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(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.
SACP general-secretary Solly Mapaila said some of the ministers who had joined the government recently wanted to "decapitate and destroy" the working class. (Alfonso Nqunjana/News24)
SACP's Solly Mapaila warns of 'huge devastation' as government reduces workforce due to budget cuts
- SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila criticised the government's decision to cut public service jobs, particularly the 67 000 Community Work Programme jobs being slashed due to budget cuts.
- Mapaila argued that these cuts disproportionately affect working-class communities and contradict the SACP's commitment to job creation and the principles of the Freedom Charter.
- He called for a national dialogue on South Africa's national debt, advocating for the use of resources to create jobs and support livelihoods instead of implementing job cuts.
Bongikile Mkhize was hacked with a bush knife on Sunday allegedly by her boyfriend who made his first appearance in court on Tuesday charged with her murder. (Supplied by Mkhize family)
'I've already confessed': KZN man allegedly hacks girlfriend to death in jealous rage
- Mduduzi Masuku allegedly hacked his girlfriend, Bongekile Mkhize, to death with a bush knife after she returned home from a night out with another man.
- The attack, witnessed by Mkhize's 13-year-old son, was described as particularly brutal, leaving her with severe wounds.
- Masuku initially intended to plead guilty but changed his mind after the magistrate advised him to seek legal representation, and his bail application is scheduled for 15 January.
Oscar Mabuyane, the ANC chairperson, has come under scrutiny after two lawyers were arrested by the police's Political Killings Task Team for exposing his alleged fake degree. (Lulama Zenzile/Netwerk24)
Political Killings Task Team accused of targeting lawyers who probed Mabuyane’s 'fake' degree
- Two lawyers, Bradley Conradie and Sarah Burger, plan to sue the South African police after being arrested by the now-disbanded Political Killings Task Team, alleging the case against them was baseless and politically motivated.
- Conradie and Burger, who investigated corruption at the University of Fort Hare, believe their arrests were timed to protect ANC chairperson Oscar Mabuyane from potential prosecution related to allegations of a fake degree.
- The lawyers claim the task team, under the leadership of Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, used heavy-handed tactics and unlawfully seized privileged information during their arrests, raising concerns about the unit's conduct and motivations.
18 people died in a crash on the N3 at Van Reenen's Pass in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday night. (Wikus de Wet/AFP)
18 die, baby severely injured in horror crash on Van Reenen's Pass
- A multiple-vehicle crash on the N3 at Van Reenen's Pass in KwaZulu-Natal claimed the lives of 18 people, including five children.
- The crash involved a truck, minibus, and light motor vehicle, but the cause is still under investigation.
- Heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions have been cited as contributing factors to the increased number of accidents on KwaZulu-Natal roads.
Labour is concerned over the potentially catastrophic impact resulting from the closure of the Newcastle steel mill. (Supplied/ArcelorMittal South Africa)
ArcelorMittal crashes as it shutters its SA long steel mills - says govt should have done more
- ArcelorMittal South Africa's share price plummeted by over 30% after the company announced the closure of its long steel business, impacting up to 3 500 jobs.
- The company blames the closure on various factors, including high energy and logistics costs, and the government's scrap metal export policy, but says it will now be able to reinvest in its profitable flat steel division.
- Numsa criticises the government's lack of intervention and warns of potentially catastrophic consequences for the manufacturing and industrial sectors.
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma in the field against Pakistan at Newlands. (Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
The age of Temba: Skipper leading from front in new, golden era of Proteas Test cricket
- Temba Bavuma has led the Proteas to seven consecutive Test victories, including a recent win against Pakistan, propelling them to the top of the World Test Championship standings.
- As captain, Bavuma has been instrumental in fostering a strong team environment, empowering other leaders within the squad and focusing on tactical decisions.
- Bavuma himself has been in excellent form, emerging as South Africa's top Test run-scorer of the decade and attributing his success to a deeper understanding of his own game and a calm, self-assured approach.
Doc Shebeleza during Chomee's Birthday on 6 October 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Gallo Images/Oupa Bopape)
'It shocked me': Kwaito icon Doc Shebeleza opens up about his health scare
- Kwaito star Doc Shebeleza was diagnosed with jaundice caused by a blocked pancreas after friends noticed his eyes were yellow.
- He has already spent R400 000 on medical bills and is seeking financial assistance while crediting his family, friends, and fans for their support.
- Doc Shebeleza remains hopeful for his recovery and encourages others to pay attention to their health and seek help when needed.
*These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.
