Copyright © Daily Dive SA
130 South African soldiers wounded in the battle for Goma and Sake in the DRC are being evacuated to Rwanda for medical treatment. Four soldiers need critical care, 58 need special check-ups. 14 SANDF members died in combat while defending Goma from Congo River Alliance rebels. The troops will be flown home within two days.
Gauteng Premier Lesufi faces trust challenges ahead of State of the Province Address, addressing high unemployment, crime, and water crisis. Promises to increase crime-fighting budget, introduce advanced CCTV, e-Panic buttons, and new helicopters to combat crime.
Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, questions NATO’s future and calls for Europe to strengthen its defenses amid perceived US indifference. This shift in transatlantic relations is described as seismic and unprecedented since World War Two, with European powers rattled by the Trump administration’s stance on security guarantees.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed interest in joining BRICS nations to boost the economy after EU membership efforts failed. President Erdogan aims to expand economic options, with the EU as the first choice. Turkey continues to seek alliances beyond the EU, citing cultural differences as a barrier to accession. Despite submitting a bid, Turkey has only received “partner-country status” in BRICS.
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi emphasized the importance of affordable smart devices for all South Africans to access the digital economy. Speaking at a workshop, he highlighted the role of digital tools in empowering individuals economically. The event aimed to address device affordability with industry stakeholders, including mobile operators and the World Bank.
South Africa’s fiscal multiplier is shrinking due to government’s ineffective spending, risking economic disaster. The multiplier measures the impact of fiscal spending on GDP. If above 1, spending leads to growth; below 1 means overspending. South Africa’s spending hasn’t boosted growth as desired, with examples like inefficient infrastructure projects. Effective government action is crucial to avoid economic decline.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has taken disciplinary action against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of party leader Jacob Zuma, for a profanity-laden social media rant targeting Secretary General Floyd Shivambu. Zuma-Sambudla issued public apologies and faces charges of ill-discipline, according to MK Deputy Secretary General Nombuso Mkhize.
Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria, a major shopping center, is implementing a turnaround plan to combat high vacancies and attract investment. Despite its prime location near embassies and schools, the mall has faced challenges with increasing vacancies and declining rental income. The mall, established in 1989, covers 75,259 square meters and hosts 220 stores, catering to affluent customers from surrounding areas.
Judicial Conduct Tribunal to probe Western Cape Judge Mushtak Parker for alleged misconduct. Complaints filed by 10 judges and Cape Bar Council. Parker suspended in 2020, first for country. Allegations question integrity, including contradictory statements and failure to disclose information. Connected firm accused of misusing client’s money. Hearings set to begin after five years.
Hackers stole $1.5 billion in digital currency from Bybit exchange, the largest cryptocurrency heist. An attacker accessed an Ethereum wallet and transferred funds to an unknown address. Bybit assured that only one wallet was affected, with withdrawals operating as usual for its 60 million users globally.
