Copyright © Daily Dive SA
Electricity Minister Ramokgopa says Eskom faced a ‘perfect storm’ of breakdowns, leading to stage 6 load shedding after 20 days incident-free. He apologized for the setback, attributing it to multiple issues, including five units tripping at Majuba Power Station. Eskom aims to reduce load shedding levels on Monday.
SANParks deploys over 50 firefighters and aerial resources to combat a fire above Kirstenbosch in Cape Town. The fire, near Lady Anne Barnard trail, poses a risk of spreading to Table Mountain’s back. Trails in Newlands and Kirstenbosch are closed as a precaution. Public advised to avoid affected areas for safety.
Pope Francis asks for prayers as he receives treatment for double pneumonia in hospital. Unable to deliver Angelus prayer in person, he expresses confidence in his hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital. Vatican states his condition remains critical. Pope thanks doctors, health workers, and well-wishers for support. Requests prayers and entrusts all to Mary’s intercession. Supporters gather outside hospital to pray.
Trump’s anger towards South Africa may stem from its race policies and Israel relations. The story of Bernard Shabangu’s grandfather, who lost land under apartheid laws, highlights the historical injustices faced by black South Africans. The country’s transition to democracy in the 1990s allowed for the return of land to black farmers.
FlySafair aims to provide modern onboard Wi-Fi despite challenges with SpaceX’s Starlink launch approval. Satellite communication is crucial for internet on commercial flights due to altitude. Current GEO services are limited in bandwidth and speed. FlySafair deems existing technology in South Africa outdated and costly. Installation of auxiliary radome for GEO systems is a hurdle.
Disturbing videos depicting brutal assaults at Pretoria’s Zanzou Nightclub have surfaced, igniting a firestorm of public outrage and prompting investigations by both police and the South African Human Rights Commission. The videos, initially shared by a former employee, Mr. Herve, paint a grim picture of alleged abuse inflicted upon patrons, purportedly for failing to pay their bills. However, the nightclub’s management claims the videos depict staff reacting to incidents of phone theft.
The footage circulating on social media platforms shows scenes of extreme violence, including waterboarding, forced self-penetration with bottles, and other forms of degrading and inhumane treatment. These acts, allegedly carried out by the club’s security personnel, have shocked the nation and sparked calls for the club’s closure.
Following the viral spread of the videos, Zanzou Nightclub released a statement condemning the actions of its staff. The club claims to have launched an internal investigation upon learning of the incidents, subsequently terminating the employment of the individuals involved and outsourcing their security services to a new company. Furthermore, Zanzou alleges that Mr. Herve attempted to extort the business in exchange for suppressing the videos, fabricating a narrative of unpaid bills to pressure the club into a settlement. They maintain that the videos depict reactions to reported phone thefts, not unpaid tabs.
Despite the club’s statement, the allegations have escalated, with three victims coming forward to the police to report incidents of abuse, including sexual assault, kidnapping, and assault. The victims, aged 20, 21, and 22, have provided harrowing accounts that corroborate the disturbing content of the videos. The police’s Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit is now leading the investigation.
The South African Human Rights Commission has also announced its intention to investigate the matter, focusing on the club’s response to the incidents and the apparent failure to report the assaults to law enforcement. The Commission has labeled the alleged acts as severe human rights violations, raising concerns about kidnapping, sexual assault, and attempted murder.
The controversy has drawn a strong reaction from the public, with some, including members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), staging protests at the club, demanding accountability and justice for the victims. Calls for a complete shutdown of Zanzou Nightclub have intensified, fueled by accusations that powerful figures, including businessmen Neo and Stephane, are above the law. Stephane Cohen has since publicly distanced himself from the club, stating that his association with Zanzou ended years ago and urging accurate reporting to avoid damaging his reputation and other businesses.
The investigation is ongoing, and the full extent of the alleged abuses is yet to be determined. However, the disturbing videos and the victims’ accounts paint a troubling picture, raising serious questions about safety and security within the establishment and the accountability of its management. The public awaits the outcome of the investigations with bated breath, demanding that those responsible for these horrific acts be brought to justice.
Pope Francis in critical condition with respiratory crisis, receiving high-flow oxygen. Vatican reports worsening health, blood transfusions for anaemia. Prognosis reserved as he remains vigilant in hospital. Will not lead Sunday prayers for second week, likely to prepare written homily for Angelus.
Eskom escalated load shedding to stage 6 due to unit trips at power stations, resulting in a loss of 3,864 MW. The utility cited the need to replenish reserves and prepare for the week ahead. An urgent briefing was called to address the outages. This is the first time stage 6 load shedding has been implemented in about a year.
Andy Birkett wins 2025 Dusi Canoe Marathon, tying record with 15 wins alongside Grame Pope-Ellis. Birkett finished in 7 hours 12 minutes and 50 seconds. Sbonello Khwela and Matthew Fenn placed second and third. Christie MacKenzie won the women’s race with a strategic approach. Birkett expresses love for the race and preparation process.
High inflation in Africa is a major concern due to weak currencies, rising food and fuel prices, government overspending, and global economic shocks. Currency depreciation exacerbates the issue, making it difficult for people to afford necessities and for businesses to remain stable. The heavy reliance on imports further contributes to the problem, leading to higher prices for essential goods.
