Newsroom

According to Times Live, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office has dismissed DA leader John Steenhuisen’s criticism of the president’s remarks at the Brics+ 2024 summit, where he referred to Russia as a “valuable ally and friend.” Steenhuisen, representing the DA in the government of national unity (GNU), rejected this stance, stating that neither Russia nor President Vladimir Putin are allies of South Africa. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, defended the president’s comments, emphasizing that foreign policy decisions remain the president’s responsibility and cannot be dictated by the DA. Steenhuisen’s remarks also faced criticism from political figures like the EFF’s Sinawo Tambo and PA leader Gayton McKenzie, who accused him of jeopardizing diplomatic relations with Russia.

A 29-year-old South African woman has been arrested in Ethiopia for attempting to traffic 13kg of cocaine worth R5.4 million, The Citizen reports. The arrest was part of a joint operation between the South African Police Services (SAPS) Gauteng counter narcotics intelligence unit, Interpol, and the Ethiopian Federal Police. The woman, flagged by SAPS intelligence, traveled from OR Tambo to Brazil to collect the drugs before returning to South Africa via several countries. Upon her arrival in Addis Ababa, her luggage was searched, and the drugs were found. SAPS praised the collaboration with Ethiopian authorities, emphasizing their ongoing efforts to combat transnational drug trafficking.

According to News24, an unexpected raid at Johannesburg Correctional Centre’s Medium B section by the Department of Correctional Services’ Emergency Support Team and the South African Police Service uncovered various contraband items, including PlayStations, WiFi routers, and designer perfumes. This raid, prompted by intelligence on criminal networks within the prison, revealed hidden cellphones, marijuana, and other prohibited items stashed in ingenious places. Inmates were also found to be using illegal electrical connections to power these devices, creating safety hazards. The thorough search involved checking each inmate and their belongings, with some contraband smuggled in by visitors or hidden within inmates’ bodies. Those caught with contraband face additional charges and potential parole issues, with authorities planning more such operations in the future.

According to News24, a Grade 6 pupil from Cape Town endured an eight-hour journey from Simon’s Town to Khayelitsha after losing his bus ticket. Denied entry by the Golden Arrow bus driver, he walked 20 km to Strandfontein, received a lift to Mandela Park, and was eventually assisted by a security officer and police officers who brought him home. His family, frantic with worry, had mobilized a search involving community groups and law enforcement. Golden Arrow Bus Services has since suspended the driver and vowed to review its policies on lost scholar tickets.

According to The South African, Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the US presidential race has sparked new uncertainty in global markets. Following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump and the subsequent Republican convention, there was an increase in bets on Trump’s victory in the November election. Biden, responding to weeks of pressure after a poor debate performance and health concerns, endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris to take his place. This development has left traders speculating about who will face Trump, whose anticipated victory had previously boosted equities and the dollar due to expectations of tax cuts and deregulation. Analysts predict market volatility in the near term.

According to News24, a 19-year-old man, Luvo Gqaza, who was caught on video allegedly beating an 82-year-old woman, will be held in the hospital wing of Pollsmoor Prison due to suicide concerns. The incident, which sparked outrage, involved Gqaza attacking the elderly woman following a verbal altercation. He faces charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and violating the Older Persons Act. The court has postponed the bail hearing to 12 July, with the State opposing bail due to the severity of the woman’s injuries, who remains in the hospital fearing for her life. Protesters outside the court expressed no sympathy for Gqaza, alleging a history of abuse and claiming he wanted the assault to be seen.

Video credit: X Platform

According to Times Live, Angie Motshekga, the newly appointed Defence and Military Veterans Minister, remains unfazed by criticism regarding her transition from her 15-year role as Basic Education Minister. Despite acknowledging her lack of experience in the defence sector, Motshekga is committed to addressing immediate issues and developing a comprehensive plan within a month. Reflecting on past challenges in the education sector, where she faced significant criticism and infrastructure issues, Motshekga remains confident in her ability to prove herself in this new role.

Newly appointed Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has committed to tackling the extensive challenges within the department with a determined and innovative approach, Times Live reports. Acknowledging issues such as visa processing delays, long queues, and the notorious “system offline” problem, Schreiber emphasized the need for significant reforms to improve efficiency. He highlighted the economic impacts of these inefficiencies, such as the loss of skilled professionals due to visa delays, and stressed that his mission goes beyond operational efficiency to restoring dignity in the home affairs experience. Schreiber’s predecessor, Aaron Motsoaledi, had previously appealed for more funding to address these challenges, which continue to hinder the department’s performance.

Image credit: Leon Schreiber, X

According to Times Live, talks between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng for forming a government of provincial unity have failed. The DA is expected to announce this after a meeting with the ANC on Tuesday. The two parties had been negotiating a power-sharing deal but could not reach an agreement, leading to a deadlock. ANC Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi had postponed the announcement of his executive due to this impasse. Although Lesufi was prepared to offer the DA three positions in his executive, the DA declined, insisting they deserved more. Meanwhile, the ANC is reportedly in discussions with the MK Party, which has previously supported Lesufi.