Newsroom
Top News of the Day: Mkhwebane faces inquiry into her fitness to hold office| Eastern Cape Liquor Board lays charges against Enyobeni tavern
- The Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane misled the courts about the SARS report.
- The owner of the Enyobeni tavern in East London and two employees were arrested on Tuesday.
- African skies lit up for the supermoon on Wednesday night.
Mkhwebane ‘rogue unit’ recording exposes alleged SSA abuses by her former boss Arthur Fraser – News24 (for subscribers)
According to News24, in a recorded conversation between Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane and the Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI), serious alleged abuses by the State Security Agency (SSA) were talked about. This conversation was played at the inquiry into Mkhwebane’s ability to do her job.
“As former SA Revenue Services (SARS) official Johann van Loggerenberg told the Section 194 committee tasked with investigating, among other things, Mkhwebane’s conduct in compiling her invalidated SARS Rogue Unit report, the recording raised a number of serious concerns about the conduct of the SSA’s Special Operations Unit.” Read more here
Enyobeni tavern owner, 2 staff arrested for selling booze to children – TimesLIVE
The owner of the Enyobeni tavern in East London and two of his employees were arrested on Tuesday for selling alcohol to children under the age of 18. In June, 21 children died at the tavern. According to TimesLIVE, the “Eastern Cape Liquor Board laid charges for contravention of the Liquor Act”.
“The owner is expected to appear in the East London magistrate’s court on August 19 in connection with these charges.”
Two employees have been given the option of paying a fine. If they don’t pay, they will have to go back to the same court. Read more here
Five facts about tonight’s supermoon, the brightest of the year – TimesLIVE
Around 8:27 pm on Wednesday, stargazers were in for a treat as the moon appeared to be 14% bigger and 30% brighter.
TimesLIVE reports that a supermoon happens, “when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to earth in its elliptical orbit”.
The article further states that the term “perigee-syzygy” or supermoon is a straight-line configuration of the earth, moon and the sun. Read more here
Here are the top trending stories of the day.
Headline: Eight years of whistle-blower trauma – former SARS executive Johann van Loggerenberg – Daily Maverick
Headline: Katlehong tavern patrons fear shooters may come back – TimesLIVE
Headline: Khloé Kardashian Having Second Baby With Ex Tristan Thompson – Huffington Post
Headline: Nick Cannon Says He Would Be Open to Getting Back With Kim Kardashian and Mariah Carey – Complex
Headline: Draft PSL fixture list sent to clubs for new season – Sowetan Live
Weather: More rough seas predicted between Saldanha and Plettenberg – News24
Image credit: Gallo Images
Top News of the Day: Police Minister addresses weekend shootings | Busisiwe Lurayi passed away suddenly on Sunday
- Minister Bheki Cele claims the weekend shootings are not acts of terrorism.
- The actor who played Tumi in How to Ruin Christmas died suddenly on Sunday.
- Boks face crucial lessons in the second test line-up.
Weekend tavern shootings were coincidental, not co-ordinated: Cele – TimesLIVE
Bheki Cele, the minister of police, said on Monday that the weekend shootings in Soweto, Katlehong, and Pietermaritzburg did not seem to be premeditated or acts of terrorism.
Bheki Cele addressed the residents of Soweto with the following statement: “There is that thing [allegations] that it could have been a co-ordinated weekend. We don’t have that information as police …. We had separate issues, especially the Pietermaritzburg one, Nomzamo one and the Katlehong one. They happened in shebeens, but we believe that they coincided rather than [were] co-ordinated,” said Cele.
Cele informed the community that the police would be more visible, conduct operations, and search informal settlements for firearms. Read more here
Busisiwe Lurayi, Star of Netflix Comedy Series How to Ruin Christmas, Dies ‘Suddenly’ at 36 – People
Sunday, Busisiwe Lurayi, who played Tumi on the Netflix comedy series How to Ruin Christmas, died at her home.
The family of Lurayi and Eye Media Artists Agency issued a statement announcing her death.
