 (1).png){kind=spacer}
3 months ago
11
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day.
Graphic: Sharlene Rood/News24
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.
News24 investigative journalist Jeff Wicks. On Wednesday, a former Ekurhuleni official told the Madlanga Commission that Wicks’ questions stopped Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala from exploiting illegally registered blue-light vehicles for a possible criminal scheme.
News24’s Jeff Wicks blocked Matlala’s abuse of EMPD ‘blue lights’ - ex-Ekurhuleni official
- A former Ekurhuleni official testified that News24’s Jeff Wicks’ inquiries prevented tenderpreneur Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala from exploiting illegally registered blue-light vehicles.
- The vehicles, unlawfully registered as Ekurhuleni Metro Police cars, were deregistered after Wicks exposed the fraudulent arrangement in February 2023.
- Officials believed Wicks’ reporting prevented serious reputational and legal damage to the municipality, with one commissioner suggesting Wicks deserved recognition.
Stuart Scharnick has opened a defamation case against Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo.
Businessman opens case against top cop over hijacking, cartel claims
- Durban businessman Stuart James Scharnick opened a fraud and defamation case against Crime Intelligence boss Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo.
- The case was opened after Khumalo implicated Scharnick in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, citing a history of criminal cases and labeling him a “hijacker.”
- Scharnick claims Khumalo’s testimony has caused irreparable damage to his reputation, family, and business, and he intends to fight the matter.
Argentine President Javier Milei will not be attending the upcoming G20 Leaders Summit.
Argentine President Javier Milei joins Trump in skipping South Africa’s G20 summit
- Argentine President Javier Milei will not attend the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, following US President Donald Trump’s boycott due to South Africa’s inclusion in the G20.
- Argentina will be represented by Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, and Federico Pinedo, while US Deputy President JD Vance also cancelled his visit to Kenya after Trump’s withdrawal.
- South Africa remains confident in hosting a successful summit, despite the high-profile absences and Trump’s questioning of its G20 membership.
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana sees benefits to all in the lower inflation target.
Medium-term Budget | Godongwana lowers inflation target as Kganyago claims victory for SA
- Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana lowered the inflation target to 3% in the MTBPS, aiming for a virtuous cycle of low inflation, lower borrowing costs, and increased investment.
- The Treasury argues that the 3% target will lead to more interest rate cuts than a 4.5% target, based on Reserve Bank modeling.
- Despite improved revenue performance, the public service wage bill remains a concern, potentially crowding out budgets for goods and services.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter.
Medium-term Budget | SA can avoid R20bn tax pain in Feb if SARS steps up
- South Africa may avoid R20 billion in new taxes in 2026 if SARS can collect an equivalent amount through improved debt collection.
- SARS received an additional R7.5 billion in funding to enhance debt collection and modernise systems, aiming to address roughly R800 billion in unpaid taxes.
- While SARS’s debt collections were below estimates in the first half of the year, they expect improvements in the second half due to new skills and increased legal engagement.
Bok lock Lood de Jager receives his marching orders from Australian referee Angus Gardner.
David Rogers/Getty Images
Lood out of Springbok tour after copping 4-game ban
- Lood de Jager received a four-match ban for a dangerous tackle on France’s Tomas Ramos, ending his Springboks European tour.
- A disciplinary committee initially imposed a six-week ban, reduced by two weeks due to mitigating circumstances.
- De Jager will miss three Tests for South Africa and one match for his Japanese club, with a chance to reduce the ban further through a coaching intervention programme.
A general view of artefacts returned by the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) on a three-year loan at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, Ghana, on 1 May 2024.
Ghana celebrates return of stolen gold: Britain and SA hand over 130 artefacts
- Britain and South Africa have returned over 130 gold and bronze artefacts to Ghana, taken between the 1870s and early 20th century.
- The artefacts, including royal regalia and ceremonial items, were received by the Asante king at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi.
- The repatriation included items from the Barbier-Mueller Museum collection, donations from a British art historian, and items returned by AngloGold Ashanti.
*These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.
Discover the Truth
Step into a world where the truth shines bright, and every headline is worth your time. With News24, you're not just reading the news; you are part of a community that values knowledge and insight. Immerse yourself in compelling stories, sharp analyses, and content that keeps you ahead of the curve.
