News24 | Edgar Lungu funeral feud; State lottery alarm: Today’s top 7 stories in 7 minutes

Saxonwold shebeen on sale: Opulence, neglect and the bitter legacy of the Guptas

- The Gupta’s Saxonwold compound, once a symbol of state capture and lavish wealth, now stands abandoned and decaying, revealing remnants of luxury and hasty departure.

- The properties, featuring opulent amenities like spas and cinemas, are up for auction after years of legal battles, with proceeds going to creditors.

- The state of the compound reflects the Guptas’ fall from power and serves as a reminder of the authorities’ failure to bring them to justice for their role in state capture.

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Missing Comrade runner Moira Harding was one of 37 people admitted to hospital after the race.

Missing Comrades Marathon runner was among dozens hospitalised after race

- Moira Harding, a Comrades Marathon runner who went missing for 15 hours after the race, was among 37 runners hospitalised.

- Harding has been discharged from the hospital but has no memory of getting lost and is undergoing treatment for a chest infection and occupational therapy.

- Race organisers and doctors noted an above-average number of runners requiring medical assistance, potentially due to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, exhaustion, and a disorganised finish area.

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NSFAS spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi said since its inception, the project had been ‘riddled with complaints’.

NSFAS advised to scrap deals worth R1.3bn with IT firms amid student housing crisis

- NSFAS paid more than R1.3 billion to four unaccredited IT companies to disburse student accommodation payments, leading to a student housing crisis.

- A legal opinion advises NSFAS to cancel the contracts due to irregularities, including the IT companies’ lack of financial service provider status and failure to properly manage the online portal.

- The student housing crisis has resulted in unsafe living conditions, non-payment issues, and students allegedly trading sex for accommodation, prompting Rental Housing Tribunal hearings.

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Zambia’s former president Edgar Lungu died at 68 in a South African hospital, his family confirmed, after receiving treatment for a long-standing health condition.

Zambia’s Hichilema apologises to Ramaphosa for drama over return of Lungu’s body

- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema apologised to President Cyril Ramaphosa for delays in repatriating former president Edgar Lungu’s body, caused by tensions between Lungu’s family and the Zambian government over funeral arrangements.

- Lungu’s family halted the repatriation, accusing the government of sidelining them in decision-making, despite earlier agreements and preparations for a state funeral in Zambia.

- Hichilema declared the national mourning period over, urging unity and calm, while the South African government will continue to hold Lungu’s remains until the dispute is resolved.

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Government plans to nationalise the South African lottery when the current private operator’s licence expires in 2034.

Alarm raised over plans for state-run lottery

- The South African government plans to nationalise the lottery when the current operator’s licence expires in 2034, requiring the new Sizekhaya Consortium to help develop state skills and infrastructure.

- Critics warn that a state-run lottery could increase corruption, citing past financial mismanagement in parastatals and government entities.

- The Request for Proposals for the new licence mandates that bidders support the state in developing the capacity to operate the lottery, including transferring technology rights.

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Proteas Test captain Temba Bavuma during day three of the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's.

- Temba Bavuma is out of the Test series against Zimbabwe due to a hamstring injury sustained in the World Test Championship final.

- Keshav Maharaj will captain the Proteas in Bavuma’s absence for the two matches in Bulawayo.

- Several key players are being rested, while Lhuan-dré Pretorius and Lesego Senokwane received their first Test call-ups.

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Hyundai Sante Fe Hybrid.

- Hyundai SA has introduced its first hybrid vehicle, the Sante Fe Hybrid seven-seater SUV, despite having successful electric cars in global markets.

- The Sante Fe Hybrid features a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, offering a total output of 175kW and 367Nm, along with various safety and convenience technologies.

- Priced at R1 249 900, the Sante Fe Hybrid Elite AWD comes with a seven-year/200 000km warranty and an eight-year/160 000km warranty for the hybrid battery pack.

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