Uncategorized

The Electoral Court has dismissed the DA’s claims that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address, three days before the national election, was disguised electioneering, Times Live reports. The DA argued that Ramaphosa’s speech, which highlighted achievements of his administration on key issues like gender-based violence and load-shedding, breached the Electoral Code of Conduct and Electoral Act by influencing the election. However, the court ruled that the president was fulfilling his constitutional duties to promote national unity and that a reasonable viewer would not interpret the speech as political campaigning. The DA’s request for a fine and vote reduction for the ANC was also dismissed.

According to Times Live, Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has dismissed the EFF’s threats to report him to parliament’s ethics committee over alleged misuse of state funds during his Paris Olympics trip. The EFF claims the R804,590 expense, which included high costs for flights, accommodation, and ground transport, was excessive for one person. McKenzie accused the EFF of jealousy and using his name for relevance, claiming their criticism stems from frustration at not holding his ministerial position. He defended the trip costs, stating he was not responsible for bookings and followed the rules approved by the president.

The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture revealed it spent R27.9 million to send 146 athletes to the 2024 Paris Olympics, covering preparation, support, and travel. Minister Gayton McKenzie disclosed this figure in response to a parliamentary question, noting that exact costs per athlete are still being processed, Times Live reports. An additional R1.8 million was allocated for officials’ travel, with McKenzie’s trip to France costing R804,597. South Africa won six medals at the games. Looking forward to the 2028 Olympics, McKenzie plans to send 300 athletes, focusing on talent from disadvantaged communities, with support from corporate sponsors.

According to The South African, Chris Brown has announced that his much-anticipated South African concert will take place on December 14, 2024, at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium. This will mark his fourth visit to the country, following past performances during his Carpe Diem and X Tours. Despite being a highly sought-after performer, his controversial past, particularly involving the assault case with Rihanna, often resurfaces during his tours. Fans are eager for the performance, with tickets going on sale on October 3rd. However, some South Africans may feel disappointed that Johannesburg is the only city on his tour schedule.

According to News24, Argentina faces a steep challenge in their last-round Rugby Championship decider against South Africa. Despite a heroic win against Chile last week, the Pumas must win by at least three tries (5-0 log points) to claim the title, a feat not supported by historical precedent. Their only win over the Springboks in South Africa came in 2015, but under a different scoring system. South Africa, with key players like Rassie Erasmus and several stalwarts returning, has a strong track record at home. History and form suggest Argentina’s task is incredibly difficult, with the odds heavily favoring the Springboks.

According to The Citizen, Chris Brown recently announced on Instagram that he will be performing in South Africa, sparking excitement among his fans. Though specific dates and details of the visit haven’t been shared, social media is buzzing with reactions. Many fans are expressing their enthusiasm and willingness to go to great lengths to attend his concert. This announcement follows a string of international artists visiting South Africa, including Busta Rhymes, Jason Derulo, and Jill Scott, who recently performed at the DStv Delicious Festival.

According to the South African News Agency, as South Africa prepares to celebrate Heritage Day, the Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP) has urged citizens to practice responsible behavior during festivities. Celebrated on 24 September under the theme “Celebrating the lives of our heroes and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom,” the day will focus on honoring South Africa’s liberation movements. The GTP emphasized the importance of safety, urging people to avoid public drinking, reckless driving, and unlawful activities. Law enforcement will be on high alert to ensure public safety, and residents are encouraged to report any suspicious incidents.

The Tang restaurant group has confirmed that it fully complies with South African labour laws, following recent raids by the labour and home affairs departments at its Gauteng restaurants, including Tang Sandton, Times Live reports. The group stated that all employees are required to provide proper documentation during recruitment, and the Department of Employment and Labour conducts regular inspections. Of the four workers accused of being undocumented, one has presented a legal work permit, while three are renewing theirs. Tang highlighted that its waitstaff, operating on a commission structure, are among the highest paid in the industry, with earnings reaching up to R60,000 per month. The group is also expanding, with plans to open a third restaurant in Dubai.

According to Times Live, Sean “Diddy” Combs has been charged with sex trafficking and racketeering, with prosecutors accusing him of exploiting women through his business empire. Allegedly, Combs used drugs and promises of financial or career support to coerce women into participating in sexual acts, which were secretly recorded to keep them silent. If convicted, Combs could face a life sentence. However, his lawyer claims the encounters were consensual, raising questions about how these allegations will unfold in court.

Thabo Bester, a convicted murderer and rapist, is seeking access to a laptop to prepare for his deportation case after his dramatic 2022 prison escape and capture in Tanzania, The Citizen reports. Bester argued that it’s his constitutional right to use a laptop for legal preparations, pointing out that inmate students are allowed laptops. The judge rejected his request, stating there is no constitutional right to a laptop, and offered law books instead. Bester claimed that his deportation from Tanzania was unlawful and that he needs electronic access to visual evidence for his case, proposing that his device usage could be strictly monitored.