Ramaphosa drops DA deputy minister; Top cop arrested: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day.
News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature.
DA supports Budget 3.0, despite Whitfield axing
- The DA will support the national Budget despite the party's deputy minister being axed from the government of national unity (GNU).
- DA leader John Steenhuisen challenged President Ramaphosa to prove the DA is a trustworthy partner within 48 hours.
- Steenhuisen stated the DA is prioritising South Africa's interests over party politics by voting for the bill.
Police Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo arrested
- Major-General Dumisani Khumalo, the SA Police Service Crime Intelligence (CI) boss, has been arrested by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) for alleged unlawful senior appointments.
- This is the second arrest of senior CI officers in two weeks, following the arrest of Major-General Philani Lushaba and others for allegedly covering up a burglary at Lushaba's home.
- Khumalo will be transported to a police station in Pretoria for processing.
DEAR TAXPAYER | Tembisa Hospital 'kingpin' faces SARS charges as R500m corruption web widens
- Stefan Govindraju, a key figure in the R2.3-billion Tembisa Hospital procurement scandal, faces criminal tax charges for allegedly failing to submit tax returns for his company, Fuligenix.
- Govindraju controlled over 56 companies that received nearly R450 million in dubious tenders from Tembisa Hospital, flagged as potentially fraudulent by murdered whistleblower Babita Deokaran.
- An investigation revealed Govindraju's network was wider than previously known, with five additional entities and R16 million in payments, and the SIU uncovered severe procurement irregularities, fraud, and money laundering.
'We both die, or you die alone': How one woman fought off gunman who tried to rape her
- Onkabetse Zandile Mashile fought off a gun-wielding attacker who ambushed, strangled, and attempted to rape her.
- Mashile criticised the police for their lack of response, even with the attacker's location from her phone tracker.
- Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said a robbery with a firearm case was opened and encouraged the victim to report the allegations of policing failing to assist her.
Misha Jordaan/Gallo Images via Getty Images
'We can't kill mining for fresh air' says Mantashe on Karoo fracking
- Minister Gwede Mantashe is advocating for the revival of shale gas exploration in the Karoo to address South Africa's looming gas shortage.
- Mantashe criticises South Africa's inaction, stating the country behaves like it doesn't want to save itself despite the impending depletion of gas resources from Mozambique.
- He says that once environmental regulations are received from the DFFE, the moratorium on fracking will be lifted, inviting investment in Karoo's shale gas.
Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
'I almost jumped on him!' Lood back with the Boks after nightmare two years
- Lood de Jager is making a comeback to the Springboks after overcoming injuries and a heart condition, partnering with Jean Kleyn for the Barbarians clash.
- Teammates and coach Rassie Erasmus praise De Jager's resilience, skill, and dedication to the game, highlighting his importance to the team.
- De Jager expresses his excitement to be back, acknowledging the competition at lock and his motivation to contribute to the Springboks.
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an hour ago
- Yahoo
North Carolina legislature leaves after passing Helene aid package, but still no budget
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina legislature wrapped up the chief portion of its annual session Thursday, passing another Hurricane Helene aid package this week after Republican majorities pushed through divisive bills to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs and target transgender rights. Lawmakers in the ninth-largest state also fell short on completing their primary responsibility — enacting a two-year budget by July 1. There's no risk of a government shutdown, and House and Senate negotiators will keep meeting to reach budget agreements. Other legislation can be voted on when lawmakers return occasionally, possibly starting next month. More vetoes from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein likely will be waiting. Chambers remain far apart on 2-year budget House and Senate Republicans are split on competing budget bills they approved in the spring. Teacher and state employee pay, the scope of tax cuts and vacant government position eliminations are among the disagreements. Each package would spend $32.6 billion in the upcoming fiscal year and $33.3 billion in the next. 'The massive details behind each of our budgets doesn't allow us quick and urgent resolution,' GOP Rep. Donny Lambeth, a chief budget writer, told colleagues Wednesday. The inability of budget writers to work out a stopgap spending measure that usually contains noncontroversial or critical spending provisions gave fodder to Democrats. 