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2 weeks ago
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(Graphic by Sharlene Rood/News24)
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Tender king Vusimusi Cat Matlala. (Sharlene Rood/News24)
9 LIVES: Ex-top cop helped approve R360m tender - now she works for Tembisa tycoon who scored deal
- Petunia Lenono, a former top police officer, resigned shortly after participating in awarding a R360-million health services tender to Medicare24 Tswane, a company controlled by controversial businessman Vusimusi Cat Matlala.
- Lenono now works as a consultant for Medicare24 Tswane, raising concerns about potential conflict of interest and favouritism in the tender awarding process.
- Both Lenono and Matlala deny any wrongdoing, claiming the tender process was above board and their business relationship began after Lenono left the police.
Shauwn Mkhize withdraws objection to Royal AM auction. (Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)
Shauwn Mkhize withdraws objection to Royal AM auction amid tax dispute in court battle
- Shauwn Mkhize initially sought to stop the auction of her football club, Royal AM, by SARS but later withdrew her objection.
- SARS was granted a preservation order to auction off the club to recoup an almost R40-million tax debt owed by Mkhize.
- The case will return to court in July to address the extension of the preservation order, while the main tax case is scheduled for January.
Former National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. (Deaan Vivier/Netwerk24)
Mapisa-Nqakula under fire over 'unlawful' granting of permanent residence to Gupta nephew
- The Department of Home Affairs is seeking to revoke the permanent residency of Atul Gupta's nephew, Varun Gupta, and his wife, alleging former minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula unlawfully granted it.
- Home Affairs claims Mapisa-Nqakula facilitated a meeting between Atul Gupta and department officials regarding Varun's residency application and then approved it despite a lack of legal basis.
- The department argues there were no "special circumstances" to justify the exemption granted to Varun and Vega Gupta, and their residency status should be revoked, along with Varun's subsequent South African citizenship.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says he alone made the decision to include a VAT hike in the budget. (Jaco Marais/ Netwerk24).
'Sick' of austerity: Finance Minister says he alone was behind proposal to hike VAT
- Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana initiated a controversial VAT hike proposal, tired of austerity measures and needing to fund increasing Budget demands.
- The proposed two-percentage-point VAT increase, initially rejected by the DA and causing a Budget delay, was later reduced to a one-percentage-point increase over two years.
- Godongwana highlighted the strain on the Budget from added expenses like free higher education and bailouts for state companies, emphasising the need for increased revenue.
President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to the media after the 8th SA-EU Summit in Cape Town on Thursday afternoon. (GCIS/Jairus Mmutle)
Ramaphosa calls on UN, AU, EU to intervene in 'dire situation' in eastern DRC as troops withdrawn
- SADC has decided to withdraw its troops from the eastern DRC after a virtual summit of heads of state.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the UN, AU, and EU to assist with humanitarian aid and to support the ceasefire in the region.
- The decision to withdraw comes after a breakdown in relations between South Africa and Rwanda, and the recognition that the mission was struggling due to a lack of resources and a deteriorating security situation.
England batsman Harry Brook celebrates an ODI century. (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
England cricket star Harry Brook banned from IPL for two years
- English batsman Harry Brook has been banned from the Indian Premier League (IPL) for two years.
- The ban comes after Brook withdrew from the upcoming season at the last minute to prioritise international cricket.
- The IPL enforces a policy against late withdrawals, with exceptions typically made for injuries, and the ban was upheld despite Brook's apology to the Delhi Capitals.
South African racing brothers Kelvin van der Linde (left) and Sheldon van der Linde will both race for BMW in the 2025 season of the (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) DTM Championship. (Supplied/BMW)
SA brothers Kevin and Sheldon van der Linde are racing on the world's greatest stage for BMW
- South African racing drivers Kelvin and Sheldon van der Linde began their 2025 motorsport season with a win at the Bathurst 12 Hours.
- Kelvin van der Linde joined BMW M Motorsport in 2025 and will team up with MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi in the FIA WEC series.
- Sheldon van der Linde will be aiming for overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in his BMW M Hybrid V8.
*These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.
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