 (1).png){kind=spacer}
9 hours ago
1
(Graphic by 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.
Former Pretoria teacher and principal Martin Kotze who was accused of sexually grooming young boys has died by suicide. (Supplied)
Inside disciplinary where teacher Martin Kotze admitted sexually harassing boys
- Former teacher and principal Martin Kotze died by suicide while facing charges of sexual grooming and distributing explicit material to minors.
- Kotze had already pleaded guilty to similar charges in a school disciplinary hearing at a different school, citing untreated bipolar disorder as a mitigating factor.
- Before his death, more victims came forward from the second school, leading to plans for additional charges before his suicide.
Protesters took to the streets last week to call for action in the case of the rape of a 7-year-old girl in Matatiele. (Storm Simpson/News24)
'Social media is not interested in the truth': Matatiele principal on child rape claims
- Jaco Pieterse, principal of Bergview College, faced false accusations and threats after a pupil was raped, with social media posts accusing him of a cover-up and racism.
- Pieterse says he was never a suspect in the rape case and that DNA evidence confirms he was not involved, despite misinformation spread online.
- The principal is considering defamation action for the damage to his reputation, while the police investigation continues with three persons of interest identified.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko (right) and Nhlake Pricilla Mothobuka (left) are linked through a R2.5 million tender awarded to Mothobuka's company, Modjadji Creations, just months after it was deregistered. (Priscilla Mothobuka/Facebook)
Cadre enjoyment: 'Friend' of Gauteng health MEC lands R2.5m T-shirt tender
- A Johannesburg company, Modjadji Creations and Consultants, won a R2.5 million tender to supply uniform shirts to the Gauteng health department despite being deregistered months prior.
- The company owner, Priscilla Mothobuka, is an ANC member and friends with Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, raising concerns about potential favouritism.
- Mothobuka denies any relationship with the MEC beyond casual acquaintance, while the department maintains the tender process was competitive and audited independently.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile. (Tebogo Letsie/Gallo Images/City Press)
'I would be ashamed': Mashatile slams DA ministers reporting for duty after Budget standoff
- The ANC's top seven and the national working committee will discuss the DA's future in the government of national unity after the party voted against the adoption of the fiscal framework.
- Deputy President Paul Mashatile said he would be ashamed to report for duty to implement a Budget he did not support.
- Mashatile said President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged extensively with DA leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen in the lead-up to last week's vote.
Nedbank CEO Jason Quinn. (Supplied/ Nedbank)
'Put myself second': Nedbank CEO on missing out at Absa
- Jason Quinn, after missing out on the Absa CEO position, is now focusing on expanding Nedbank's presence in South Africa and East Africa.
- Quinn plans to restructure Nedbank's retail and business banking units, creating separate divisions for personal/private banking and business/commercial banking.
- Nedbank is planning to exit its 21% stake in Ecobank Transnational Incorporated to focus on growth opportunities in South Africa and potentially Kenya.
Kwena Maphaka has earned his first Proteas men's national team contract. (Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
Teen sensation Maphaka awarded national contract, uncertainty over Klaasen's Proteas future
- Kwena Maphaka has been awarded a Proteas men's national team contract for the 2025/26 season.
- Heinrich Klaasen's contractual status remains uncertain, with discussions ongoing.
- David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen have signed hybrid contracts, allowing them to participate in specific bilateral tours and ICC events.
The United Kingdom has increased its visa fees by roughly 10% across the board. (Belterz/Getty Images)
UK visa fee hike hits SA travellers: How new costs compare to US, Schengen, and Australia
- The UK has increased visa prices, with a standard 6-month tourist visa now costing over R3 100 and a 10-year visa costing R26 000.
- While the UK offers longer-term visas, a single-trip Schengen visa is currently the cheapest option for South Africans.
- The US offers the best value for frequent travellers with its 10-year visa, costing around R384 per visit if used strategically.
*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.
