Top Stories

Monday’s weather: Heavy rainfall, storm warnings issued across several provinces


News24


Yellow level 5 alert issued for Limpopo and Mpumalanga due to disruptive rainfall, potential flooding, property damage, and traffic disruptions. Severe weather alerts for Monday include thunderstorms, fire danger warnings in various provinces. Localized flooding expected in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Eastern Cape. Severe thunderstorms forecasted in North West and Free State. High fire danger conditions in Northern Cape, North West, and Free State.



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Ramaphosa promises to tackle South Africa’s new crisis – could be worse than load shedding


BusinessTech


President Ramaphosa prioritizes tackling South Africa’s water crisis in 2025, comparing it to past power shortages. He emphasizes urgency in addressing the issue to prevent further escalation. Challenges include inadequate infrastructure, corruption, illegal connections, water scarcity, and climate change. Reports highlight poor water quality nationwide. Experts warn of severe risks to the country’s future.



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South Africa wants to make alcohol more expensive Heres why its a GOOD idea


The South African


Alcohol use causes 3 million deaths yearly, burdening healthcare systems. World Health Assembly endorses plan to reduce harmful alcohol use through taxation and pricing policies. South Africa considers raising excise taxes to curb excessive drinking. Evidence shows tax increases reduce consumption and harm, especially among lower-income groups. Urgent action needed to achieve global health targets. Industry lobbying against health-focused taxes should be resisted.



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Survey finds that wealthy influence, racial inequality and education drive economic divide


The mail& Guardian


The Pew Research Centre report reveals that wealthy individuals, racial discrimination, and flawed education systems drive economic inequality globally. Views on this issue are more prevalent on the left, with concerns particularly strong in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. People are also pessimistic about their children’s financial future post-Covid-19.



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Meta is abandoning fact checking


Daily Maverick


Meta has decided to end its fact-checking program in the US, citing “too much censorship” and a need to prioritize free expression. The tech giant will now rely on a “community notes” model, sparking concerns about the spread of misinformation online. Independent fact-checkers argue that fact-checking adds context and transparency, and Meta’s decision may hinder efforts to combat misinformation.



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Fish swim, birds fly, Zuma litigates


The mail& Guardian


Former president Jacob Zuma demands reinstatement as ANC member, threatening legal action. His desire to remain in the party causes tension in the MK party. The ANC anniversary event in Cape Town overshadowed by Zuma’s actions. MK party faces internal turmoil and funding disputes. Zuma’s efforts to rejoin the ANC met with resistance.



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South Africa sees alarming spike in Fetal Alcohol Disorder rate


SABC


Recent research in South Africa shows a concerning rise in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) rates, with the Western Cape recording rates as high as 31% and the Northern Cape at 28%. While FASD is incurable, it is preventable. Health authorities stress the need for awareness and support for pregnant women to avoid alcohol consumption. The Foundation for Alcohol Related Research calls for collective action to address the issue.



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South Korean team develop Iron Man robot to help paraplegics walk


SABC


South Korean researchers at KAIST have created a lightweight wearable robot, ‘WalkON Suit F1’, to assist paraplegic users in walking, climbing stairs, and navigating obstacles. The robot, inspired by “Iron Man”, weighs 50 kg and is powered by 12 motors mimicking human joint movements. Equipped with sensors and lenses for balance and environment analysis, it helped a team member win gold at Cybathlon 2024.



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The ANC still leads Key takeaways from Ramaphosas January 8th Statement


Daily Maverick


President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers ANC’s January 8th Statement at Mandela Park Stadium, emphasizing the party’s need for renewal post-2024 defeat. He addresses challenges in Western Cape, stresses alliance unity, defends Government of National Unity formation, and asserts ANC’s hold on state power. Ramaphosa acknowledges electoral setback and outlines party’s renewal plans, including six key priorities for 2025.



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Kaytranada headlines first Milk and Cookies Festival in South Africa


The mail& Guardian


Grammy award-winning artist Kaytranada headlines the Milk and Cookies Festival in South Africa, thrilling festival-goers with a dance frenzy in Cape Town. The festival founders discuss the event’s origins and the cultural connection to South Africa. The lineup features diverse artists, with a focus on positive music and bridging cultural gaps. The festival aims to showcase music that resonates with black communities and promote international and local talent.



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