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Top News of the Day: “Sorry Durban, the ANC has failed you again (and again)”

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / April 14, 2022

Qaanitah Hunter claims in her newest column for News24 that the ANC is more interested in its “internal hunger games” than “actually doing their jobs” and assisting residents in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Hunter attended the ANC’s eThekwini conference days before disaster struck and was surprised by the lack of commitment to improve services since the July unrest.

“All the conference was obsessed with was who would be in charge and who would control the purse strings of the municipality.”

Days later, floods began causing devastation and destruction in many areas and yet again, Durban was not prepared or warned. Residents were left to pick up the slack for the state’s mistakes again. The response from local authorities was “dismal and pathetic”, she adds.

“There has been no effort to improve infrastructure, despite almost yearly flooding.”

In a separate piece for the Daily Maverick, Shaun Smillie confirms that the death rate has risen to above 300. Residents are still searching for their loved ones with little or no support from rescue services.

“Two days later and the community is searching along the Nthungwane River for the five missing people. They say they have had no help from the rescue services. On Wednesday morning, paramedics arrived and provided medical care to some of the injured. Then they left.”

There are plenty of stories similar to this.

News24 reported how a “father waited hours next to his dead six-year-old, after walking 10km with his lifeless body onto the main road, to seek help from emergency services who just drove by.”

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Qaanitah Hunter | Sorry Durban, the ANC has failed you again (and again) – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Devastated KZN communities search for family members swept away by floodwaters – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Food, blankets, plastic, clean water and clothes — here’s how you can help relief efforts in KZN – Times Live

Headline: Nationwide bus strike averted – For now, at least – EWN 

Headline: OPINION | Africa can’t afford to depend on Russia for wheat imports – News24

Headline: New York subway shooting suspected arrested after day-long manhunt – EWN 

Headline: Pep Guardiola: Man City ‘in big trouble’ despite ‘deserved’ win – BBC

Headline: Druski’s Now-Deleted Comedy Skit Sparks Debate on Social Media – Complex

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Flood Deaths Climb to 59

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / April 13, 2022

At least 59 people have died in floods and mudslides caused by rainstorms that hit the South African port city of Durban and other areas in the KwaZulu-Natal province, including two babies.

Poor residents are desperately seeking humanitarian assistance. According to News24, some residents went to the police station to ask for help because their loved ones were either still under the rubble or had been washed away by the rain.

In a separate article for the Daily Maverick, Greg Nicolson explains how the poor are hit the hardest by every disaster, from the hard lockdown to the riots, fires, and floods, which are all things that happen there.

Residents in KZN have also spoken about the lack of support from the government.

“Since 2005 we have been saying that the conditions under which we are forced to live in a repressive society are dangerous as well as undignified,” said one resident.

Meteorologists said that the “rainfall system” was going to weaken “significantly” on Wednesday. President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to visit KZN today.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Tragedy in KZN as floods cause devastation, mostly for the poor in informal settlements – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Indignity in life and death: KwaNdengezi residents line up their dead on the road desperate for help – News24

Headline: Pirates defender Paseka Mako rushed to hospital after colliding with Richard Ofori – News24

Headline: Chukwueze goal helps Villarreal match Manchester City’s Champions League mark – Goal 

Headline: Banyana Banyana arrive with song and dance, but Netherlands claim stunning victory – News24

Headline: Hailey Bieber Asks Trolls to ‘Leave Me Alone’ Seemingly in Reference to Selena Gomez Comparisons – Complex

Headline: Rihanna Says Her Next Album Is “Completely Different” From Past Projects – Nylon

Headline: Brooklyn shooting – live: Police name Frank R James as person of interest as mayor’s security boosted – Independent 

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Load Shedding suspended | Zuma under strict observation

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / April 12, 2022

On Monday evening, Eskom implemented Stage 2 load shedding with immediate effect. This came hours after a constrained system and several breakdowns at Medupi power station.

“Unit five of Medupi power station has just tripped, taking some 700MW capacity with. Regretfully, stage 2 load-shedding has been implemented immediately,” said Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha.

According to News24, Stage 2 load shedding was suspended at 05:00 on Tuesday. Eskom has warned that there may be further load shedding this week as the energy supply remains constrained.

Meanwhile, in other local news, Jacob Zuma was absent from the first day of his corruption trial in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg, reportedly owing to illness.

Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi said the former president is going for tests for an “unknown ailment”. He refused to give any further details.

