Top Stories

‘Political hit squads’ and spying: Dirty tricks and Cape Town’s security


Daily Maverick


Accusations of spying and smear campaigns between the DA and ANC in Cape Town have raised concerns. Police raided the offices of DA members Xanthea Limberg and JP Smith in connection to a R1-billion tender investigation. Friction between the City of Cape Town and SAPS persists due to political affiliations. The focus should be on delivering services to residents.



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United States President Donald Trump to cut off all funding to South Africa


BusinessTech


US President Trump announced cutting off future funding to South Africa until a full investigation into land confiscation from certain people is completed. Trump criticized South Africa for treating specific groups poorly, calling it a “massive human rights violation.” He warned of consequences and stated the US won’t tolerate such actions.



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Trump vows to stop US assistance to South Africa over land law


Financial Times


Donald Trump has vowed to cut off future US assistance to South Africa over its land expropriation policies, causing a 1.9% drop in the rand. Trump accused South African authorities of treating certain classes of people poorly and claimed the situation was worse than just land confiscation. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed an expropriation bill into law, allowing authorities to take land for public interest reasons.



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Eskom’s warning to South Africans with rooftop solar: pay up, or be fined


BusinessTech


Eskom warns homeowners with rooftop solar systems to register installations or risk them being illegal and costly. Registration required for all systems, even those not feeding into the grid, to comply with national regulations and maintain grid stability. Only 1,300 out of many installations have been registered since rules implemented in 2019.



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Khayelitsha pastor arrested for alleged rape, assault of congregants


EWN


A 51-year-old Khayelitsha pastor arrested for raping and assaulting congregants, allegedly forcing them to stay after services. Survivors alerted community and police. The pastor has been accused of assaulting congregants since 2022. Victims aged 15, 22, and 23 are safe and receiving treatment. The suspect is in custody, with the case remanded until 4 February 2025.



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Largest Hindu temple in southern hemisphere opens in SA


EWN


The largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere was unveiled in Johannesburg, with worshippers participating in consecration rituals led by spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj. The temple aims to be a hub for intercultural dialogue and prayer. The site was chosen due to the large Hindu community in Johannesburg and an influx of expat Hindus. Monks led a Nagar Yatra procession ahead of the opening.



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Justice Minister Kubayi inspects Gauteng courts, finds major problems


Daily Maverick


Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and officials visited Johannesburg, Kempton Park, and Tembisa courts to improve access to justice and service delivery. Challenges include resource shortages, safety concerns, outdated systems, staff and interpreter shortages, network failures, and accessibility issues. Tembisa Magistrates’ Court struggles with staffing and infrastructure despite handling complex cases.



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Around 2,000 SA troops remain trapped in DRC with no clear rescue plan


Daily Maverick


South African troops in eastern DRC are surrounded by hostile forces, running out of supplies. Death toll rises to 14 in battles with M23 rebels. SANDF troops trapped in Goma airport and Mubambiro. Speculation of extraction via cargo aircraft. Uncertain rescue plan as bases surrounded by rebels. Negotiation or firefight options for troop extraction. SANDF denies troops are hostages.



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