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

  • 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

  • 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

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

  • 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:

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Top News of the Day: Rain and severe weather expected over the Western Cape | Farewell, Pitso

  • Cape Town is on high alert as heavy rains are expected to continue until Wednesday
  • Pitso Mosimane has announced his departure from Al Ahly club
  • Lizzo changes a lyric in her new song after critique over ableist

Cold front brings heavy rain, wind and localised flooding to Western Cape – Times Live 

The disaster risk management centre (DRMC) has warned that the heavy rains in the Western Cape could cause flooding until Wednesday evening. These floods are caused by the cold front, strong winds and rough seas. 

“Emergency teams have been dispatched. Please switch on your headlights, maintain a safe following distance and drive carefully,” the municipality reported for Times Live. 

According to Times Live, Stellenbosch municipality said that there was flooding on the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, near the Mooiberge Farmstall. Times Live has also reported blocked drains in Langa, Khayelitsha, Ottery, Lwandle, Strandfontein, Crossroads, Philippi and Gugulethu. Read more here

Pitso Mosimane leaves Al Ahly – Times Live

Yesterday, news broke that Al Ahly and Pitso Mosimane reached an agreement to part ways. It is reported that Musi Matlaba, Kyle Solomon, and Kabelo Rangoaga, three of Mosimane’s trusted lieutenants, will leave the club with him.

“Mosimane’s decision was discussed and it was decided to approve his request to part ways with the club and to thank him for his achievements with Ahly.” Read more here

Lizzo Changes Lyric In New Song After Criticism Over Ableist Slur – Huffington Post

Lizzo has changed a line in her new song “Grrrls” after being told it was a slur against people with disabilities. In the first verse of her new single, Lizzo sings, “Do you see this shit? I’ma spaz.”

After numerous people spoke out on social media, Lizzo changed the lyrics. 

“It’s been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my new song,” Lizzo wrote on her latest Instagram post. “Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language. As a fat black woman in America, I’ve had many hurtful words used against me so I understand the power words can have (whether intentionally or in my case, unintentionally).” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Pressure mounts on Ramaphosa as Niehaus also lays criminal complaint against him – EWN

Headline: Pitso’s worth: R2.6m a month – Sowetan Live

Headline: Lawyer disputes Pretoria high court’s jurisdiction over Meyiwa murder case – Times Live

Headline: If only ANC NEC had the mind and feelings of a seven-year-old – Times Live (for subscribers)

Headline: Marilyn Monroe Dress Kim Kardashian Wore at 2022 Met Gala Has Allegedly Been Damaged – Complex

Weather: Your weather: More heavy rain, potential flooding in Western Cape on Tuesday – News24

Image credit: Stellenbosch Municipality, Facebook

Top News of the Day: Charges against Gupta brothers to be finalised | Father who allegedly poisoned 4 children dies

Top News of the Day: Charges against Gupta brothers to be finalised | Father who allegedly poisoned 4 children dies

  • The Gupta brothers, who are now in Dubai, may only be extradited if they’ve been charged with or “convicted of an extraditable offense”.
  • Family members confirmed the death of a Ratanda man who allegedly poisoned his four.
  • Twitter is going crazy with rumors that Beyoncé might be dropping new music this month. 

State vs the Guptas: NPA under pressure to file further state capture cases against Rajesh, Atul – News24 (for subscribers)

“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has less than 50 days to formally charge Atul and Rajesh Gupta with further state capture offenses if it wants them to face more than just the R24.9 million Nulane scam prosecution.”

Karyn Maughan writes that South Africa’s extradition agreement with the UAE says that the brothers, who are currently in custody in Dubai, can only be sent back to South Africa if they have been charged with or convicted of a crime that can be sent back to South Africa. Read more here 

Heidelberg man who allegedly poisoned four of his sons, killing three, has died – Times Live

On Friday, the man from Ratanda who allegedly poisoned four of his five children died. The 39-year-old was taken to the hospital last month after he tried to kill himself.

“Several hours earlier, the man had reportedly given his children energy drinks which were believed to have been laced with rat poison.”

According to Times Live, two of the kids died at school, one died on the way to the hospital, and the fourth was taken to the hospital in a very bad way. It is reported that the fifth sibling had turned down the drink. Read more here

Twitter Reacts to Hints That Beyoncé Might Be Dropping New Music On Her Website – Elle Magazine 

Fans are confident Beyoncé has something major planned. On June 10, her social media profile photos vanished. Now, the musician’s Instagram profile picture is a grey figure. 

“Some fans then noticed that on Beyoncé’s website, a funny thing happens when you type in the date, June 11.” According to Elle Magazine, Beyoncé’s picture with the text “Image, B7” appears. Some fans have predicted that Beyonce’s seventh album is coming. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Thomson Reuters puts CaseLines subcontract on hold following news reports – News24 

Headline: FNB consultant accused of stealing R37m from deceased’s account bought fancy cars and gave money to church – Times Live 

Headline: Lewis Hamilton: Toto Wolff says Mercedes driver is doubtful for Canadian GP with back injury as Christian Horner questions complaints – Sky News

Headline: After Mkhwebane suspension, Public Protector’s office chases 30-day deadline for Farmgate report – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Rebel Wilson: SMH denies outing actor as LBGTIQ+ group denounces ‘appalling’ situation – The Guardian

Weather: Monday’s weather: Wind, rain warning issued for Western Cape – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

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