“[Former] president Jacob Zuma is in hospital as we speak. Doctors are running tests, but they don’t have test results as yet. He is under strict observation”.

Zuma’s corruption case is postponed to 17 May.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Stage 2 load shedding on pause from Tuesday, but expect power supply crunch all week – Fin24

Headline: Jacob Zuma admitted to hospital for tests, under strict observation – Manyi – News24

Headline: WATCH | Paramedics at collapsed house in Durban in which mom and two daughters are trapped – Times Live 

Headline: Government urged to remove tariffs and VAT to relieve ‘chicken price tsunami’ – Daily Maverick 

Headline: ‘It’s been dragging on for far too long’ — SA hopes for justice in Senzo Meyiwa case – Times Live

Headline: Erasmus backs Sundowns’ unity to see them to title – Sowetan Live 

Headline: Ukraine conflict: ‘Russian soldiers raped me and killed my husband’ – BBC

Headline: Game Brings Up 50 Cent While Explaining Eminem Battle Challenge: ‘[50] Can’t Out-Rap Me. Your Buddy Can Rap Though’ – Complex

Image credit: Pixabay

Top News of the Day: Zuma and Thales expected to appear in High Court | Cassper Nyovest praised for his “genius marketing abilities”

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / April 11, 2022

Former president Jacob Zuma and Thales are scheduled to appear in the Pietermaritzburg High Court today for the commencement of the arms deal trial.

According to EWN, Zuma’s legal team is “expected to ask for another postponement, whether or not it will go ahead is unclear at this stage.”

As soon as Judge Piet Koen turned down Zuma’s request to appeal the outcome of his special plea, he didn’t hold back. He said that the prosecution had already been delayed “considerably and unreasonably.”

“But while the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has already kicked to touch a second appeal bid, Zuma’s now trying to get Judge President Mandisa Maya to intervene.”

Zuma’s legal team said that the case would most likely go to the Constitutional Court, and that a forced trial at this point would hurt Zuma and could be an “exercise in futility.” 

In entertainment news, Cassper Nyovest has gained the respect of South Africans for his “genius marketing abilities.” 

On Saturday evening, Cassper Nyovest and NaakMusiQ participated in a boxing match at Sun City. It was a surprise to many people who thought Cassper Nyovest would win the #CelebCity boxing match on Saturday. NaakMusiQ, an actor and musician, beat the rapper.

Many celebrities and fans praised Cassper and his team for putting together an entertaining event.

“One Twitter user even went as far as to comment that Cassper outclassed a whole Department of Sports, Arts and Culture by reviving a sport that had been longing for media attention.”

Cassper Nyovest called for a rematch in 3 months. 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Jacob Zuma, Thales expected in court for start of arms deal trial – EWN 

Headline: All hail Cassper: Mzansi showers musician with love despite being Naaked out – EWN 

Headline: Blow by Blow: Here’s how the Cassper vs NaakMusiQ celebrity boxing match went down – Times Live 

Headline: eThekwini’s new leadership collective preaches unity and embrace after resounding victory – Times Live 

Headline: Manchester City 2-2 Liverpool: ‘A joy to watch’ – action and reaction from Shearer – BBC

Headline: Australia hopes to keep early F1 slot after strong reboot in Melbourne – The Guardian 

Headline: Ukraine says 1 200 bodies found near Kyiv as east braces for onslaught – African Insider

Headline: Sam Elliott Apologizes For Hateful ‘The Power Of The Dog’ Comments – Huffington Post 

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Cele employs specialist team to Diepsloot | Bonang to host The Real Housewives of Lagos event

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / April 7, 2022

Following the 7 killings that took place in Diepsloot over the weekend, Police Minister Bheki Cele vowed to send a specialist police team over the next 24 hours.

The specialist team will be made up of the “Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Police (POP) and investigators, as well as additional patrol vehicles”. These troops have been entrusted with restoring order at Johannesburg’s Diepsloot police station.

According to News24, Diepsloot residents are protesting in response to an increase in crime in the area, corruption and the enforcement of immigration laws. On Wednesday, Cele addressed the community with a short-term plan to prevent high-level crimes.

“We will increase the number of Public Order Police to come and work here until we come back and speak about how things have changed in this area,” said Cele.

In a separate article for EWN, Masechaba Sefularo argued that residents are not happy with the response from Cele.

“He promised that he will deploy the TRT for a period of more than six months and that didn’t happen,” said community members.

Cele promised to come back to the area on Friday to discuss long-term plans for Diepsloot.

