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TechCentral

Microsoft president Brad Smith announced a R5.4-billion investment in new data centre infrastructure in South Africa, focusing on AI workloads. The company has already spent R20-billion on Azure data centres in the country. Additionally, Microsoft will sponsor the development of 50,000 individuals in high-demand digital skills, providing technical certifications.

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Daily Maverick

The US government, under President Trump, has withdrawn from the Just Energy Transition Partnership with South Africa, resulting in the loss of $56 million in grant funds and $1 billion in potential investments. This reduces international funding pledges to South Africa from $13.8 billion to $12.8 billion, impacting private investments. The decision was communicated citing executive orders by President Trump.

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News24

Johannesburg EMS responds to flash floods causing infrastructure damage and stranded vehicles. Two motorists rescued from flooded bridges in Jukskei Park and Weltevreden Park. Structural damage reported in residential areas, including wall collapses in Honeydew and Randpark Ridge. No injuries reported.

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BBC News

Surfers in southern Queensland eagerly await Cyclone Alfred’s big waves as it approaches Australia’s east coast. Authorities warn residents to stay indoors as the cyclone is expected to make landfall as a category two system with winds up to 95km/h. The cyclone’s path has slowed, delaying landfall to early Saturday morning.

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BusinessTech

Cape Town’s luxury property market excels globally, attracting Europeans and South Africans. Knight Frank’s 2025 Wealth Report reveals a 3.6% increase in prime residential property prices in 2024, up from 3.3% in 2023. Among 100 markets in the Prime International Residential Index, 77 saw positive annual price growth. Asian markets lead, with Seoul, South Korea, topping the list at 18.4%.

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AP News

Lesotho’s foreign minister responds to President Trump’s claim that no one knows Lesotho, highlighting the presence of a U.S. embassy in the country. Trump’s comment during a speech to Congress drew laughter and criticism.

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The New York Times

President Trump issues a final ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of hostages in Gaza or face annihilation. The warning was delivered via a social media post, threatening death if the hostages are not freed.

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BBC News

US President Trump’s comment about Lesotho, a small mountainous country in southern Africa, has shocked its government. Known as the “Kingdom in the Sky,” Lesotho is entirely above 1,000m in elevation and surrounded by South Africa. Villages are accessible by horseback or light aircraft, with one of the world’s most challenging airstrips.

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TechCentral

Google has launched an experimental search engine version that replaces classic 10 blue links with AI-generated summaries. Available to Google One AI Premium subscribers, the feature can be accessed by clicking on an “AI Mode” tab. Users can now see more comprehensive AI summaries with hyperlinks to cited webpages. The plan costs US$19.99/month and includes extra cloud storage and special AI features.

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