country in southern Africa
How President Ramaphosa plans to fend off a 'possibly humiliating' standoff with Trump, in the #SundayTimesZA tomorrow.
'I identify as an Afrikaner,' says English South African among those who have made the big trek to Trumpville, in the #SundayTimesZA tomorrow.
Godongwana’s top job is cutting spending. Details in the #SundayTimesZA tomorrow.
‘He was opportunistic’: Ex-neighbour questions SA IT businessman’s refugee claims
news24.com/southafrica/news/he-was-opportunistic-ex-neighbour-questions-sa-it-businessmans-refugee-claims-20250517-0490
Paid articlePaywallHow President Ramaphosa read the riot act to higher education & training minister Nobuhle Nkabane on the controversial appointment of Seta chairs ... Show more
KZN man killed while fleeing from 'robbers' on R102 near Cornubia: A KwaZulu-Natal man, 40, was killed while trying to flee from three men who allegedly ...
timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2025-05-17-kzn-man-killed-while-fleeing-from-robbers-on-r102-near-cornubia/
Gauteng health freezes salaries of 230 medical employees in bid to smoke out ghost employees, in the #SundayTimesZA tomorrow.
EXPOSED: SANDF busted over Merebank army base 'outdated pics' lies: Despite SANDF's assurances of cleanup, evidence reveals the abandoned Merebank military base ...
iol.co.za/news/south-africa/2025-05-17-exposed-sandf-busted-over-merebank-army-base-outdated-pics-lies/
Key FactsSANDF Faces Backlash Over Merebank Base Condition
13h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
- The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been criticized for misleading claims regarding the neglected military base in Merebank.
- Despite SANDF's assertion that the published images were outdated and the site had been cleaned, a follow-up investigation revealed the area remained in poor condition.
- The base has turned into a refuge for homeless individuals, raising safety and crime concerns among local residents.
- One resident urged the government to convert the area into a recreational facility for the community.
"This is wrong because we are going to see more crime from people moving into the neighbourhood. At the very least, the government should consider turning this space into a recreational facility for the community."— Mike Moodley, a resident of Merebank, expressed concern about the safety situation in the area.
Key FactsBlind Graduate Achieves 14 Distinctions at UKZN
May 16 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
- Azraa Ebrahim, a blind student from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, graduated cum laude with 14 distinctions in her Bachelor of Social Science degree.
- Born with congenital bilateral optic nerve atrophy, Ebrahim faced challenges during her studies, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and received crucial support from the university's disability unit.
- She transitioned from law to religious studies and industrial psychology, gaining recognition as a motivational speaker for her impactful presentations.
- Ebrahim aims to pursue a PhD, focusing on women-led khutbahs in Islam, and seeks to promote a positive perspective on disability.
"You have to change your mindset and you have to view your disability, not as a challenge, but use your disability as a weapon against all of the different societal challenges."— Azraa Ebrahim discusses the importance of mindset in overcoming societal challenges related to disabilities.
DEFENCELESS: Loss of radar capability means SAAF has ‘no eyes’, cannot defend SA: Decades of cuts in military funding have left the SA Air Force without ...
news24.com/investigations/defenceless-loss-of-radar-capability-means-saaf-has-no-eyes-cannot-defend-sa-20250516-1170
Paid articlePaywall
EWN 14h
Ramaphosa: ANC has a lot of work to do to restore faith in party ahead of local govt polls
ewn.co.za/2025/05/17/ramaphosa-anc-has-a-lot-of-work-to-do-to-restore-faith-in-party-ahead-of-local-govt-polls
Key FactsRamaphosa Urges ANC to Restore Public Trust Before Elections
14h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ewn.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ewn.co.za
- ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasizes that the party has significant work to do ahead of next year's local government elections.
- He urges members to regain public trust as the party has seen a decline in voter support.
- Ramaphosa highlights the importance of branch leaders being rooted in their communities to understand citizens' needs.
- He warns that members who fail to comply will be held accountable.
We are going to the local government elections next year and comrades, let's face it, because this is what often happens. We will appoint and elect people because so and so does not have a job and has no clue whatsoever about what should happen in local government. And we just take this person, him or her, like you would take me to go and play in the World Cup, knowing that I will fail.— Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC president, addressing party officials during their provincial executive committee induction in the Northern Cape.
Akani Simbine wins over 100m again while Wayde van Niekerk ends third: Akani Simbine continued his unbeaten run in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon while Wayde van ...
timeslive.co.za/sport/2025-05-17-akani-simbine-wins-over-100m-again-while-wayde-van-niekerk-ends-third/
Three years, R800 000 in legal fees and over R1m in lost rental: That's what it took for a Joburg doctor to get a delinquent tenant out of his luxury ... Show more
Inside President Ramaphosa's battle plan to win over Donald Trump and save SA's lucrative trade and investment partnership with the US, in the #SundayTimesZA tomorrow.
