Category News

Daily Maverick

Donald Trump’s false claims on Truth Social about land confiscation from white farmers in South Africa have sparked controversy. John Steenhuisen criticized Trump’s threat to cut aid over the Expropriation Act, emphasizing the need for fair compensation. Trump and Elon Musk’s allegations of land seizure were rebutted by South African officials. Trump vowed to halt funding until an investigation is conducted.

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Daily Maverick

US President Trump criticizes South Africa for land confiscation and human rights violations, threatening to cut off future funding until an investigation is completed. The move is in response to the Expropriation Act signed by President Ramaphosa. The US provided $440 million in aid to South Africa in 2023, mainly for HIV and TB health services.

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Daily Maverick

Eskom accepts Nersa’s decision on a 12.7% electricity tariff increase, lower than requested 36%. Eskom went through stages of denial, anger, bargaining, and depression before reaching acceptance. Board chair Nyati acknowledges new reality of lower tariffs aligned with inflation due to financial strain on citizens. South Africa’s energy landscape shifting towards cheaper renewable sources.

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BusinessTech

The Portfolio Committee on Health progresses with public hearings on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, receiving mixed responses. The bill aims to regulate smoking and vaping, including plain packaging, bans on product displays and vending machines, and smoke-free areas.

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BusinessTech

South Africa’s rand weakened against the dollar as markets awaited Trump’s tariff deadline for Canada and Mexico. The central bank modeled the impact of a trade war and trimmed interest rates amid global uncertainty. Rand trading at R18.97 to the dollar, R23.28 to the pound, and R19.42 to the euro. Oil price at $76.38 per barrel.

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News24

Severe thunderstorms with hail, heavy downpours, and damaging winds forecasted for Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal by South African Weather Service. Heatwave expected in other regions until Tuesday. Yellow Level 2 warning issued for potential flooding and infrastructure damage. Isolated showers and thundershowers expected in central and eastern parts of RSA.

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EWN

Midrand man linked to child sexual abuse material faces extradition requests from three countries. Darryn Wilken and girlfriend arrested after FBI-led investigation found 10 million pieces of material at their home. Couple seeks bail, facing charges of distributing material internationally. State reveals Wilken already facing sextortion case. Pair faces 25 counts of money laundering.

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BusinessTech

Security groups in South Africa warn of increased hijackings targeting popular vehicle models, including Chinese cars. Hijackings decreased by 27.3% between November and December 2024, attributed to a seasonal dip in organized crime activity. However, hijackings are expected to rise in late January, with spikes in February and March 2025. Popular cars are targeted for parts or resale value in illicit markets.

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Al Jazeera

Senior ISIL commander Abdirahman Shirwac Aw-Saciid, head of the assassination squad, surrendered in Somalia’s Puntland state. The capture follows US airstrikes targeting ISIL leadership. The group has grown in strength with foreign fighters and improved revenue. Aw-Saciid, also known as “Laahoor,” was responsible for extortion. Puntland launched a major offensive against ISIL and al-Shabab in December.

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EWN

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are ready to replace the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Government of National Unity (GNU) if the DA leaves due to disagreements with President Cyril Ramaphosa. The EFF, formed 12 years ago, shares more ideological policies with the ANC. EFF leader Julius Malema criticized the DA for seeking external intervention against the Expropriation Act.

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