Meanwhile, in local entertainment news, Bonang Matheba booked a major hosting gig with Showmax and The Real Housewives of Lagos. Showmax is set to host the extravagant event in Sandton tonight and fans are ecstatic to see Bonang back in action.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Cele to deploy specialist police teams to Diepsloot after 7 people killed over weekend – News24

Headline: Bonang Matheba Bags a Major Hosting Gig – Youth Village 

Headline: Putin’s daughters, sanctioned by US, hidden from public eye – EWN 

Headline: Kanye West Replaced By Swedish House Mafia And The Weeknd At Coachella 2022 – Huffington Post 

Headline: Baxter happy with Chiefs style of play despite inconsistency – Sowetan Live 

Headline: WATCH | Hunt gives analyses as to why it is not working out for Hlatshwayo at Pirates – News24

Headline: Champions League: Bayern Munich fortunate to escape with narrow loss – DW

Headline: Alicia Keys Shares Video for “City of Gods (Part II)” – Complex

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Doctors from Soweto live in fear of attacks | The top two acts Kanye could be replaced by at Coachella

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / April 6, 2022

According to the Soweto Independent Practitioners Association, at least one doctor is assaulted each week in Soweto as of February 2022.

There have been a total of 10 assaults since February of this year.

Last month Dr. George Koboka was killed in Soweto. According to Soweto residents, he was dearly loved and respected for his work in the community. Doctors are concerned about the safety of their practice and are taking measures into their own hands. They’re searching each patient for armed guns before entering the surgery.

“Last month, much-loved general practitioner Dr. George Koboka was gunned down in his practice in Diepkloof when four men stormed into the surgery,” EWN reports.

Soweto Independent Practitioners Association confirmed that the murder of doctors has been on the rise since 2019.

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, Kanye dropped out of Coachella for reasons unknown. Coachella is now searching for artists to replace Ye on Sunday. According to Complex, The Weeknd and Red Hot Chili Peppers are at the top of the list.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Soweto Doctors fear for their lives as attacks on surgeries rise – EWN

Headline: Coachella Reportedly Has List of Major Acts That Could Replace Kanye West – Complex

Headline: JSC interviews: I made a regrettable error, says ConCourt justice candidate – News24

Headline: ‘If I am elected, I will step aside’ – Zandile Gumede promises to respect ANC rule – News24

Headline: ‘Maybe it will stop them smoking!’ – Robertson jokes after Liverpool defender nearly hit by lighters at Benfica – Goal 

Headline: Could it be Sundowns v Al Ahly final in SA? – Sowetan Live

Headline: Russian TV journalist tells SA audience RT ban is bad for media freedom – Times Live

Headline: Kim Kardashian on Pete Davidson Relationship: ‘It’s Such a Good Feeling to Be at Peace’ – Complex

Image credit: Pixabay

Top News of the Day: What do our new post lockdown rules mean for you.

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / April 5, 2022

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the termination of the national state of disaster on Covid-19 on Monday evening. 

“While the virus continues to circulate, it is not causing the same levels of severe illness that require hospitalisation or the same number of deaths. While the pandemic is not over and while the virus remains among us these conditions no longer require that we remain in a national state of disaster.”

30 days from now, the following transitional measures will automatically be over: 

  • Wearing a face mask in an indoor space (except for children under the age of six). 
  • The current restrictions on gatherings will stay in place. A Covid test or a vaccination must be done before 50% of the capacity can be taken in at both indoor and outdoor venues, but it can be done either way. The unvaccinated can have groups of 1,000 people inside and 2,000 people outside.
  • Travelers will need to show that they’ve been vaccinated or have a negative Covid-19 test.
  • The Department of Social Development is working on new rules that will continue paying the R350 Social Relief Distress grant. 
  • The directions extending the grace period for driving licences remain in place.

In a separate article for Times Live, opposition parties are “unhappy with the government keeping some Covid-19 regulations”. The DA spokesperson has voiced his concern about lifting the state of disaster. 