'The people of North Carolina should expect better of us,' Rep. Deb Butler said. 'We have one job and that's to pass a budget, and we haven't done that.' Any final budget goes to Stein, whose own budget proposal spent more and froze planned income tax cuts. With the GOP one House seat shy of a veto-proof majority, Republicans will seek a final budget that enough Democrats support to override. Next Helene spending installment finalized Before adjourning, House and Senate Republicans hammered out another tranche of state funds to assist with Helene recovery in the mountains. Not including federal aid, the General Assembly already has appropriated or allocated more than $1.6 billion in recovery funds since last September's historic storm. This latest allotment — approved unanimously and now heading to Stein — moves $700 million to the state's Helene relief fund and appropriates $500 million of that. There's also nearly $1 billion more allocated in federal water and sewer grants and state transportation money with a focus on Helene repairs. Stein had urged lawmakers this week to set aside their differences 'and get this relief out the door.' GOP focused on eliminating DEI programs Cutting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives were a major priority for GOP lawmakers. State agencies, local governments, public K-12 schools and higher education institutions would be impacted if the bills become law. Training, staff positions and hiring decisions that incorporate DEI are banned in state agencies under one bill. The legislation also would outlaw those agencies or local governments from using state funds for DEI programs. Two other bills would bar 'divisive concepts' and 'discriminatory practices' across public education in the state. Republicans have repeatedly said DEI programs have strayed too far from their original goal and create unfair treatment. 'When it's done right, it opens a door for more students to compete fairly,' Sen. Michael Lee, the bill's sponsor, said in committee Tuesday. 'When it's done wrong, it prioritizes identity over ability.' But Democrats said the legislation will 'chill' state employees' speech and may reverse progress for students of color who weren't historically afforded certain opportunities. 'A multiethnic, diverse society has to learn how to grapple with things that can make you feel uncomfortable,' Rep. Brandon Lofton said on Wednesday. 'This bill puts an end to that.' Shrimp ban proposal gets loud It was shrimp that elicited a giant response from the public this week. A bill pushed by the state Senate would ban shrimp trawling — which uses a cone-shaped net to scoop up the crustaceans — inshore and within a half-mile (.8 kilometers) of coastal North Carolina shorelines. Proponents say shrimp trawling has negative environmental impacts, such as killing juvenile fish populations and disrupting ecosystems. But several coastal Republican legislators were outraged, saying the bill would completely devastate North Carolina's shrimping industry. About 75% of North Carolina shrimp are caught inshore, according to the North Carolina Local Food Council. Hundreds of shrimp industry members and their allies on Tuesday crowded inside and outside the Legislative Building to oppose the bill. A dozen semitrailers — draped with banners like 'NC Seafood for All. No Trawl Ban' — circled the building and blasted their horns for hours. Bill opponents cheered Wednesday outside a House Republican caucus meeting where members said they decided not to act on the bill. Many bills get over the finish line, head to the governor Legislators gave final approval this week to a host of bipartisan bills, such as a measure sought by the governor to require public school districts to pass policies barring students from having cellphones turned on during instructional time. There would be exceptions. Others were divisive, like a bill prohibiting state funds for gender-affirming care for prisoners and stating there are only two sexes. Another measure would allow private school boards to authorize a trained, permitted adult to carry a handgun on a school's campus for security. These measures now head to Stein's desk. The governor vetoed three GOP measures last week. No override attempts have yet occurred. Gary D. Robertson And Makiya Seminera, The Associated Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Washington Post
an hour ago
- Washington Post
North Carolina legislature leaves after passing Helene aid package, but still no budget
RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina legislature wrapped up the chief portion of its annual session Thursday, passing another Hurricane Helene aid package this week after Republican majorities pushed through divisive bills to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs and target transgender rights. Lawmakers in the ninth-largest state also fell short on completing their primary responsibility — enacting a two-year budget by July 1. There's no risk of a government shutdown, and House and Senate negotiators will keep meeting to reach budget agreements. Other legislation can be voted on when lawmakers return occasionally, possibly starting next month. More vetoes from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein likely will be waiting. House and Senate Republicans are split on competing budget bills they approved in the spring. Teacher and state employee pay, the scope of tax cuts and vacant government position eliminations are among the disagreements . Each package would spend $32.6 billion in the upcoming fiscal year and $33.3 billion in the next. 'The massive details behind each of our budgets doesn't allow us quick and urgent resolution,' GOP Rep. Donny Lambeth, a chief budget writer, told colleagues Wednesday. The inability of budget writers to work out a stopgap spending measure that usually contains noncontroversial or critical spending provisions gave fodder to Democrats. 'The people of North Carolina should expect better of us,' Rep. Deb Butler said. 'We have one job and that's to pass a budget, and we haven't done that.' Any final budget goes to Stein, whose own budget proposal spent more and froze planned income tax cuts. With the GOP one House seat shy of a veto-proof majority , Republicans will seek a final budget that enough Democrats support to override. Before adjourning, House and Senate Republicans hammered out another tranche of state funds to assist with Helene recovery in the mountains. Not including federal aid , the General Assembly already has appropriated or allocated more than $1.6 billion in recovery funds since last September's historic storm. This latest allotment — approved unanimously and now heading to Stein — moves $700 million to the state's Helene relief fund and appropriates $500 million of that. There's also nearly $1 billion more allocated in federal water and sewer grants and state transportation money with a focus on Helene repairs. Stein had urged lawmakers this week to set aside their differences 'and get this relief out the door.' Cutting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives were a major priority for GOP lawmakers. State agencies, local governments, public K-12 schools and higher education institutions would be impacted if the bills become law. Training, staff positions and hiring decisions that incorporate DEI are banned in state agencies under one bill. The legislation also would outlaw those agencies or local governments from using state funds for DEI programs. Two other bills would bar 'divisive concepts' and 'discriminatory practices' across public education in the state. Republicans have repeatedly said DEI programs have strayed too far from their original goal and create unfair treatment. 'When it's done right, it opens a door for more students to compete fairly,' Sen. Michael Lee, the bill's sponsor, said in committee Tuesday. 'When it's done wrong, it prioritizes identity over ability.' But Democrats said the legislation will 'chill' state employees' speech and may reverse progress for students of color who weren't historically afforded certain opportunities. 'A multiethnic, diverse society has to learn how to grapple with things that can make you feel uncomfortable,' Rep. Brandon Lofton said on Wednesday. 'This bill puts an end to that.' It was shrimp that elicited a giant response from the public this week. A bill pushed by the state Senate would ban shrimp trawling — which uses a cone-shaped net to scoop up the crustaceans — inshore and within a half-mile (.8 kilometers) of coastal North Carolina shorelines. Proponents say shrimp trawling has negative environmental impacts, such as killing juvenile fish populations and disrupting ecosystems. But several coastal Republican legislators were outraged, saying the bill would completely devastate North Carolina's shrimping industry. About 75% of North Carolina shrimp are caught inshore, according to the North Carolina Local Food Council. Hundreds of shrimp industry members and their allies on Tuesday crowded inside and outside the Legislative Building to oppose the bill. A dozen semitrailers — draped with banners like 'NC Seafood for All. No Trawl Ban' — circled the building and blasted their horns for hours. Bill opponents cheered Wednesday outside a House Republican caucus meeting where members said they decided not to act on the bill. Legislators gave final approval this week to a host of bipartisan bills, such as a measure sought by the governor to require public school districts to pass policies barring students from having cellphones turned on during instructional time. There would be exceptions. Others were divisive, like a bill prohibiting state funds for gender-affirming care for prisoners and stating there are only two sexes. Another measure would allow private school boards to authorize a trained, permitted adult to carry a handgun on a school's campus for security. These measures now head to Stein's desk. The governor vetoed three GOP measures last week. No override attempts have yet occurred.