“Busisiwe passed away suddenly and was pronounced dead at her residence on Sunday 10.07.2022 by medical personnel.” At this time, the cause of death is uncertain while the family awaits autopsy findings. Read more here
Springboks remain positive despite Wales shocker: ‘We got a lot of answers’ – News24
The Springboks are taking positives from their defeat to Wales last weekend despite the result.
“We are fortunate in that we have so many quality players. If you look at this squad of 42, we’ve got a lot of confidence in all of these players,” said assistant coach Deon Davids.
David feels that there is plenty of potential and “ability,” and that it is only a question of exposing these players to Test rugby. Read more here
Here are the top trending stories of the day.
Headline: Mkhwebane says she’s ready to tell her side of the story – TimesLIVE
Headline: ‘I wanted to go into the hole and save him’ – Khayalethu Magadla’s friend, 8, on last moments – News24
Headline: Thembi Kgatlana ruled out as Banyana prepare for Tunisia – Sowetan Live
Headline: ‘Happy’ Pitso not in a hurry for return to dugout: ‘Big coaches like Pep have done that’ – News24
Headline: Kim Kardashian Posted a Series of Steamy PDA Photos Featuring a Shirtless Pete Davidson – Elle Magazine
Weather: Chilly conditions persist on Tuesday – News24
Image credit: Gallo Images
Top News of the Day: A year after the riots, where’s the justice? | Banyana Banyana book quarterfinals place with Burundi win
- A year later: How has KwaZulu-Natal recovered from the July unrest
- Banyana Banyana booked a spot in the quarterfinals with a victory over Burundi.
The July riots, a year later, but no justice for the 237 people murdered – TimesLIVE
In KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, rioting and protests began a year ago after the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma. 354 individuals died during the protests.
News24 reports that 354 people died, 150 000 people lost their jobs and damage totaled to R50 billion.
“The deaths of the people during the unrest paints a horrific picture of bodies piling up in government mortuaries as many were violently killed during those dark five days of looting and protests, with police often nowhere to be found.”
According to Thanduxolo Jika and Orrin Singh, in March Bheki Cele identified 19 instigators of the July unrest who had been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Free State. As investigations continue, the relatives of those who died have not yet received justice. No convictions have been made yet. Read more here
Banyana books women’s Afcon quaters spot with Burundi victory – EWN
Banyana Banyana advanced to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Burundi 3-1 on Thursday.
According to EWN, Thembi Kgatlana gave Banyana the lead in the 20th minute for Banyana.
“Burundi equalised in the 30th Aniella Awimana as the South Africans seemed to ease off the pressure a bit.” Read more here
Here are the top trending stories of the day.
Headline: July looting: One year later and there are more questions than answers – News24
Headline: Former Japan PM Abe Unconscious After Shooting; Man in Custody – Daily Maverick
Headline: One year on, SA still doesn’t know who masterminded the chaos – News24 (for subscribers)
Headline: Ronaldo will not travel with Man United for pre-season tour – News24
Headline: Listen to Burna Boy’s new album ‘Love, Damini’ f/ Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ed Sheeran, J Balvin, J Hus and more – Hype Magazine
Weather: More fine, cool conditions across SA on Friday – News24
Image credit: Pixabay
Top News of the Day: Eskom in talks with ex-employees and manufacturers to “deal with crisis” | Petrol hike sparks protests in South Africa
- Eskom has brought back former employees to mentor and train staff.
- Protesters in Mbombela block roads as fuel prices hit a record high.
- Minaj’s husband gets home detention for failing to register as sex offender.
Eskom brings in ex-employees, manufacturers to deal with crisis – News24 (for subscribers)
News24 reports that Eskom, which openly admits it lacks the expertise to run its facilities, is on a mission to rehire former personnel as mentors and trainers.
“Eskom’s chief executive Andre de Ruyter and chief operations officer Jan Oberholzer are frank about Eskom’s lack of capacity, which is a large part of the downward trend in the performance of its generating units.”
The article further states that Eskom is finally bringing in original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to do maintenance on portions of its factories where its engineers and craftsmen are struggling. Read more here
Key South African trade route blocked as fuel costs surge – Business Tech
Protesters in Mbombela used trucks to block roads, including a key route that connects the country to Mozambique. They were upset that fuel prices had reached a new high.