“It is extremely worrying to us that despite the formal lifting of this state of disaster, our government now seems to be hell-bent on normalising the restrictions that we faced for so long by introducing regulations to the Health Act that will effectively normalise this very abnormal state of affairs and shift the power of unnatural regulations to the minister of health,” said Cilliers Brink.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: The post-lockdown rules now in effect, including hugging at schools and closed border posts – Business Tech 

Headline: Opposition parties unhappy with government keeping some Covid-19 regulations – Times Live 

Headline: ‘Russia will never come for SA’: New book reveals how Zuma’s trust in Putin drove nuclear deal – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Arsenal’s top 4 bid rocked in ‘unacceptable’ Palace defeat – News24 

Headline: Salah or Jota: Who’s Liverpool’s MVP? – Goal 

Headline: ‘Fortnite’ Raises $144 Million for Ukraine Aid Over Two-Week Span – Complex

Headline: Jason Momoa to Write, Executive Produce, and Star in Historical Drama Series ‘Chief of War’ at Apple – Complex

Headline: Elon Musk poll may prompt Twitter edit button – Business Tech 

Image credit: Getty Images

Top News of the Day: Ukraine Officials: Bodies of at Least 300 People Found in Kyiv

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / April 4, 2022

After Russia withdrew to focus its attacks on certain parts of Ukraine, 300 bodies were found near the capital, Kyiv. It is reported that these victims were subjected to “extra-judicial killings”. 

“Reuters could not independently verify those figures or who was responsible for the killings.”

According to Times Live, Ukraine’s authorities were investigating alleged Russian war crimes after the discovery of hundreds of victims, some tied and shot at close range, scattered over cities around Kyiv following the withdrawal of Kremlin troops to concentrate their operations in other regions of the nation.

Following the event, Germany’s Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht said “Putin and his supporters will feel the consequences”. He also encouraged the European Union to discuss the banning of “import of Russian gas”. 

Furthermore, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, appeared in a video played before the 64th Grammy Awards, pleading with viewers to assist Ukrainians “in whatever way they can.”

“What is more opposite to music? The silence of ruined cities and killed people,” said Zelenskiy.

There was no sign of progress in efforts to end the war, even though Russia’s top negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, said talks would resume on Monday. 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Ukraine accuses Russia of war crimes after bodies found bound, shot – Times Live

Headline: The Best, Worst, and Weirdest Moments of the 2022 Grammy Awards – Time 

Headline: Halala! DJ Black Coffee wins his first Grammy – Times Live

Headline: Grammys 2022 Fashion Round-Up: Doja Cat, Biebers & More! – E! News

Headline: La Liga: Barcelona 1-0 Sevilla – highlights – BBC

Headline: Maharaj moves past Paul Adams as SA’s best post-isolation spinner, hunts Tayfield’s 170 – Sport24

Headline: An estimated 16 000 African students studying in Ukraine worried about their future – SABC News 

Headline: Russia’s war with Ukraine: Five reasons why many African countries choose to be ‘neutral’ – News24

Image credit: Getty Images

Top News of the Day: Electricity tariff hike will take effect today | New Police Commissioner Announced | 64th Grammy Awards Ceremony

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / April 1, 2022

Eskom customers should expect a 9.61% electricity tariff increase on Friday after the National Energy Regulator’s approval of the increase in February.

“People will see a change from 1 April, in accordance with the NERSA decision, of their tariffs and then it would be an average increase of 9.61% more than what it was previously,” said Eskom’s general manager Hasha Tlhothlalemaje for EWN.

And in other local news, President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday afternoon appointed Fannie Masemola as the new police commissioner.

According to News24, there were 5 candidates in the running for the role. The incumbent president praised Masemola for his “outstanding record of achievements in policing across South Africa” from serving as the “chairperson of the Natjoints on Covid-19” to de-escalating violence in KwaZulu-Natal in 1994.

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, the 64th Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Trevor Noah will be hosting the show with live performances from BTS, Billie Eilish, Silk Sonic, John Legend, Carrie Underwood and many others. Unfortunately, Foo Fighters were removed from the list of performers as they’re still mourning the loss of their drummer, Taylor Hawkins.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Brace yourselves: Eskom 9.61% tariff hike to kick in on Friday – EWN

Headline: Fannie Masemola named new national police commissioner – News24 

Headline: Fuel levy lowered by R1.50/litre until end of May – News24

Headline: You have got to be kidding me: this year’s standout April Fools’ gags – The Guardian 

Headline: Silk Sonic, J Balvin, Carrie Underwood & More Added as Performers to 2022 Grammy Awards – Billboard 

Headline: Finishing second will be good for Chiefs – Sowetan Live

Headline: Unseeded Naomi Osaka rallies past Belinda Bencic to reach Miami final – The Guardian 

Headline: Bella Hadid is making her acting debut – Nylon

Image credit: Flickr 

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