Category BreakingNews

The plan to triple South Africa’s economic growth


BusinessTech


President Cyril Ramaphosa met with government ministers and business leaders to reaffirm their commitment to growing the economy. The focus for 2025 is on reforms in energy, transport, crime, and youth employment. Organized business previously supported the government in key areas, leading to reduced load shedding and improved security. Phase 2 aims to implement interventions to boost GDP growth.



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South African miner describes horrors for those who spent months underground


AP News


Dozens of emaciated men rescued from an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, were found in small caves, some unable to stand. The miners suffered from lack of food and poor living conditions, with bodies of the deceased nearby. Police crackdown on illegal mining disrupted supply deliveries. Rescuers faced challenging conditions in the damp, foul-smelling environment.



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Judge replied to text on GBV with picture of halfnaked woman, hearing told


The mail& Guardian


Eastern Cape judge president Selby Mbenenge faces sexual harassment allegations from colleague Andiswa Mengo, who testified about inappropriate WhatsApp exchanges. Mbenenge denies sending explicit messages but admits to flirtatious communication. The tribunal is ongoing, with Mbenenge being the first South African judge facing impeachment for sexual misconduct. Hearings to continue until 24 January.



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5 mutilated bodies discovered in Inanda


EWN


Five mutilated bodies of men aged 19 to 26 were found in Inanda, KZN. The victims were allegedly kidnapped from their homes in Bambayi and discovered with multiple injuries. One victim had an arm chopped off. Police are conducting a manhunt for the perpetrators, urging anyone with information to come forward. Motive for the killings remains unknown.



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SAs World Economic Forum team optimistic about economic growth


The mail& Guardian


South African delegation optimistic about economic growth message at World Economic Forum. Minister Parks Tau notes positive mood and collaboration focus at Davos meeting. Country aims for inclusive innovation and global leadership under G20 presidency. Business leaders express confidence in overcoming challenges for growth and job creation. Economists predict improved growth for 2024 and beyond, despite current economic struggles.



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Djiboutis Mahamoud Ali Youssouf criticises African leaders for inaction on conflicts


The mail& Guardian


Djibouti’s foreign minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, criticizes African leaders for inaction on conflicts in Sudan and the Sahel, vying for African Union Commission chair in February against Raila Odinga and Richard Randriamandrato. Youssouf aims to prioritize conflict resolution and expand the African passport for visa-free travel. He also supports African countries having permanent seats on the UN Security Council.



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TikTok’s fight against going dark gains support from key US lawmakers


Daily Maverick


Trump’s national security adviser vows to keep TikTok alive in the U.S. with a viable deal. Top Democrat urges Biden to extend deadline for TikTok’s U.S. assets divestiture. Court may decide on TikTok ban. Trump’s shift on TikTok ban due to support from tech executives and Republican donor. Concerns about Chinese ownership persist. Biden unlikely to intervene to block ban.



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Kidnapping crisis | Carte Blanche


Carte Blanche (Youtube)


Foreign nationals, particularly Ethiopian businessmen, are being targeted by kidnappers in Eastern Cape since 2022, escalating into a war. In Qonce, two people are abducted weekly, with ransom demands. Informants believe they have identified the kidnappers’ base, alleging police involvement. Syndicates use ransom from small-scale kidnappings to fund larger operations, targeting wealthy South African business owners. Carte Blanche is investigating.



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Negotiators reach phased deal aimed at ending Gaza war, says official


Daily Maverick


Negotiators have reached a phased deal to end the Gaza war, with an initial six-week ceasefire and the release of hostages by both sides. The agreement includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces, release of prisoners, and Gaza’s reconstruction overseen by Egypt, Qatar, and the UN. The deal, brokered by Egyptian and Qatari mediators with US support, comes ahead of President-elect Trump’s inauguration.



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