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Ntobeko Cele, a 25-year-old woman, was tragically stabbed to death by her partner, Sbusiso Ntaka, who later posted a video of her body online before taking his own life, Times Live reports. Ntaka accused Cele of infidelity and claimed he was not the father of her child in his video. The family of Ntobeko has expressed their anguish, accusing Ntaka’s family of spreading falsehoods and denying Ntobeko’s alleged faults.

Ntaka, described as psychotic and a heavy drinker, had a history of abusive behavior, including running over Ntobeko with his vehicle in May. Despite this, the couple reconciled. Ntobeko’s family regrets not pressing charges earlier, noting her concern for their child and Ntaka’s government job.

Ntaka was found dead by suicide in a nearby area shortly after the murder. Police are investigating the case, while Women for Change has condemned the graphic video’s circulation online, urging the public not to share it and to report such content. Both families are devastated, and funeral arrangements have yet to be finalized.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act into law, marking a significant milestone for South Africa’s energy transition, IOL reports. The Act aims to create a more competitive electricity market by enabling the wholesale and retail buying and selling of electricity. It also introduces market operation as a licensable activity under the oversight of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). The Act differentiates between regulator-approved tariffs and those determined by direct supply agreements or market competition, ensuring a level playing field for all generators and customers. However, two sections—defining “reticulation” and “distribution power systems”—have been excluded from immediate implementation, with a future date to be determined.

This legislation is expected to foster competition between Eskom and independent power producers, with provisions to promote renewable energy and ensure non-discriminatory practices in electricity dispatching and system balancing. The Act will come into effect on January 1, 2025, while the definitions for the delayed sections will be announced later via government proclamation.

Minister Gayton McKenzie has vowed to give away free tickets to Chris Brown’s controversial concerts in Johannesburg, despite protests from the NGO Women For Change, who petitioned to revoke the singer’s visa due to his history of domestic violence. According to The South African, McKenzie defended the concerts, calling them a source of “fun,” while Women For Change criticized his actions as “unacceptable.” Despite the petition, the Department of Home Affairs ignored calls to cancel Brown’s visa. McKenzie encouraged South Africans to support international acts like Chris Brown, citing public demand, and continued to promote the concerts.

According to IOL, the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act, passed in 2023, has sparked debate over Sections 4 and 5, which shift control of school admissions and language policies from governing bodies to provincial departments. Aimed at addressing inequality, these changes could reduce Afrikaans schools’ grip on mother-tongue education while promoting inclusivity. President Ramaphosa delayed implementing these clauses to allow further discussions, with a deadline set for December 13.

Reactions are divided. Activist Hendrick Makaneta supports the clauses for fostering diversity, while Sadtu criticizes the delay as politically motivated and threatens legal action if they are not enacted. Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance opposes the changes. Ramaphosa must now decide whether to approve, revise, or further delay the contentious provisions.

According to The Citizen, US rapper Jay-Z has strongly denied allegations linking him to the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000. The claims, part of a civil lawsuit initially filed against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, were amended to include Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter. In a statement, Carter criticized the allegations as blackmail and challenged the accuser to pursue criminal charges if the claims were valid. He emphasized his commitment to protecting children and expressed concern about the impact these allegations could have on his family, particularly his 12-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy.

The accuser, identified as Jane Doe, is represented by attorney Tony Buzbee, who previously sought to mediate a settlement. Speaking to Reuters, Buzbee described the case as a serious matter that will proceed in court. Jay-Z maintains his innocence, stating that such accusations are both false and damaging. The Citizen reports that this lawsuit follows ongoing allegations involving other music industry figures, shedding light on systemic issues within the entertainment world.

According to EWN, former Eskom CEO and MK Party MP, Brian Molefe, cautioned that Eskom still faces a risk of load shedding, despite eight months without blackouts. Speaking during a parliamentary energy portfolio committee meeting, Molefe expressed skepticism about the sustainability of improvements, noting that an energy availability factor of 63% still poses risks.

Eskom management, however, presented encouraging updates, highlighting improved revenue due to reduced load shedding and plans for further maintenance and system enhancements next year. Eskom board chairperson Dr. Mteto Nyati stressed that a load-shedding-free South Africa should become the norm, not an exception.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reassigned Justice Minister Thembi Simelane to the Department of Human Settlements amidst mounting allegations of wrongdoing, including a controversial loan linked to the VBS Bank scandal. This move, announced Tuesday night, is part of a Cabinet mini-shuffle aimed at enhancing government efficiency.

Simelane, under scrutiny for a personal loan from Gundo Investments, which is tied to VBS looting, has faced questions from Parliament, the ANC integrity commission, and the media. Despite this, Ramaphosa has opted to retain her in Cabinet, sparking debate over accountability.

Source: EWN

Fuel prices in South Africa are set to rise on Wednesday, with petrol increasing by 17c per litre and diesel by around 55c to 56c per litre, depending on the sulphur content. Despite these hikes, fuel remains cheaper than it was at the start of the year. In Gauteng, 95 petrol will cost R21.47 per litre, while diesel will be R19.21. The coastal prices will be slightly lower, at R20.68 for petrol and R18.42 for diesel. The rand’s weakening—dropping from R17.53/$ to R17.93/$ during the review period—has been a significant factor in the price adjustments, overshadowing a slight drop in international Brent Crude oil prices, which fell from $73.28 to $72.70 a barrel.

The rise in diesel and illuminating paraffin prices reflects higher global demand due to the upcoming winter in the Northern Hemisphere, while stagnant economic growth and weak demand from China continue to weigh on oil prices. The ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources noted that OPEC+ maintained production levels, while increased output from non-OPEC nations also influenced the market. Economic uncertainties, including investor preference for the US dollar following Donald Trump’s election win, have further pressured the rand. Additionally, the wholesale price of illuminating paraffin will rise by 49c, and the maximum retail price of LP gas will increase by R1.72 per kilogram. (Source: The South African)

According to News24, police in KwaZulu-Natal uncovered a shipment of cocaine worth R86.5 million at a warehouse in Clairwood, Durban, on Monday. The drugs, concealed in eight bags resembling red beans, arrived from Brazil via the Durban Harbour. The shipment, flagged following intelligence, had been under surveillance for a week while waiting offshore near Umhlanga.

Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the provincial police commissioner, clarified that the warehouse owners were not involved, as the facility stores imported cargo before distribution. The discovery included approximately 173kg of crushed cocaine designed to mimic the texture of beans, highlighting a change in smuggling tactics. Investigations into the source and broader networks are ongoing.

Seventeen illegal miners emerged from two mine shafts in Stilfontein on Thursday, according to News24. Fourteen, all foreign nationals from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, resurfaced at Margaret Shaft, while three others emerged from Shaft 10. These miners are being processed by authorities.

Meanwhile, around 300 illegal miners appeared in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on charges including illegal mining and contravening the Immigration Act.

A 19-year-old miner alleged that he was forced to mine for six months by heavily armed mine bosses who refused to let workers leave. He described dire underground conditions, including being beaten if they tried to escape and surviving on toothpaste. The teenager claimed that armed individuals acted as enforcers, making escape dangerous.

Image credit: TebogoPhakedi, X