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The Bulls are focusing on set pieces ahead of a tough match against the Sharks. Despite a recent defeat, they are confident and prepared for a strong reaction from their opponents at Loftus. Ntlabakanye emphasizes the need for the Bulls to stay true to their game plan.
Finance minister plans to raise VAT substantially, causing shock and disagreement within the ANC caucus. Delaying the Budget has serious consequences and reveals government problems. One party willing to play brinkmanship with the country. Uncertainty and missed opportunity to showcase government’s stability.
A year after six-year-old Joshlin Smith vanished from her home in Saldanha Bay, life in the town has gradually resumed. Her mother and two others are charged with kidnapping and human trafficking. Greg Clifton, a local resident, has been aiding in the search for Joshlin. Despite ongoing efforts, the town has seen a return to normalcy with children back on the streets.
A Delta Air Lines plane crashed while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport, Canada, with no fatalities. Experts analyze video footage to determine the cause, possibly weather-related or due to an obstacle. Canadian authorities are investigating the incident.
The trial of Reinhardt Leach, accused of murdering Vicky Terblanche in 2021, continued in the Gqeberha High Court. The state alleges he was hired by Vicky’s estranged husband, Arnold Terblanche, amid a divorce settlement. Witness Charissa Roets testified about Arnold’s attempts to discredit Vicky during their divorce. WhatsApp messages revealed disturbing details.
Former Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo and former ANC policy head Jeff Radebe have been appointed as convenors to lead the revival of the ANC’s provincial structures in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. The provincial executive committees will be replaced with task teams. ANC secretary-general Mbalula briefed the former leaders on the reconfiguration plans after a National Working Committee meeting.
KwaZulu-Natal experiences a rise in hand-foot-and-mouth disease cases at schools and daycares near Durban. The outbreak, with 168 confirmed cases as of 17 February, is deemed “under control” by the National Department of Health. Parents are advised to prevent direct contact with ill individuals and keep symptomatic children at home. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease primarily affects infants and children, notes the NICD.
South Africa is considering turning to Russia or Iran to expand its civilian nuclear power capacity, potentially straining relations with the US. The government aims to add 2,500MW of new capacity to address electricity outages and reduce emissions. The US has raised concerns about SA’s alleged ties with Iran, but Pretoria denies any nuclear cooperation with Iran.
Openly gay imam Muhsin Hendricks was killed in an execution-style shooting in South Africa, sparking fear in the LGBTQ+ community. Reverend Toni Kruger-Ayebazibwe mourned his loss, highlighting his impact on queer Muslims worldwide. Hendricks was shot in Gqeberha while officiating heterosexual interfaith marriages, challenging traditional norms. The motive behind his killing remains unclear.
Trump questions Ukraine’s absence from US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, blames Ukraine for war, suggests they could have made a deal. Russian Foreign Minister meets US Secretary of State for peace negotiations, rejects Nato peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. European Nato states unhappy with Trump’s unilateral approach. Trump responds to BBC, says he is disappointed by Ukraine’s reaction.
