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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.
A group of 153 Palestinians arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday.
Embassy of the State of Palestine/South Africa/Facebook
‘Misleading, unregistered’ group arranged Palestinians’ SA trip – embassy
- An unregistered organisation exploited Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, collecting money and arranging irregular travel for 153 Palestinians to South Africa without proper coordination, according to the Palestinian embassy.
- Global Airways, which operated the charter flight, stated that another group of Palestinian passengers had previously landed in Johannesburg without issues and that ensuring proper documentation is the client’s responsibility.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has launched an investigation into the matter, making assurances that the Border Management Authority is in control and emphasising that the travellers, though lacking proper documents, cannot be turned back due to the war conditions in Gaza.
The KwaZulu-Natal education department spent R48.6 million on meals for matric markers in 2024, including paying a catering company R19.7 million to provide meals at 11 marking centres.
Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais
KZN spent R48.6m on meals for matric markers
- The KwaZulu-Natal education department spent R48.6 million on meals and R17.6 million on school hires for matric markers in 2024.
- A catering company received R19.7 million to provide meals at 11 marking centres, raising questions about the cost’s reasonableness.
- Stakeholders emphasise the importance of valuing markers and providing acceptable conditions for quality marking, while the Treasury requires detailed assessment to determine cost reasonableness.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has survived a motion of no confidence against him sponsored by the DA.
Lesufi survives: DA’s motion of no confidence crashes in Gauteng legislature
- Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi survived a motion of no confidence brought by the DA.
- The motion was based on allegations of corruption and the unlawful establishment of the Gauteng crime wardens.
- The ANC, MK Party, ActionSA, EFF, PA, Rise Mzansi, IFP, ACDP and BOSA rejected the motion, while only the FF Plus supported it.
The weather service has warned of disruptive rain, which may lead to localised flooding of settlements and roads in KwaZulu-Natal.
Gallo Images/Darren Stewart
Severe weekend weather warnings issued for multiple provinces
- Severe weather warnings have been issued for multiple provinces due to a cut-off low-pressure system, bringing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds.
- KwaZulu-Natal authorities are on high alert, recalling the devastating floods of April 2022 caused by a similar weather system.
- The South African Weather Service warns of potential flooding, infrastructure damage and dangerous conditions in affected areas, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke has issued a certificate of debt for the first time.
Darren Stewart/Gallo Editorial Plus
Municipal manager must personally pay for inflated tender after AG’s landmark move
- The Auditor-General (AG) has issued a certificate of debt (COD) to a municipal manager, holding him personally liable for R4.6 million in overpayment related to a water tankering tender.
- This is the first time the AG has used her expanded powers under the strengthened Public Audit Act of 2019 to issue such a certificate.
- The AG hopes this action will deter mismanagement of public funds, emphasising that the issuance of a COD is a last resort after other measures have failed.
Stormers loose forward Paul de Villiers.
Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
Stormers land former Junior Springbok captain on long-term deal
- Paul de Villiers, a standout in the United Rugby Championship, has signed a contract extension with the Stormers until 2029.
- De Villiers is recognised for his physicality, leadership, and impact at the breakdown, leading to discussions about his potential as a future Springbok.
- De Villiers credits the team’s support for his growth and expresses optimism about the Stormers’ future strength.
This photograph shows the “Birkin” bag by Hermes which belonged to British-French actress and singer Jane Birkin at the Sotheby’s auction house in Paris on 2 July 2025 and which will be auctioned by Sotheby’s as part of the Fashion Icons auction sale.
Iconic 1984 Birkin bought for R170m unveiled in Japan: What makes these bags timeless?
- The first Hermès Birkin bag, created in 1984, was sold for R170 million and will be displayed in museums.
- Collector-grade Birkin bags are highly sought-after due to their quality, exclusivity and the appeal of vintage luxury.
- In South Africa, demand for Birkin bags exceeds supply, with second-hand options starting at R350 000, and vintage pieces are particularly popular.
*These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.
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