futility – Times Live (for subscribers)

Headline: Bok coach merrily swings into URC Final banter: The Stormers players were smiling – News24

Headline: The Phala Phala burglary and Cyril Ramaphosa’s potential tax problem — or not – Daily Maverick

Headline: Twitter Erupts With Opinions After Beyoncé Drops ‘Break My Soul’ After Drake’s New Album – Huffington Post

Headline: Chiefs clean up continues as Rama, Ntiya-Ntiya sent packing – Sowetna Live

Weather: Your weather: Heavy rains, thunderstorms to batter Northern Cape on Wednesday – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

Opinions of the Day: New Music from Beyoncé – Break My Soul

Newsroom / June 21, 2022

After releasing a few photographs from her British Vogue photoshoot, Beyoncé added “6. BREAK MY SOUL midnight ET” to her social media biographies on Monday morning to announce the release of her latest song.

The internet has gone into a frenzy ever since the new single dropped.

Beyoncé’s new single “Break My Soul,” is the first taste we’ve had of her upcoming album Renaissance.

British Vogue editor-in-chief describes the Renaissance as such: “Music that makes you rise, that turns your mind to cultures and subcultures, to our people past and present, music that will unite so many on the dance floor, music that touches your soul.”

Brande Victorian thinks the date of the pop singer’s new single is noteworthy. The Essence journalist pens that Beyoncé has previously released “Black Parade” on Juneteenth, a significant day in black history.

Some BeyHive fans on Twitter have said that “Break My Soul” is the “perfect gay anthem”.

The full album drops on July, 29. In the meantime, you can listen to the official lyric video here:

Here’s a roundup of interesting opinions, analyses, and reviews of “Break My Soul”:

Beyoncé Releases ‘Break My Soul’ Single Early: Stream It Now – Billboard

Beyoncé, Drake and the revival of 90s house music – BBC

Beyoncé’s New Single Has Arrived – Essence

Beyonce ‘Break My Soul’ Fan Review: Singer’s new song gets dubbed as ‘pro-gay summer anthem’ – Meaww

Beyoncé drops first single from new album, ‘Break My Soul’ – Times Live

‘Break My Soul’ Becomes the First Piece of Art from the Beyaissance – Vulture

Beyonce preaches freedom, strength and living life on your own terms on “Break My Soul” – Shifter Magazine

Top News of the Day: Watch the new music video from Beyonce’s upcoming album “Renaissance | Eskom implements Stage 2 load shedding

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 21, 2022
  • Missing boy’s father opens up about the pain of losing his son.
  • Eskom implements Stage 2 load shedding from Monday to Thursday
  • Listen to Beyoncé’s first track from ‘Renaissance’

‘I would have said to him, happy birthday’: Dad of boy who fell into manhole opens up about his pain – Times Live

It’s been seven days since the start of the search for five-year-old Khayalethu Magadla who fell into a manhole at Eco Park in Soweto. His body has still not been found. 

Khayalethu would have turned six years old on Monday. His father, Kholekile Magadla has finally opened up about the missing body. 

“I am getting there. I am hoping they will find the boy, because when I look, it’s very hard. But with God’s [help] we will find him,” he said. Read more here

Stage 2 load shedding to be implemented every evening from Monday to Thursday – News24

Eskom has announced that load shedding stage 2 will take place from Monday to Thursday evening.  

“Eskom will continue to closely monitor the system, adjust and communicate any changes as may be necessary. We appeal to all South Africans to help limit the impact of the shortages by continuing to reduce the usage of electricity and to switch off all non-essential items,” Eskom said in a statement on Monday.

Eskom has requested that South Africans reduce their electricity usage and switch off non-essential items. Read more here 

Listen to Beyoncé’s New Single “Break My Soul” – Complex

Thursday at midnight, Beyoncé released the first track from her upcoming album “Renaissance”. 

