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Chinese-run SpaceSail, a competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink, aims to launch satellite broadband services in South Africa before Starlink. Backed by SSST and Chinese government, SpaceSail launched 72 satellites by January 2025 and plans for 1,296 by 2025 end. Starlink, with 7,000 satellites, serves over five million customers in 100+ countries as of February 2025. SpaceSail targets 15,000 satellites by 2030.

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Daily Maverick

Prasa officials awarded R18 billion in tenders to Maziya General Services without meeting bid criteria. A whistle-blower report alleges fraudulent advance payments of R2.7 billion made to the company. The tenders were for a railway network and train control system in South Africa.

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EWN

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party threatens to halt the country if VAT is raised, marching to National Treasury and SARB offices. Opposition opposes Government of National Unity’s plan to increase living costs, preferring corporate tax hike. Party vows to use all means to prevent VAT increase, with two members on trial for inciting 2021 unrest. Chief whip promises mass protests to reject VAT hike.

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EWN

The postponement of South Africa’s national budget speech, originally set for February 19, 2025, due to disagreements over a proposed VAT increase, has sparked debate. The delay highlights a cost-of-living crisis and public frustration with government financial management. The ANC, governing in a coalition, faces resistance to the VAT hike, seen as burdensome to the economy and citizens.

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TimesLIVE Premium

Children, including those in school uniforms, are increasingly vaping due to enticing flavors and targeted marketing, according to the World Health Organization. In the US, 5.9% of middle and high school students use e-cigarettes, while in the UK, 20.5% have tried vaping and 7.6% vape regularly.

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BBC News

A man was shot by the US Secret Service outside the White House after an armed confrontation. The service had received a tip about a suicidal individual traveling to Washington DC. The man brandished a firearm, prompting officers to fire shots. President Trump was not at the White House during the incident. The man is hospitalized in an unknown condition.

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Daily Maverick

Highly hazardous pesticide Terbufos, linked to deaths of children in Johannesburg, remains easily accessible in spaza shops and from street vendors despite promised crackdown. Daily Maverick investigation found 23 out of 28 sellers openly admitted to selling Terbufos, repackaged from original agricultural use, raising concerns about public safety.

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Daily Maverick

Hungarian citizen Bence Horvath was arrested in San Francisco for violating US export controls targeting Russia. He was accused of illegally exporting US radio communication technology to the Russian government without a license, possibly for Moscow police. South Africa was linked to Horvath’s procurement network, highlighting international legal entanglements.

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News24

South African Weather Service warns of severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours, damaging winds, and hail in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal. Yellow Level 2 alert issued for localised flooding. Caution advised for strong winds, lightning, and hail. Cold front expected on Monday with isolated showers and thundershowers in central and eastern regions.

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Daily Maverick

Finance Minister Godongwana considers a VAT increase necessary to fund the Social Relief of Distress grant, as reported by the Sunday Times. The grant, currently set at R370 a month, has been extended multiple times and is crucial for struggling South Africans. Critics argue that the focus should be on addressing mismanagement and priorities in the budget rather than burdening the vulnerable with VAT hikes.

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