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News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day.
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.
Despite Donald Trump’s statements that the white minority in South Africa is being persecuted, thousands of white expats are returning to their country.
Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Thousands of white expats head back to SA, despite Trump’s ‘persecution’ claims
- Some South Africans who emigrated to the US, citing crime and job opportunities, are returning home, with 1 000 reclaiming citizenship.
- Returnees cite reasons such as being closer to family, lower living costs, political turmoil abroad, and a perceived improvement in life in South Africa.
- Despite a US refugee programme targeting white Afrikaners, many are returning due to concerns about violence in the US and a longing for home.
New US ambassador to South Africa Brent Bozell suggested that the US had “run out of patience” with South Africa for its failure to adhere to its demands regarding policy positions. The EFF has called for Bozell’s expulsion, while the ANC’s Fikile Mbalula reaffirmed South Africa’s sovereignty in policy decisions.
Sharon Seretlo/Gallo Images
EFF calls for Bozell’s expulsion, while Mbalula says SA will not be dictated to by US
- US Ambassador to South Africa Brent Bozell is facing criticism from the EFF and ANC for his remarks about South Africa’s policies and judiciary, claiming the US is “running out of patience”.
- The EFF is calling for Bozell’s expulsion, deeming his comments disrespectful and an undermining of South Africa’s judiciary.
- The ANC, through Fikile Mbalula, has reaffirmed South Africa’s sovereignty in policy decisions and warned against external dictation.
US Ambassador to South Africa Brent Bozell says the US respects South Africa’s judiciary after initially saying he did not “care” about a court ruling that the “Kill the Boer” chant is not hate speech.
US ambassador backtracks on ‘Kill the Boer’ comment, now respects SA court ruling
- US Ambassador to South Africa rent Bozell initially stated he did not care about the South African court ruling that “Kill the Boer” is not hate speech.
- Bozell suggested the US is losing patience with South Africa over policy disagreements, including condemning hate speech.
- He later clarified that the US government respects the independence and findings of South Africa’s judiciary, despite his personal view.
Department of Health Director-General Sandile Buthelezi has been suspended.
National Department of Health/Facebook
Department of Health DG suspended following directive from Ramaphosa
- Dr Sandile Buthelezi, the director-general of the national Department of Health, has been suspended after being arrested on fraud and theft charges.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa directed Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to suspend Buthelezi until his criminal cases are resolved or his contract expires.
- Two other department officials, Dr Percy Mahlati and Phaswa Mamogale, have also been suspended in connection with the case.
SA airlines can no longer cushion costs for raising jet fuel prices, with many raising ticket prices as a result.
SA airlines increase ticket prices as Iran war leads to surge in jet fuel cost
- Jet fuel costs for South African airlines have surged by 70% week-on-week due to the Iran conflict, prompting Airlink and FlySafair to increase ticket prices with fuel surcharges.
- FlySafair states that jet fuel now accounts for up to 55% of its direct costs, adding R35 000 per flight hour, while Airlink has already adjusted fares and may rationalise capacity if needed.
- While there are no immediate concerns about jet fuel supply in South Africa, airlines are uncertain about supply beyond April and may adjust flight schedules if the crisis worsens.
Proteas T20 captain Aiden Markram in action against the West Indies at the recent T20 World Cup.
Matt Roberts/ICC/Getty Images
ICC rejects bias claims over post-World Cup travel delays for Proteas, West Indies
- The ICC denied claims of unequal treatment after South Africa and West Indies squads faced post-T20 World Cup travel delays in India.
- Cricket West Indies expressed distress over a nine-day wait for a charter flight, while Michael Vaughan criticised the disparity compared to England’s swift departure.
- The ICC cited safety, feasibility, and welfare as reasons for the delays, with most players and staff from both teams now scheduled to depart within 24 hours.
Rachel Kolisi during one of her Falling Forward roadshows.
‘Desperately trying to move on’: Rachel Kolisi’s falling forward, rewriting her story
- Rachel Kolisi is launching another instalment of her Falling Forward roadshow, aiming to create a space for women to share experiences of grief, resilience, and healing, moving beyond her public divorce.
- Kolisi emphasises that the roadshow is about empowering women by acknowledging their pain and helping them move forward, focusing on present impact rather than a long-term legacy.
- She hopes the platform will evolve to include other women’s stories, reminding everyone that they don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
*These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.
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