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2 months ago
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(Graphic by Sharlene Rood/News24)
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IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo. (Jan Gerber/News24)
R335 million for political parties this year, courtesy of the taxpayer
- Taxpayers will fund represented political parties with over R335 million in the 2025/26 financial year.
- Private donations to political parties have decreased significantly since the 2024 elections.
- The IEC will host a symposium on political funding transparency and reforms in Durban from 18 to 19 June.
Judge Philip Loubser, who will preside over Ace Magashule's asbestos trial, resigned as a State prosecutor in the 1980s after revealing evidence that saved an apartheid-era activist from execution. (Screengrab/SABC live stream)
Meet Ace's judge – an apartheid prosecutor who saved an MK activist from the gallows
- Judge Phillip Loubser, appointed to the asbestos scam case against Ace Magashule and others, resigned as an apartheid-era prosecutor for prioritising honesty and saving an activist from the death penalty.
- Loubser investigated claims of torture by an uMkhonto weSizwe leader and revealed evidence contradicting police testimony, leading to the dismissal of the case and his subsequent resignation after facing criticism from superiors.
- Now a judge, Loubser is determined to proceed with the asbestos scam trial without delays, aiming to determine the guilt of Magashule, Edwin Sodi, and 16 others accused of fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services conducted an oversight visit at Pollsmoor Prison and came across several juveniles who are accused of committing serious crimes. (Phando Jikelo/Parliament)
'Vir moord mevrou': Pollsmoor juvenile boasts of double murder charges as MPs visit prison
- The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services visited Pollsmoor Prison, where juvenile detainees, some as young as 17, boasted about murders and other serious crimes.
- The committee chair warned detainees not to complain about prison conditions given their crimes, sparking debate about human rights.
- Overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and gang activity were highlighted as major issues within the prison, alongside a shortage of key staff.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has confirmed that Mahlamba Ndlopfu, President Cyril Ramaphosa's official residence in Pretoria, is undergoing renovations. (Amanda Khoza/News24)
Presidential estate facelift is costing taxpayers R1.2m
- Renovations costing over R1.1 million are under way at President Ramaphosa's official residence, Bryntirion Estate, with the Development Bank of South Africa overseeing the project.
- ATM president Vuyo Zungula questioned the turnkey facilities management model used for the renovations, citing concerns about transparency and potential exclusion of local businesses.
- Zungula also emphasised the need for detailed cost breakdowns and justification for prioritising these upgrades amid other pressing infrastructure needs in the country.
The Barloworld and Caterpillar head office and showroom in Isando, Johannesburg. (Supplied)
PIC gives nod to Barloworld offer, but on condition of a hefty BEE deal
- The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has agreed to a standby offer for Barloworld, conditional on a 13.5% BEE transaction.
- The PIC's acceptance, holding a 22% stake, brings the consortium's total support to 46.93%, moving closer to a potential delisting.
- This follows an initial offer rejection in February due to governance concerns, with the PIC now supporting the deal contingent on increased BEE participation.
Faf De Klerk in action for Yokohama Canon Eagles. (Koki Nagahama/Getty Images)
Lloyd Burnard | Why are we still watching Super Rugby when our Boks are in Japan?
- Super Rugby has declined in quality and global appeal, making the Japanese league, with its many South African stars, more compelling for local viewers.
- While the URC offers competitive and accessible rugby, the Japanese league features a high concentration of Springboks and other international talents, making it a more attractive viewing option.
- The author argues for increased broadcasting of the Japanese league in South Africa, especially with the upcoming Rugby World Cup, as it offers more relevance and excitement than the current Super Rugby product.
Thando and Siyacela in Isencane Lengane. (Supplied/MultiChoice)
Moja Love backlash heats up as 'various complaints' lodged with BCCSA over Isencane Lengane
- Moja Love's reality show Isencane Lengane is facing backlash for allegedly depicting and normalising abuse, with calls for its cancellation.
- Women For Change accuses the channel of trivialising gender-based violence and exploiting trauma for ratings.
- Moja Love defends the show as a portrayal of "real-life stories", stating they do not condone violence and were previously cleared of wrongdoing by the BCCSA.
*These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.
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