News24 | Ramaphosa at White House; Budget 3.0: Today’s top 7 stories in 7 minutes

President Cyril Ramaphosa exits the plane at the Joint Base Andrews Airport in Washington, DC.

• A South African delegation is in Washington, DC, to negotiate trade incentives with the US, aiming to avoid a return to high tariffs.
• South Africa will focus on correcting misinformation about the country and presenting a package of incentives, leveraging its mineral resources to attract US investment.
• Despite past tensions, South Africa hopes to establish a new mutually beneficial bilateral trade framework with the US, potentially replacing or modifying AGOA.

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US President Donald Trump and White House senior advisor, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk shake hands while attending the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship on 22 March 2025.

Elon Musk’s ‘friend in South Africa’ claims: Falsehoods, stereotypes, misinformation

• Elon Musk shared unsubstantiated claims about South Africa on X, including allegations of widespread corruption and societal collapse.
• The claims, presented as anecdotes from a "friend”, include assertions about crime rates, traffic light functionality, economic disparities, and inflated hospital costs.
• These claims are largely false, exaggerated, or unverifiable, and contribute to a pattern of misleading and racially charged narratives.

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An elderly couple were pulled from the water at the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town.

Bodies of Polish couple pulled from the water at the Royal Cape Yacht Club

• The bodies of an elderly Polish couple were found in the water at the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town.
• Police divers retrieved the bodies, and an inquest docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances.
• Foul play is not suspected at this stage, and a post-mortem will be conducted to confirm the cause of death.

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Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana at the CTICC to deliver Budget 3.0. He is flanked by his deputies Ashor Sarupen, David Masondo and SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter.

Budget 3.0 | All eyes on SARS as fuel levy rises, tax brackets unchanged, new zero-rated list withdrawn

• The government plans to raise R18 billion in additional revenue, offsetting the loss from not implementing VAT through measures like increasing the fuel levy and withdrawing zero-rated items.
• Additional revenue will be generated by not adjusting tax brackets for inflation, increasing excise duties, and potentially through SARS' enhanced debt collection efforts, aiming to recover R20 billion annually.
• SARS has been allocated an additional R4 billion to improve debt collection, with plans to hire more debt collectors and intensify efforts to recover a portion of the estimated R800 billion in under-collected taxes.

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SA golf legends Retief Goosen and Ernie Els.

Big Easy and The Goose: From SA golfing icons to influential White House delegates

• Ernie Els and Retief Goosen will join President Cyril Ramaphosa's delegation to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House.
• The meeting will cover topics like BEE laws, discrimination allegations, trade deals, and policies concerning Afrikaner refugees.
• Johann Rupert and Elon Musk will also be present, with Musk representing Trump's team.

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Bulls scrumhalf Bernard van der Linde passes the ball during his second half cameo against the Dragons in what could be his last game before leaving for Bath.

Van der Linde exit feels a little like the Bulls throwing the baby out with (Bath) water

• Bernard van der Linde impressed in a recent game against the Dragons, showcasing his abilities after limited opportunities with the Bulls.
• Despite his performance, Van der Linde is moving to Bath next season due to the competition for the scrumhalf position at the Bulls.
• Van der Linde seeks more game time and happiness in his career, feeling he hasn't had enough chances to demonstrate his skills at the Bulls.

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Off-grid solar on the farm or at your commercial property? This could be the bakkie for you.

The most diesel bakkie brand now has an EV double-cab

• Isuzu, known for its diesel engines and bakkies, is launching the D-Max Electric Vehicle in select global markets in early 2026.
• The D-Max EV features a 66.9kWh battery, dual electric motors producing 140kW/325Nm, and retains a good load capacity of 1 100kg and towing capacity of 3 500kg.
• While offering comparable power and improved off-road geometry, the D-Max EV has a real-world driving range of 360km, and there's no confirmation yet on South African availability or local production.

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