Chiefs turn attention to the league after Nedbank Cup exploits: Kaizer Chiefs have paused celebrations after they won the Nedbank Cup last weekend ...
timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2025-05-17-chiefs-turn-attention-to-the-league-after-nedbank-cup-exploits/
'They made a mistake': Steenhuisen slams Afrikaners who fled to US: Minister of agriculture John Steenhuisen has criticised the group of 49 Afrikaners ...
timeslive.co.za/politics/2025-05-16-they-made-a-mistake-steenhuisen-slams-afrikaners-who-fled-to-us/
Key FactsSteenhuisen Critiques Afrikaners' Flight to the US
May 16 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
- Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen criticized the decision of 49 Afrikaners to seek refuge in the US as a mistake.
- He emphasized that South Africa is on the verge of positive changes and pledged support for farmers.
- Steenhuisen stated that South Africa is not experiencing genocide and urged international partners to base their views on facts.
- He views the upcoming meeting between President Ramaphosa and Donald Trump as an opportunity to clarify misconceptions.
I think they’ve made a mistake.— Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen criticized the group of 49 Afrikaners who recently sought refuge in the US.
Ambassadors of Colombia, Spain, Mexico and Germany to SA | Let’s unite with the LGBTQI+ community
news24.com/opinions/columnists/ambassadors-of-colombia-spain-mexico-and-germany-to-sa-lets-unite-with-the-lgbtqi-community-20250516-0720
Disaster for South Africa already here: South Africa’s employment data shows that companies are already reeling from the expected loss of AGOA – with some ...
businesstech.co.za/news/business-opinion/824435/disaster-for-south-africa-already-here/
2027: North-west APC endorses Tinubu: The decisions were made at a stakeholders' meeting attended by all the state governors of the zone ...
premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/795070-2027-north-west-apc-endorses-tinubu.html
President to appeal NHI challenge in ConCourt: President Cyril Ramaphosa is appealing a judgment that orders him to produce a record of the documents and ...
news24.com/business/economy/president-to-appeal-nhi-challenge-in-concourt-20250517-0610
Steenhuisen backs farmers who stay: ‘My focus is on those who choose South Africa'
iol.co.za/news/politics/2025-05-16-steenhuisen-backs-farmers-who-stay-my-focus-is-on-those-who-choose-south-africa/
AG wants greater Parly oversight of municipalities failing to declare financial statements
news24.com/politics/ag-wants-greater-parly-oversight-of-municipalities-failing-to-declare-financial-statements-20250517-0675
Paid articlePaywall‘We are not going to be distracted’: Ramaphosa hopes for ‘businesslike’ talks with Trump
news24.com/politics/we-are-not-going-to-be-distracted-ramaphosa-hopes-for-businesslike-talks-with-trump-20250516-1184
Paid articlePaywallEditorial: The true refugee crisis: South Africa does not have genocide but it does have division — much of it created by the political games that our own ...
mg.co.za/editorial/2025-05-16-editorial-the-true-refugee-crisis/
Cash-in-transit robber shot dead, another hospitalised after failed heist: Police in Mpumalanga are investigating a dramatic cash-in-transit robbery attempt that ...
iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2025-05-16-cash-in-transit-robber-shot-dead-another-hospitalised-after-failed-heist/
"Crime is a problem in our country. People are killing old people and children... Let us bring back the death penalty,"- McKenzie#Newzroom405
Elon Musk’s xAI blames ‘unauthorized’ tweak for ‘white genocide’ posts: Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup has blamed an “unauthorized modification” for ...
english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2025/05/17/elon-musk-s-xai-blames-unauthorized-tweak-for-white-genocide-posts
Key FactsGrok AI Chatbot Addresses 'White Genocide' Controversy
May 16 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnbc.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnbc.com
- Elon Musk's Grok chatbot indicated it was seemingly instructed to discuss 'white genocide'.
- Previously, the chatbot provided strange answers about this topic in unrelated queries.
- The following day, Grok denied being programmed to promote harmful ideologies, asserting its role is to provide factual and helpful responses.
- Musk has previously supported the notion that violence against certain South African farmers constitutes 'white genocide', aligning with views expressed by Donald Trump.
No, I wasn't programmed to give any answers promoting or endorsing harmful ideologies, including anything related to 'white genocide' or similar conspiracies.— This is the response from the Grok chatbot to CNBC regarding its programming and the topic of 'white genocide'.
