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South Africa’s major banks have continued to reduce the number of ATMs in 2024, reflecting a long-term trend. In the first half of the year, Absa, FNB, Nedbank, and Standard Bank collectively shut down 233 ATMs, with Standard Bank and Absa leading the cuts, MyBroadband reports. Capitec, however, increased its ATM count by 367, but much of this growth is attributed to partner ATMs at retailers rather than its own machines. The overall decline in ATMs is driven by several factors, including the rise of mobile banking, reduced cash usage due to affordable point-of-sale solutions, and security concerns such as ATM bombings and card skimming fraud. While cash remains widely used, banks are shifting toward retailer partnerships for deposit and withdrawal services, reducing reliance on standalone ATMs.

According to EWN, AfriForum and Solidarity have dismissed allegations of high treason, stating they are unfounded and politically motivated. The Hawks are investigating four cases related to organizations that sought U.S. intervention against the ANC and President Cyril Ramaphosa. AfriForum and Solidarity had previously called on Donald Trump’s administration to intervene over what they described as threats to Afrikaans culture following the implementation of the BELA and Expropriation Acts. Speaking from the U.S., AfriForum’s CEO, Kallie Kriel, argued that the real betrayal comes from ANC leaders due to corruption and harmful policies. Solidarity’s CEO, Dr. Dirk Hermann, criticized the legal system being used for political purposes, calling the allegations baseless. However, the Hawks have not officially named or charged either organization.

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AfriForum and Solidarity say they won’t lose sleep over high treason allegations. Source: EWN #news #tiktoksouthafrica

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According to The South African, Nigerian rapper 3GAR Baby, real name Prince Daniel Obioma, crashed his R7 million McLaren 570S coupe in Sea Point over the weekend while speeding at 200km/h. Although he sustained only minor injuries, his brother, who was in the passenger seat without a seatbelt, suffered serious injuries and remains in the hospital. After being discharged, 3GAR Baby shared Instagram clips of his recovery in his luxury Cape Town penthouse, where friends brought him red roses. He also posted a bruised selfie, expressing gratitude for surviving the crash, and later shared a pre-accident video of himself shopping for designer clothing. Meanwhile, South Africans are calling for legal action against him for reckless driving, as CCTV footage captured the moment he lost control of the car. Police in Sea Point have launched an investigation into the incident.

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Nigerian rapper 3GAR Baby totaled his R7M McLaren in Sea Point while speeding at 200km/h. Source: The South African #news #tiktoksouthafrica

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According to Scrolla, Anabela Rungo, the mother of beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina, has been granted bail of R10,000 but must remain under house arrest. She faces charges of breaking immigration and ID laws after authorities claimed she lied to obtain South African citizenship. Immigration officials had sent her a letter in September 2024, informing her that her ID was being revoked, but she did not respond. She was arrested on 15 February in Summer Greens, Cape Town, for still residing in the country despite her ID being canceled. Rungo argues that the police arrested her without a warrant and maintains her innocence. The court ruled that she can only leave her home for court appearances or legal consultations, with immigration officers and police monitoring her. The case will continue on 8 May as investigations proceed.

According to The South African, Not In My Name International has called for the immediate closure of Zanzou nightclub in Hatfield, Pretoria, after shocking videos surfaced showing a brutal assault allegedly involving the club’s security. The nightclub management admitted excessive force was used but shifted the blame to a now-terminated security company, denying claims that the assault was over an unpaid bill. Authorities, led by National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, are investigating multiple charges, including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, and violations of privacy laws. The police have urged victims to come forward, assuring full support and swift justice. Meanwhile, compliance inspections will determine whether Zanzou has adhered to legal regulations, with mounting public pressure for its closure.

According to EWN, President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected calls to withdraw South African troops from the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), emphasizing that their peacekeeping mission is essential for stability in Africa. Approximately 2,000 SANDF soldiers are deployed under UN and SADC mandates, but the recent clashes with M23 rebels have resulted in the deaths of 14 South African troops. Their remains were repatriated and honored in a memorial service in Tshwane, where Ramaphosa stated that pulling out now would be dishonorable to their sacrifice. Critics argue that the mission is a “suicide mission,” with concerns about inadequate equipment and supplies for SANDF troops. However, SANDF chief Rudzani Maphwanya defended the deployment, asserting that soldiers were adequately armed and resourced. Despite ongoing criticism, the multinational mission is set to continue until the end of the year, with South African troops still stationed in Goma, now surrounded after the rebels captured the capital of North Kivu province.

Jacob Zuma, leader of the MK Party (MKP), has demanded a public apology from his daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, after she made disparaging remarks about the party’s secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, on social media, News24 reports. In a series of X posts, Zuma-Sambudla called Shivambu “useless” and “the worst thing that happened to MK,” prompting the party to take disciplinary action. The MKP issued a statement condemning her comments as a violation of the party’s disciplinary code, emphasizing the need for unity and respect. She has been instructed to apologize to Shivambu, MKP members, and supporters, as well as to all structures she serves in, or face expulsion from the party. The party also warned that failure to comply would lead to immediate consequences, including the termination of her membership and removal from leadership roles. Shivambu has not personally responded to the controversy but acknowledged it by retweeting the party’s statement.

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Jacob Zuma vs. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla – The MK Party leader demands an apology from his daughter over social media remarks. Source: News24 #news #tiktoksouthafrica

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According to Times Live, the EFF has hit back at Elon Musk after he called for Julius Malema to be declared an international criminal and sanctioned. Musk’s comments were based on an old video of Malema speaking about “cutting the throat of whiteness.” Malema responded by calling Musk a “spoiled brat” and reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for black equality. EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo dismissed Musk’s remarks, accusing him of interfering in South African affairs and acting as an imperialist. The party also criticized Musk’s influence in global politics and reiterated its stance that Starlink must comply with local ownership laws to operate in SA.

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Ndlozi Quits EFF – Former EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has left the party to become a university lecturer. Source: Scrolla #news #tiktoksouthafrica

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