According to Business Tech, “the road between Mbombela, 350 kilometers (217 miles) east of Johannesburg, and White River has been obstructed by parked trucks, as is the N4 highway connecting the city to the border with Mozambique and the port of Maputo”.
Protesters have also blocked multiple entry points to Kruger National Park. Read more here
Nicki Minaj’s Husband Sentenced to Probation After Failing to Register as Sex Offender – Billboard
On Wednesday, Nicki Minaj’s husband was given probation and home detention in Los Angeles for not registering as a sex offender.
According to Billboard, Kenneth Petty, who is 44 years old, was also given a fine of $55,000 as part of his sentence, which also includes three years of probation and a year of home detention. Last year, Petty pleaded guilty to not registering as a sex offender in the state of California.
Jennifer Hough, the 16-year-old girl Petty tried to rape, sued Minaj and Petty last year for “witness intimidation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, harassment, assault, battery, sexual assault, and sexual harassment.” Read more here
Here are the top trending stories of the day.
Headline: Hillary Gardee murder accused change their minds and apply for bail – Times Live
Headline: Perhaps the activist was a jerk to Cele, but you know who should be upset? – Times Live (for subscribers)
Headline: Austria offers Verstappen comfort of ‘home’ after Silverstone – EWN
Headline: Elon Musk fathered twins with one of his executives last year – report – The Guardian
Headline: Nadal defies injury to set up Wimbledon semi-final against Kyrgios – News24
Weather: Clear skies again for SA on Thursday – News24
Image credit: Pixabay
Top News of the Day: Eskom concludes new wage deal with workers | Mass funerals held for Tavern Tragedy today
- Eskom has resolved its labour dispute, but load shedding will continue.
- The mass funeral is to be held for 21 young adults killed in the tavern incident.
- Rihanna is the youngest woman on Forbes’ list of America.
Eskom: Signing wage deal doesn’t immediately end load shedding – EWN
On Tuesday afternoon, Eskom, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) reached an agreement that Eskom workers would receive a 7% salary increase.
“Over and above the 7%, workers will receive R400 housing allowance increases.” In addition to the increase, EWN reported that conditions of service will be brought back which includes getting paid double for overtime, accommodation, and transport when moving to a new power plant. Read more here
WATCH | Inside Enyobeni tavern, where carefree teens partied until tragedy struck – News24
“Traces of blood, a strong alcohol smell, broken bottles, weaves, abandoned handbags, discarded shoes and shattered glass portray a scene of great panic and chaos.”
This is what News24 journalists saw when they visited the Enyobeni tavern in East London where 21 youngsters died tragically on Sunday, June 26. The symbolic funeral will take place at 9 am today. President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend and deliver the eulogy during the funeral. Read more here
Rihanna Is America’s Youngest Self-Made Billionaire – Billboard
Forbes has just released its 2022 list of “America’s Richest Self-Made Women,” the publication’s yearly ranking of the nation’s most financially successful female entrepreneurs, CEOs, artists, and others.
According to Billboard, Rihanna is one of the youngest people on the list to have a net worth of more than $1 billion. The majority of her $1.4 billion net worth comes from the success of her cosmetics company, Fenty Beauty. Read more here
Here are the top trending stories of the day.
Headline: Two more arrested for allegedly holding 39 human trafficking victims, including children, on farm – News24
Headline: ANC to ‘review’ its cadre deployment policy – Times Live
Headline: Carlos Santana ‘doing well’ after hospitalization for heat exhaustion, dehydration during show – USA Today
Headline: Excitement builds around F1’s possible move to SA as Kyalami plots compliancy upgrades – News24
Headline: Load shedding is adding to the anxiety, depression and mental health toll among South Africans – Daily Maverick
Weather: Fine, warm conditions to continue on Wednesday – News24
Image credit: Pixabay
Top News of the Day: ANC considers state of emergency for Eskom | President Ramaphosa to attend funeral of young people who died in tavern
- The ANC considers accelerating a state of emergency for Eskom.