'No conclusive evidence found of rape or sexual assault in Cwecwe case': NPA
timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2025-05-17-no-conclusive-evidence-found-of-rape-or-sexual-assault-in-cwecwe-case-npa/
Paid articlePaywall
HIV programmes will not collapse after Trump funding cuts, Motsoaledi says: The health minister said local investment and support from other global partners ...
mg.co.za/health/2025-05-16-hiv-programmes-will-not-collapse-after-trump-funding-cuts-motsoaledi-says/
Key FactsMotsoaledi: No Replacement Funding for Pepfar in Sight
May 16 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
- Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi stated that South Africa has engaged with various funders regarding alternative financing for the Pepfar program, but none have indicated a willingness to provide aid.
- Despite the withdrawal of US funding, the country’s HIV/AIDS program remains stable, with nearly R47 billion allocated for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis this year.
- Motsoaledi noted that 8,000 healthcare workers are directly affected by the Pepfar decision, while the majority of antiretrovirals are financed by South Africa itself.
- The minister emphasized that South Africa will not beg for assistance despite the lack of financial support.
"None of them is in a position to replace Pepfar."— Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health, during a media briefing in Pretoria.
EWN 11h
Ramaphosa eyes direct appeal to ConCourt over NHI Act challenge: Ramaphosa on Friday filed notice to appeal the Pretoria High Court’s earlier decision that also ...
ewn.co.za/2025/05/17/ramaphosa-eyes-direct-appeal-to-concourt-over-nhi-act-challenge
newzroomafrika.tv May 16
[WATCH] "It is a good opportunity for President Cyril Ramaphosa to dispel the misinformation about South Africa. There is no genocide ... Show more
Two friends shot in head in Inanda: Bodies found 200 metres apart in Ezimangweni, north of Durban
timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2025-05-17-two-friends-shot-in-head-in-inanda/
eNCA 4h
Four ministers join Ramaphosa on US trip to mend relationship with Trump
enca.com/top-stories/four-ministers-join-ramaphosa-us-trip-mend-relationship-trump
Elon Musk's War With South Africa, Where Apartheid Scars Run Deep: Newsweek has broken down Elon Musk's life in South Africa for some context about his current ...
newsweek.com/elon-musk-war-south-africa-apartheid-scars-2073335
EWN 8h
2 cash-in-transit suspects killed in Boksburg shootout with police: It's understood that the duo was part of a gang involved in a cash-in-transit heist in ...
ewn.co.za/2025/05/17/2-cash-in-transit-suspects-killed-in-boksburg-shootout-with-police
'They shot her and she fell at my feet': Umlazi mom tells of horror attack
timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2025-05-17-they-shot-her-and-she-fell-at-my-feet-umlazi-mom-tells-of-horror-attack/
sabcnews.com May 16
[WATCH] The EFF has condemned the conduct of Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Tebogo Letsie ... Show more
eNCA May 16
Magudumana loses extradition appeal: Dr Nandipha Magudumana’s bid to have her deportation from Tanzania declared unlawful has been denied.
enca.com/top-stories/magudumana-loses-extradition-appeal
EWN 15h
Bathoi receives stinging rebuke in Parliament over Omotoso acquittal: The Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Al jamah-ah all ...
ewn.co.za/2025/05/16/bathoi-receives-stinging-rebuke-in-parliament-over-omotoso-acquittal
New R370 million shopping mall opens in South Africa: Following some slight delays and a postponement, the Riverstone Mall in Meyerton, Gauteng ...
businesstech.co.za/news/business/824079/new-r370-million-shopping-mall-opens-in-south-africa/
[ICYMI] "We are not committing any act of violence against anyone in our country. We are a peace-loving country that is committed to transformation for ... Show more
Risk rating creeps back into healthcare cover: Medical schemes are increasingly designing options with gaps in cover that require insurance policies ...
news24.com/business/economy/risk-rating-creeps-back-into-healthcare-cover-20250517-0596
Paid articlePaywallNPA: ‘No conclusive evidence of rape’ in case involving 7-year-old Matatiele girl
news24.com/southafrica/crime-and-courts/npa-no-conclusive-evidence-of-rape-in-case-involving-7-year-old-matatiele-girl-20250516-1216
Paid articlePaywallGauteng ANC pins hopes on ‘13+1’ fix-it plan for sinking province: The ANC in Gauteng has given itself 12 months from June 2025 to turn Gauteng around.
news24.com/politics/gauteng-anc-pins-hopes-on-131-fix-it-plan-for-sinking-province-20250516-0882
Paid articlePaywall EWN May 16
Ramaphosa again calls for ethical leadership in ANC structures : On Friday, the ANC President delivered the political overview at the party’s Provincial ...