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
North Carolina legislature leaves after passing Helene aid package, but still no budget
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina legislature wrapped up the chief portion of its annual session Thursday, passing another Hurricane Helene aid package this week after Republican majorities pushed through divisive bills to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs and target transgender rights. Lawmakers in the ninth-largest state also fell short on completing their primary responsibility — enacting a two-year budget by July 1. There's no risk of a government shutdown, and House and Senate negotiators will keep meeting to reach budget agreements. Other legislation can be voted on when lawmakers return occasionally, possibly starting next month. More vetoes from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein likely will be waiting. Chambers remain far apart on 2-year budget House and Senate Republicans are split on competing budget bills they approved in the spring. Teacher and state employee pay, the scope of tax cuts and vacant government position eliminations are among the disagreements. Each package would spend $32.6 billion in the upcoming fiscal year and $33.3 billion in the next. 'The massive details behind each of our budgets doesn't allow us quick and urgent resolution,' GOP Rep. Donny Lambeth, a chief budget writer, told colleagues Wednesday. The inability of budget writers to work out a stopgap spending measure that usually contains noncontroversial or critical spending provisions gave fodder to Democrats. 'The people of North Carolina should expect better of us,' Rep. Deb Butler said. 'We have one job and that's to pass a budget, and we haven't done that.' Any final budget goes to Stein, whose own budget proposal spent more and froze planned income tax cuts. With the GOP one House seat shy of a veto-proof majority, Republicans will seek a final budget that enough Democrats support to override. Next Helene spending installment finalized Before adjourning, House and Senate Republicans hammered out another tranche of state funds to assist with Helene recovery in the mountains. Not including federal aid, the General Assembly already has appropriated or allocated more than $1.6 billion in recovery funds since last September's historic storm. This latest allotment — approved unanimously and now heading to Stein — moves $700 million to the state's Helene relief fund and appropriates $500 million of that. There's also nearly $1 billion more allocated in federal water and sewer grants and state transportation money with a focus on Helene repairs. Stein had urged lawmakers this week to set aside their differences 'and get this relief out the door.' GOP focused on eliminating DEI programs Cutting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives were a major priority for GOP lawmakers. State agencies, local governments, public K-12 schools and higher education institutions would be impacted if the bills become law. Training, staff positions and hiring decisions that incorporate DEI are banned in state agencies under one bill. The legislation also would outlaw those agencies or local governments from using state funds for DEI programs. Two other bills would bar 'divisive concepts' and 'discriminatory practices' across public education in the state. Republicans have repeatedly said DEI programs have strayed too far from their original goal and create unfair treatment. 'When it's done right, it opens a door for more students to compete fairly,' Sen. Michael Lee, the bill's sponsor, said in committee Tuesday. 'When it's done wrong, it prioritizes identity over ability.' But Democrats said the legislation will 'chill' state employees' speech and may reverse progress for students of color who weren't historically afforded certain opportunities. 'A multiethnic, diverse society has to learn how to grapple with things that can make you feel uncomfortable,' Rep. Brandon Lofton said on Wednesday. 'This bill puts an end to that.' Shrimp ban proposal gets loud It was shrimp that elicited a giant response from the public this week. A bill pushed by the state Senate would ban shrimp trawling — which uses a cone-shaped net to scoop up the crustaceans — inshore and within a half-mile (.8 kilometers) of coastal North Carolina shorelines. Proponents say shrimp trawling has negative environmental impacts, such as killing juvenile fish populations and disrupting ecosystems. But several coastal Republican legislators were outraged, saying the bill would completely devastate North Carolina's shrimping industry. About 75% of North Carolina shrimp are caught inshore, according to the North Carolina Local Food Council. Hundreds of shrimp industry members and their allies on Tuesday crowded inside and outside the Legislative Building to oppose the bill. A dozen semitrailers — draped with banners like 'NC Seafood for All. No Trawl Ban' — circled the building and blasted their horns for hours. Bill opponents cheered Wednesday outside a House Republican caucus meeting where members said they decided not to act on the bill. Many bills get over the finish line, head to the governor Legislators gave final approval this week to a host of bipartisan bills, such as a measure sought by the governor to require public school districts to pass policies barring students from having cellphones turned on during instructional time. There would be exceptions. Others were divisive, like a bill prohibiting state funds for gender-affirming care for prisoners and stating there are only two sexes. Another measure would allow private school boards to authorize a trained, permitted adult to carry a handgun on a school's campus for security. These measures now head to Stein's desk. The governor vetoed three GOP measures last week. No override attempts have yet occurred.
