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News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day.
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.
A key witness testified in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban that tavern owner Trevor “Tees” Gopal incited violence during the July 2021 Phoenix unrest that led to taxi driver Jabulani Dlamini’s brutal death.
‘Put the heat on black okes’: Witness testifies in July unrest Phoenix murder trial
- A witness testified that tavern owner Trevor Gopal incited violence against black individuals before the assault on taxi driver Jabulani Dlamini during the July 2021 Phoenix unrest.
- Dlamini was allegedly attacked with various weapons and set alight, later dying in the hospital, while four accused face charges including murder and incitement.
- The witness, Anard Chetty, described the brutal assault on Dlamini and claimed Gopal instructed that Dlamini and his friends be burnt along with the taxi.
FW de Klerk’s widow, Elita de Klerk, visited the graves of the Cradock 4 with Nomonde Calata, the widow of slain anti-apartheid activist Fort Calata, this week.
‘She cried with me’: How FW de Klerk’s widow and Cradock 4 family found reconciliation
- Elita de Klerk, widow of FW de Klerk, has been supporting the Cradock 4 families in their quest for truth about the 1985 murders of anti-apartheid activists, despite believing her late husband was not involved.
- Elita met with Fort Calata's widow, Nomonde, and family, leading to emotional discussions and a developing friendship despite differing beliefs about De Klerk's role in the killings.
- The Calata family appreciates Elita's willingness to engage and listen, viewing her actions as a step towards reconciliation and honoring the sacrifices of the Cradock 4.
9 Lives is a News24 investigation. Pictured from left to right are Seunkie Mokubung, also known as DJ Vettys, tender tycoon Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, and taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni.
Graphic: Sharlene Rood. Image: Thahasello Mphatsoe/News24; Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu; Joe Sibanyoni Foundation/Instagram
9 LIVES: ‘Cat’ Matlala to face charges for botched hits on taxi boss ‘Joe Ferrari’, DJ Vettys
- Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala will face charges for botched hits on taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and DJ Vettys, with ballistic analysis linking seized guns to at least 10 high-profile killings.
- Matlala’s alleged connections to top cops and politicians, including former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, led to a judicial commission of inquiry and Mchunu being placed on special leave.
- Despite being under investigation for procurement fraud, Matlala’s company scored R50 million from a police health services contract, highlighting his access to state procurement.
Under fire City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava.
Graphic: Sharlene Rood. Image credits: Gallo Images/Rapport/Deon Raath; Rosetta Msimango/News24.
Hawks raid City Power Joburg HQ in R500m corruption investigation
- The Hawks raided City Power's headquarters in Johannesburg, investigating alleged fraud and corruption exceeding R500 million.
- City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava is the main target of the investigation, which focuses on tender-related graft.
- The investigation documents detail alleged price inflation and payments to contractors for incomplete work.
Deputy chair of the South African Institute of International Affairs Moeletsi Mbeki says South Africa cannot grow with the current size of its public sector. According to him, public sector salaries equate to 17% of GDP.
Gallo Images/ Brenton Geach
Cut civil service by 50%, repeal BEE to grow SA, says Moeletsi Mbeki
- Moeletsi Mbeki argues South Africa's economic stagnation stems from prioritising mineral exports with unskilled labour over human capital and innovation.
- He proposes halving the public sector to redirect savings into infrastructure and skills development, criticising the current government and BEE for hindering economic growth.
- Professor William Gumede suggests replacing the current BEE with initiatives that support small businesses, skills development, and infrastructure projects, while also focusing on merit-based appointments and corruption reduction in key state entities.
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis was coy about her future with the team, having been reportedly working without a contract since 2022.
Desiree Ellis coy about her Banyana future: ‘We will sit down to look at a way forward’
- Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis was evasive about her future with the team ahead of their WAFCON third-place play-off against Ghana.
- The match against Ghana will be Jermaine Seoposenwe’s last for Banyana Banyana, marking the end of her international career after over 100 caps.
- Ellis emphasised the importance of winning the bronze medal for Seoposenwe and injured Gabriela Salgado, while also highlighting the need for younger players to step up and take on leadership roles.
Executive producers Paul Buys, Anele Mdoda and Frankie Du Toit at the exclusive premiere of Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight at Monte Casino on 24 July 2025 in Johannesburg.
‘South Africans will resonate with this movie’: Anele Mdoda’s high hopes for Embeth Davidtz-directed film
- “Don’t Let’s Go to The Dogs Tonight,” a film executive produced by Anele Mdoda, Trevor Noah, and Frankie du Toit, premiered after its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival on 30 August 2024.
- The film, directed by Embeth Davidtz and based on Alexandra Fuller’s memoir, explores a child’s coming-of-age during the Rhodesian Bush War, with themes of war, family, and racial dynamics.
- Anele Mdoda emphasises the film’s resonance with South Africans and encourages artists to own their intellectual property and create their own stories for a global audience.
*These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.
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