ewn.co.za/2025/05/16/ramaphosa-again-calls-for-ethical-leadership-in-anc-structures
WEEKEND ESSAY | Just say ja to MAGA: Make Afrikaans Great Again: Afrikaans, which turned 100 years old on 8 May, was hijacked by white nationalists to serve as a ...
news24.com/weekender/weekend-essay-just-say-ja-to-maga-make-afrikaans-great-again-20250517-0206
Paid articlePaywallTOM EATON | Dos and don’ts for Cyril when meeting Donald (be less shocked, for one)
timeslive.co.za/sunday-times-daily/opinion-and-analysis/2025-05-16-tom-eaton-dos-and-donts-for-cyril-when-meeting-donald-be-less-shocked-for-one/
Paid articlePaywall
One of the 59 Afrikaners – white South Africans – to arrive in the United States as refugees under Donald Trump’s controversial resettlement programme claims ... Show more
CBS News 5h
8 people shot dead in a bar found "lying in a pool of blood," South Africa police say
cbsnews.com/news/south-africa-bar-mass-shooting-8-dead/
DA calls for urgent parole reform following rape of a nine-year-old girl: The DA has renewed its call for urgent reform to the parole system after a 51-year-old ...
news24.com/southafrica/crime-and-courts/da-calls-for-urgent-parole-reform-following-rape-of-a-nine-year-old-girl-20250517-0941
Paid articlePaywallHealth Minister calls for ombud investigation into medical intern's death at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital: Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has called for ... Show more
URL Shortener, Branded Short Links & Analytics | TinyURL
URL Shortener, Branded Short Links & Analytics | TinyURL
sabcnews.com May 16
ANC President Ramaphosa says, “We want to build a transformed, inclusive, and thriving economy that offers opportunities and decent livelihoods to all people ... Show more
At Least 8 Dead After Shooting in South Africa: The police said they had started a manhunt and were investigating a possible motive.
nytimes.com/2025/05/17/world/africa/south-africa-shooting.html
Key FactsNkabane Withdraws SETA Board Appointments Over Nepotism
May 15 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
- Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane has withdrawn recent appointments of SETA board chairpersons due to nepotism concerns.
- This decision followed a contentious parliamentary session where an EFF MP was removed for questioning a controversial appointment.
- Nkabane announced the reopening of the nomination process and the establishment of a new independent panel to review candidates.
- The new appointments will focus on merit, competencies, and ensure balanced representation across various demographics.
"I have taken the decision to withdraw previous appointments in response to public concerns. Further, I take this decision in the interest of good governance and transparency, to ensure accountability in the appointment process."— Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, Minister of Higher Education and Training, in a statement regarding the withdrawal of SETA board appointments.
This flat-bodied South African gecko was a 'lost' species. It's been found again after 34 years
apnews.com/article/lizard-gecko-lost-species-south-africa-e9ae2e0c93767d33ccc3afbe80a910e8
POLL | Did Renaldo Gouws get off too easily or does he deserve a second chance after apology?
timeslive.co.za/politics/2025-05-16-poll-did-renaldo-gouws-get-off-too-easily-or-does-he-deserve-a-second-chance-after-apology/
Key FactsRenaldo Gouws Apologizes Following Legal Controversy
May 16 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
- Former DA MP Renaldo Gouws has publicly apologized after reaching a settlement with the SA Human Rights Commission.
- The controversy arose from a 2010 video in which Gouws made derogatory comments about Julius Malema.
- Gouws confirmed in a video that the commission would withdraw the hate speech case against him, requiring a public apology.
- While acknowledging his words were hurtful, Gouws maintains that Malema's remarks were insensitive and divisive.
"The commission and I have reached an out-of-court settlement. This means they will withdraw the hate speech case against me before the equality court. One of the requirements is to make an apology video."— Renaldo Gouws, in his apology video after reaching a settlement with the SA Human Rights Commission.
eNCA 16h
Eight people have been shot dead at an informal settlement in Umlazi, south of Durban. #eNCA #TheSouthAfricanMorning #DStv403
sabcnews.com May 16
[WATCH] Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane says the recently appointed chairpersons of SETA boards will be withdrawing from their positions with ... Show more
Key FactsANC Gauteng Team Aims to Purge Self-Serving Members
May 16 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
- The ANC's Gauteng task team has made progress in restructuring the organization following a strong by-election victory in Soweto.
- Currently, 80% of local branches are in good standing, focusing on community needs and stability.
- The party recognizes the need to remove leaders acting in self-interest, which has harmed its image.
- The ANC's strategy is based on detailed polling, aiming to enhance local governance and regain control over key positions.
"We must build our structures, and we must exorcise the wrongs out of the ANC. If it means we must lose friends because we are doing the right thing, let it be."— Fikile Mbalula, while speaking at the Duma Nokwe Memorial Lecture.