- Cyril Ramaphosa and Oscar Mabuyane will be attending the funeral service of the 21 youngsters that died in the tavern.
- Big Sean & Jhené Aiko are expecting their first child together.
Drastic times call for drastic measures: ANC considers state of emergency for Eskom – TimesLIVE (for subscribers)
According to TimesLIVE, the ANC is thinking about putting Eskom and the country’s energy sector in a state of emergency. Eskom said that the industrial strike exacerbated the current “precarious state” resulting in stage 6 load-shedding.
“There’s a possibility of declaring a state of emergency because of Eskom’s troubles,” an NEC member reported for TimesLIVE
There isn’t much information about what a state of emergency would mean yet, and today’s meeting with the ANC’s virtual national executive committee is supposed to fill in the blanks. Read more here
Ramaphosa to attend mass funeral of 21 victims who died at Enyobeni tavern – News24
President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane will attend the mass funeral of the 21 youngsters who died in the tavern on Wednesday.
“The mass funeral service will take place at Scenery Park Sports Field from 09:00.”
Twelve girls and nine boys died mysteriously during and after a party held in Scenery Park on Sunday, June 26. Read more here
Big Sean and Jhene Aiko Are Expecting Their First Child Together – Billboard
Power couple Big Sean and Jhené Aiko are expecting their first child together. Big Sean informed his followers on Instagram, while Aiko also gently acknowledged her pregnancy by uploading a picture of herself as a child holding her stomach.
“Very grateful God continues to bless us, thank you,” he said. “Can’t wait to be a Dad” he added with a black heart emoji. Read more here
Here are the top trending stories of the day.
Headline: Ramaphosa seeks solutions to power crisis outside of Eskom following backlash against the party over rolling blackouts – Daily Maverick
Headline: Govt confirms end of petrol subsidy as prices jump 11% – News24
Headline: SA reacts to Kelly Khumalo saying no-one ‘knew Senzo Meyiwa’ before he dated her – TimesLIVE
Headline: Zondo happy Royal pulled him out of graveyard to coach – Sowetan Live
Headline: Jesus wants to emulate boyhood hero Henry after sealing Arsenal move – News24
Weather: Fine, warm Tuesday across SA – News24
Image credit: Pixabay
Opinions of the Day: “We need a crisis management attitude to try to ensure a basic electricity supply in the short to medium term”
In the opinion pages today, Ralph Mathekga criticises the government and Eskom’s handling of the energy problem and Justice Malala says Ramaphosa’s administration is as clueless as last year about a significant danger to our stability, safety, and security.
SA’s electricity grid is collapsing – and we urgently need a plan to fix it – News24 (for subscribers)
“The government can still show a sense of urgency and marshal an affordable plan to get the basic power supply on.”
In an editorial published by News24, Ralph Mathekga critiques the attitude of the government and Eskom to the energy issue. Mathekga thinks that when a crisis of this kind occurs, it is essential to restore order as quickly as possible while simultaneously articulating policy stances. According to Mathejga, initiating a policy discussion when circumstances are dire demonstrates a lack of comprehension of the gravity of the issue. Read more here
Storms are brewing, and there’s no intelligence on when and how they’ll strike – Times Live (for subscribers)
The flood devastation in KZN will cost the nation billions of rands. Justice Malala argues that the State Security Agency (SSA) should have prioritised South Africa’s national security and found strategies to move communities from dangerous areas, instead, they were focusing on ANC corruption.
“Imagine if the SSA had kept itself busy with real threats such as climate change, which is the direct cause of the KZN floods. If that had happened, we would not be sitting with more than R17bn-worth of damage caused by the floods”
Malala feels that Ramaphosa’s government is as naïve about a genuine and ongoing threat to our stability, safety, and security as it was during the July riots last year. Read more here
Here’s a roundup of interesting opinions, analyses, and editorials:
Enyobeni tragedy: Ramaphosa calls for frank discussions about alcohol scourge – Times Live
Police numbers on GBV desks do not add up – News24
NEWS FROM THE FUTURE: Industry invades the metaverse – Business Day (for subscribers)
We need answers on why Bosasa finance boss got off scot-free – Times Live