“Break My Soul”, the project’s first single is a beginning of a musical chapter for the acclaimed performer. According to Complex, the new track “marks the start of a new season,” and the single is a “dance song that is intended to mark the start of a new era with new anthems.” Renaissance will be released on 29 July. Read more here 

Watch the official lyric video for “Break My Soul” here:

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Final State Capture Inquiry report to be submitted on Wednesday – News24

Headline: How Zondo let McKinsey off the hook – Times Live (for subscribers)

Headline: Kaizer Chiefs confirm five signings ahead of new season – Sowetan Live

Headline: Christian Horner on FIA’s porpoising ruling: ‘It seems very unfair’ to benefit one team – News24

Headline: Online conference to shine spotlight on importance of men sharing their feelings – Sowetan Live

Weather: Your weather: Severe thunderstorms, flooding in store for Northern Cape – News24

Image credit: Getty Images

Top News of the Day: Ankole auction fetches a whopping R21 million | Soweto boy still missing

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 20, 2022
  • Ankole auction at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm reportedly brought in over R21 million.
  • Soweto boy who got lost in manhole resumes search on Monday.
  • Max Verstappen wins Canada Grand Prix.

Ankole cattle auction at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm fetches close to R21 million – News24

According to News24, Ramaphosa is the biggest Ankole farmer in South Africa. On Saturday, the Ankole Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa hosted an auction at Ramaphosa’s farm in Limpopo. It is estimated that the auction brought in close to R21 million.

“The money was believed to be earned from the selling of game and cattle,” News24 reported. “The auction on Saturday offered six lots from Ramaphosa’s Ntaba Nyoni Ankole stud, including one bull, three females, and two lots of embryos.”

The most expensive bull was purchased by Yonder Hill Wine Farming CC in Stellenbosch for R1.65 million. Read more here

6km left before the search for the Soweto boy who fell into uncovered manhole is called off for good – Times Live

The six-year-old boy who fell down a manhole while playing with friends in Soweto last Sunday has still not been found. 

“From Monday police divers, rescuers, paramedics and municipal workers have been hard at work trying to find him, but rescue workers believe after so much time, the chances of finding him alive are slim,” reports Alex Patrick for Times Live. 

The rescue team used an underwear camera mounted on a floating boat to view the pipeline inside the sewage system. The search continues at a chamber near Avalon Cemetery today. Read more here

Verstappen holds off Sainz for the win in Canada, celebrating 150th F1 race in style – News24

Max Verstappen of Red Bull beat out Carlos Sainz of Ferrari to win the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday. 

“The 24-year-old Dutch driver took his 26th career win just 0.9 of a second ahead of frustrated Spaniard Sainz, who was able to close the gap thanks to a safety car deployment but whose long wait for a first win continues.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Speak up, Cyril. The people’s patience is running out – Times Live

Headline: Nelson Mandela Bay Day Zero: Another dam set to run dry as levels sit at 8% – News24

Headline: FINA votes to restrict transgender participation in elite women’s competition – Daily Maverick

Headline: Care, love and friendship: The ‘never say die’ attitude that defines the Stormers – News24

Headline: Kim Kardashian And Kanye West Seen Together At North West’s Basketball Game – Elle Magazine

Weather: SA Weather – 20 June 2022 – SABC News 

Image credit: Flickr 

Top News of the Day: Man assaults 16-year-old boy at food outlet | New Beyoncé Album will be released on 29th July

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 17, 2022
  • Limpopo Man Arrested for Assaulting and Pointing a Firearm
  • Roadblock lifted on N3 near Van Reenen’s Pass
  • Beyoncé will release a new album on 29th July 

‘Just because you have a gun, you are not a God’: Armed man violently assaults teen at Limpopo shop – News24 

In Limpopo, a 50-year-old man was arrested for allegedly assaulting and pointing a firearm at a 16-year-old kid. The event occurred at a food establishment on Wednesday and became viral on Thursday on social media.

According to News24, the argument started over seasoning at the fish and chips outlet. “The 50-year-old allegedly demanded to use the seasoning first, and then an argument ensued,” a bystander said. 

