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News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature.
DA slams ANC’s move to expand unity government, labelling it a recipe for chaos
- DA leader John Steenhuisen criticised the ANC’s plan to expand the government of national unity (GNU), arguing it would complicate the existing arrangement.
- Steenhuisen revealed that the DA, a major GNU partner, hasn’t been consulted about the expansion, potentially violating the signed statement of intent.
- He urged the GNU to focus on improving internal relations, conflict resolution, and consultation before considering adding more parties.
GPAA chief executive Kedibone Madiehe approved the tender award to Shula Developers for a building it does not own.
Ghost contract: No building, but govt pensions still paid R270m for lavish refurb
- The Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) paid Shula Developers R35.9 million and Dikeamo Architects R26.7 million for office refurbishment and design, respectively, for a building they cannot access.
- The Brooklyn Bridge office building, central to the lease deal, is owned by Attacq, which denies selling or leasing the property to either Shula Developers or the GPAA.
- The GPAA committed an additional R270 million for contractors to fix up the offices, despite the lease agreement appearing invalid and the lack of a competitive tender process for the contracts.
Christopher Logan who was ordered by the Western Cape High Court to pay Hanks Olde Irish Pub in Bree Street R1.25 million in damages.
High Court rescinds R1.25m payout order in Hank’s Olde Irish Pub racism row
- The Western Cape High Court rescinded a R1.25 million default judgment against Christopher Logan, who was accused of falsely claiming racism at Hank’s Olde Irish Pub.
- Judge Nathan Erasmus granted Logan’s rescission application, setting aside the November 2024 default judgment, and instructed Logan to submit his notice to defend.
- The case originated from a December 2022 incident where Logan alleged his friend was denied entry to the pub due to his race, leading to social media backlash and a lawsuit for loss of income.
Chairperson of the Convention Organising Committee, Boichoko Ditlhake.
Task team assures legacy foundations’ withdrawal won’t impact National Convention
- Legacy foundations withdrew from the National Dialogue’s Preparatory Task Team and National Convention, citing government control and rushed planning.
- The organising committee says the withdrawal will not impact the National Convention, which is set to take place at Unisa in Pretoria with around 1 000 delegates.
- The National Convention aims to start the National Dialogue, finalise themes for discussion, and establish a steering committee, with a focus on citizen-led talks and community dialogues.
The Advertising Regulatory authority has ruled that a Johnson & Johnson Sinutab commercial has violated sections of the advertising code.
Getty Images/ Malikov Aleksandr
Ad watchdog orders J&J to drop ‘number 1’ nasal spray claim based on data whiff
- The ARB has ruled that Johnson & Johnson’s Sinutab commercial claiming it’s SA’s “number 1 decongestant spray” is unsupported.
- The ruling followed a complaint by Procter & Gamble, who argued their Iliadin nasal spray had higher overall sales.
- The ARB found the claim too broad and the disclaimer unclear, violating advertising code sections.
Manie Libbok in action for the Springboks.
Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
FIRST TAKE | Rassie’s Libbok backing confirms he is still SA’s premier playmaker
- Rassie Erasmus’ selection of Manie Libbok as flyhalf for the Test against Australia demonstrates his high regard for the player.
- Libbok’s selection indicates that Erasmus trusts him despite the emergence of Feinberg-Mngomezulu and the presence of Handre Pollard.
- Libbok’s attacking skills and improved goal-kicking make him a key player for the Springboks, especially in their plan to play a fast-paced game.
Vans are much better than double cabs bakkies for real-world people moving and leisure activity logistics.
OPINION | Ford vans dominate the EU: Can they convince SA’s bakkie buyers?
- Ford’s Transit and Tourneo vans offer space and customisability for adventurous owners and large families, presenting an alternative to the popular double cab bakkies and SUVs in South Africa.
- The Transit Custom Sport caters to those needing only two seats and a customisable load area, while the Tourneo prioritises family seating with its adjustable track system and USB ports for all passengers.
- Despite their advantages, Ford vans have smaller fuel tanks and require AdBlue, which may be a consideration for long-distance travel compared to vehicles like the Ranger double cab.
*These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.
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