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(Graphic by Sharlene Rood/News24)
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former deputy finance minister and state capture whistleblower Mcebisi Jonas as his special envoy to the US. (Thulani Mbele/Gallo Images)
Ramaphosa appoints Mcebisi Jonas as special envoy to the US
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mcebisi Jonas as his special envoy to the US to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.
- Jonas, a former deputy finance minister and state capture whistleblower, will advance South Africa's interests and lead negotiations.
- The appointment comes amid strained relations between South Africa and the US since Donald Trump's return to the White House.
Bad financial management and governance at City Power have been detailed by the Auditor-General. (Image: Rosetta Msimango, Graphic: Sharlene Rood)
POWER CONNECTIONS: Fake qualifications and poor appointments – why City Power is crumbling
- City Power, Johannesburg's electricity provider, is embroiled in controversy over allegedly hiring a senior manager with fraudulent qualifications and running an illegal recruitment process.
- The company is accused of violating the Municipal Systems Act and National Treasury regulations by advertising senior management positions internally instead of publicly.
- These issues, along with widespread mismanagement and financial losses, have raised concerns about City Power's sustainability and its impact on Johannesburg's financial health.
Amber Lee Hughes in the dock. (Bernadette Wicks/News24)
'I'm going to kill your f***ing child' – Dad recalls chilling threat from ex-girlfriend
- Amber Lee Hughes is on trial for the rape and murder of her ex-boyfriend's 4-year-old daughter, Nada-Jane Challita.
- Hughes claims the child drowned in the bath while unattended, but the father testified that Hughes had previously threatened to kill the child.
- The trial continues with the forensic pathologist's testimony expected next.
The LPC has consolidated multiple misconduct complaints against advocate Dali Mpofu into a single inquiry. (Herman Verwey/AFP)
'I have moved on': Madonsela wants no part of legal practice's Mpofu complaint
- Advocate Dali Mpofu faces a Legal Practice Council (LPC) disciplinary inquiry on seven charges of misconduct, including two related to his treatment of former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela during the Mkhwebane inquiry.
- Madonsela has expressed disquiet over not being consulted by the complainants about the charges related to her, stating that she has moved on and believes the matter could have been resolved without her involvement.
- The LPC inquiry, starting on 30 April, will examine Mpofu's conduct during the Mkhwebane inquiry, including allegations of false accusations, impugning witnesses' characters, and inappropriate questioning of individuals like Madonsela and Chief Justice Maya.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, between deputy minister David Masondo and SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter (Brenton Geach/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Carol Paton | Scramble to stop VAT is on as Treasury weighs new options
- The South African government, including the ANC and DA, has reached a consensus to stop the VAT increase, but reversing the decision within the legal framework poses a challenge.
- The interpretation of the Money Bills Act has shifted, suggesting that the Budget process might be more flexible, potentially allowing for the VAT increase to be reversed before it takes effect.
- A Rates Bill needs to be processed by Parliament urgently, requiring schedule changes and leaving retailers and consumers uncertain about the VAT situation until the last minute.
Frans Malherbe of the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship. (Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
Miffed Stormers should still contain sufficient scrum stability minus Fouche
- The Stormers will be without tighthead prop Neethling Fouche for at least three of their remaining four United Rugby Championship matches due to a suspension.
- Frans Malherbe is expected to play a larger role in Fouche's absence, with Sazi Sandi and Brok Harris also providing cover at tighthead prop.
- The Stormers are battling for a quarterfinal spot and face fellow contenders Connacht at home on Saturday.
South African actors (from left) Mulisa Mudau, Luyanda Zuma and Nirvana Nokwe have entered the Miss SA pageant (Blaqstudio/The Create Haus/Metro FM/Instagram)
Miss SA 2025: These three South African actors are chasing the crown
- Three South African celebrities, Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku, Mulisa Mudau, and Luyanda Zuma, have entered the Miss South Africa competition to advocate for important causes.
- Mudau aims to address colourism, Nokwe-Mseleku wants to champion arts and cultural heritage for unity, and Zuma focuses on youth empowerment and storytelling.
- These women are using the Miss South Africa platform to raise awareness and inspire change for issues they are passionate about.
*These summaries were written with the support of Gemini Pro AI.
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