A case was opened for assault with the intent to inflict bodily damage and point a weapon. Read more here

N3 Blockade cleared: Police make several arrests for ‘economic sabotage’ – EWN

EWN reports that the N3 roadblock that created traffic gridlock near Van Reenen’s Pass has already been lifted, and police have announced arrests. 

The article further states four men were arrested for impeding a national route, destroying with the road’s infrastructure, and economic sabotage.

“Earlier on Thursday morning, a number of trucks were abandoned on the national route blocking both directions.” Read more here 

World stop: Beyoncé is coming with a new album next month – Huffington Post

Beyoncé announced that her first solo album in six years, called “Renaissance” is launching on 29 July 2022. 

The album will include 16 songs, and the subtitle “act i” suggests that there may be even more music to come. “Four collectible box sets are now available to purchase on the singer’s website and will include a CD, T-shirt, poster and a 28-page photo booklet promised to start shipping July 29 upon album release.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: FRIDAY BRIEFING | Get the Guptas: Atul and Rajesh are behind bars in Dubai… now to get them back – News24

Headline: ‘We’re not where we are supposed to be today’: Politicians commemorate Youth Day – EWN

Headline: Ripley’s DENIES Kim Kardashian Damaged Marilyn Monroe Dress – E! News

Headline: Proteas keen to wrap up T20 series against India – Sowetan Live

Headline: ‘I am indebted to the fans around the world’ — Master KG toasts to good news – Times Live

Weather: SA Weather – 17 June 2022 – SABC News

Image credit: Getty Images

Top News of the Day: Areas most affected by Cape Town Floods | Court dismisses tobacco sales ban during lockdown

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 15, 2022
  • Disaster Risk Management Centre investigates flooding across the Cape Town metro
  • SCA finds regulation banning the sale of tobacco products during lockdown invalid
  • Kanye West accuses the head honcho of Adidas of stealing Yeezy shoe designs 

Cape Town disaster management reports damaged properties – EWN

According to the disaster risk management centre (DRMC), Plainview, Strand, Riverside, Bonteheuwel, Delft, Khayelitsha, Nomzamo, Gugulethu, Nyanga and Bellville South have been the worst hit by Cape Town’s floods and blocked drains.

“During the last 24-hour measuring period, rainfall stations in the metropolis recorded between 34 and 123 millimetres of rain in a short period.”

EWN reports that this has put the capacity of the stormwater systems to the test. Fortunately, it is not a “life threatening situation”. It is predicted that the storm will last until Wednesday evening. Read more here

SCA dismisses minister’s appeal on tobacco products ban during lockdown – Sowetan Live

In March 2020, co-operative governance and traditional affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma banned the sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes. Three months later, British American Tobacco and JT International SA took the matter to court to declare the ban “invalid”. 

According to Sowetan Live, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) agreed with a ruling from the Western Cape High Court stating it was illegal to sell tobacco products during the lockdown.

“In its judgment on Tuesday, the SCA said assuming there was a causal link between smoking and the risk of contracting a more severe form of Covid-19, the minister would have had to show that stopping smoking during the tobacco ban would have reversed or reduced the risk of contracting a severe form of Covid-19.” Read more here 

Kanye West Accuses Adidas CEO Of Imitating His Yeezy Slides – Huffington Post

Ye, who used to be called Kanye West, is back on Instagram after a three-month break. On Monday, the rapper and fashion designer said that Kasper Rorsted, the CEO of Adidas, stole the design of the Yeezy slides.

 “This Ye with the blue paint on my face These shoes represent the disrespect that people in power have to the talent This shoe is a fake Yeezy made by adidas themselves I’m not talking to DC about this either Kasper come talk to me.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Ramaphosa sticks to his guns on Mkhwebane’s suspension – News24

Headline: Trophies or not, it seems Pitso Mosimane can’t win – Times Live (for subscribers) 

Headline: KZN social development MEC urges parents to support youth – Times Live 

Headline: BTS Is Taking a “Temporary Hiatus” To Focus on Solo Careers – Nylon

Headline: ‘We didn’t pitch up’: Bavuma on T20 loss to India – News24

Weather: Your weather: Heavy snowfall expected in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

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