How Lotto was looted; Underworld murder-accused shot dead: Today's top 7 stories
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.
Scandals, shortlists, showdowns: Battle for Joburg's top job heats up
- Floyd Brink, whose previous appointment as Johannesburg's city manager was ruled unconstitutional, is on the shortlist for the same position again.
- The appointment process is under scrutiny due to concerns about transparency and governance, particularly regarding the potential involvement of controversial figures like Helen Botes.
- Mayor Dada Morero aims to finalise the city manager appointment within two months amid ongoing legal battles and questions surrounding Brink's past tenure.
Thahasello Mphatsoe/News24
WASTE LAND | Eight months on, Kagiso residents still live in sewage, despite mayor's promises
- Mogale City residents are still dealing with sewage spills in their homes, despite promises from the mayor eight months ago.
- The Percy Stewart Wastewater Treatment Plant is now releasing cleaner water into the nearby river.
- Tourists are returning to attractions around the Cradle of Humankind.
Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais
Underworld murder-accused Andre Naudé shot dead in Parow
- Security company owner Andre Naudé was shot dead in Parow, Cape Town, on Thursday.
- The shooting occurred on Voortrekker Road, and Cape Town's MMC for safety and security, JP Smith, deployed his team to the scene.
- Naude was reportedly with his bodyguard at the time of the incident.
KZN official trying to attack ex-DG in R100m fund squabble 'restrained' by guards
- KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli is set to launch a R100-million youth empowerment project amid allegations of irregularities in the selection process.
- Former DG Nonhlanhla Mkhize allegedly faced intimidation and almost physical harm for blocking funding to unqualified companies, leading to her abrupt resignation.
- ActionSA has requested a postponement of the beneficiary announcement pending an investigation into allegations of interference and irregularities in the appointment process.
How Lotto was looted: Limpopo farm shows 4-step plan officials used to siphon funds
- Investigations reveal a consistent pattern of Lottery fraud where grant money is channelled to corrupt non-profits and then to attorneys, used to purchase assets.
- The SIU has identified a four-step playbook for looting Lotto funds: creating/hijacking a nonprofit, securing funding via internal players, diverting funds to a private company, and sending money to attorneys for asset purchases.
- Despite freezing assets worth over R100 million, only R9.5 million in cash has been recovered, and few cases have reached the courts, highlighting the difficulty in prosecuting these crimes.
Paul Harding/Gallo Images
Proteas Day 1 review: Rabada carrying the weight of three Aussie quicks in WTC final
- Kagiso Rabada's five-wicket haul wasn't enough as South Africa struggled against Australia's strong bowling attack on day one of the WTC final.
- Australia's pace trio of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood outperformed South Africa, exposing their batting weaknesses and lack of support for Rabada.
- Stuart Broad highlighted that Australia's advantage lies in having three top-tier bowlers compared to South Africa's reliance on Rabada alone.
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Associated Press
15 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Afghanistan is starting its fifth year of Taliban rule. Here are 5 things to know
The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in 2021 for the second time. Since then, the former insurgents have consolidated their grip on power, excluded women and girls from public life, stamped out internal dissent and external challengers, and gained debut recognition as the country's official government from Russia, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. The Taliban govern through decrees, but Afghans have aspirations and needs that cannot be fulfilled through edicts and ideology. Climate change, an increasing population, and severe cuts to foreign aid will test the Taliban's ability to lead and not just rule. Here are five things to know about the Taliban as they start their fifth year in power: The supreme leader has cemented his legacy Kandahar-based Hibatullah Akhundzada has led the Taliban from insurgency to authority since his appointment in 2016. But transition and status are peripheral to what he has wanted for the past 20 years: establishing an Islamic system. Central to this vision was his ratification last year of the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Law, which codifies many aspects of Afghan life, including who people can befriend. In June, Akhundzada said the Taliban had fought and sacrificed themselves for the implementation of Islamic law. It was obligatory to follow the leadership's commands and directives, he added, and everyone was required to act within the bounds of this obedience. His supporters emphasize his superior religious authority to issue decrees. The higher education minister went one step further in April, equating criticism of Akhundzada with blasphemy and saying obedience to him was a divine order. 'He (the leader) decides what moves and what doesn't move, what happens and what doesn't,' said Ibraheem Bahiss, a senior analyst with Crisis Group's Asia program. The Taliban's internal differences are buried deep There were pockets within the Taliban that initially advocated lifting bans on women and girls, or at least modifying them, to allow greater global and financial engagement. Akhundzada and his circle withstood such pressure, however, and the Taliban government has emerged from its isolation to develop diplomatic ties and raise several billion dollars every year in tax revenues to keep the lights on. Power brokers, like Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, have been weakened. Since November, Akhundzada has had direct control over Afghanistan's weapons and military equipment, sidelining the Interior Ministry and the Defense Ministry, which is run by Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, whose father founded the Taliban. Haqqani, whose uncle was killed in a high-profile suicide attack last December, used to take swipes at the leadership. Not anymore. Haqqani, who heads a powerful network of his own, cannot start a fight with the Kandahar faction and win. Political deputy Sher Abbas Stanikzai rebuked Akhundzada in January, stating the education bans had no basis in Islamic law, or Sharia. He left Afghanistan shortly afterwards and remains outside the country. He denies reports that he fled or faced arrest had he stayed. Akhundzada has put Islamic law at the heart of his leadership, while also putting his leadership at the heart of its implementation. 'He's made himself indispensable, and the entire movement is beholden to him,' Bahiss said. There's no sign of change for Afghan women and girls Russia's recognition of the Taliban sends a 'deeply troubling' message, said Zahra Nader, the editor-in-chief of the Afghan women-led newsroom Zan Times. 'It tells the Taliban they can continue to suppress women's rights and commit systematic human rights violations without facing consequences. They are being rewarded for it. This move is a slap in the face to Afghan women.' There is opposition to the Taliban's policies, but people are fearful because no powerful alternative exists, she said. The Taliban 'took the country by force and maintained control' through violence. Women took to Afghanistan's streets in protest after the takeover, but these were met with retaliation. 'The absence of visible protest should not be mistaken for acceptance,' said Nader. 'It reflects the extreme risks people face for dissent. The resistance is still there, quiet, private, and simmering, but public expression has been crushed through fear and force.' The Taliban insist that women's rights are protected. Nader says that, although there is 'little faith' that the country's rulers will change their policies, women are preparing themselves 'emotionally and intellectually' for a future beyond the Taliban. 'That hope, that this brutality will not last forever, is what keeps many of them going. These women do not believe the regime will change its stance on women's rights.' Regional ties are transactional It's not trust or shared values that define the Taliban's relationships. Afghanistan borders six countries, many of which are trade partners and also balk at being lectured by the West on rights and freedoms. Landlocked Afghanistan is sandwiched between the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia, making it strategically located for energy-rich and energy-hungry nations. The Taliban's bilateral relations proceed on common ground: borders, water, transit, and security. Anti-migrant rhetoric, especially in Europe, could increase diplomatic engagement as political parties in the West seek to placate their supporters. The UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies said the Taliban's broader diplomatic interactions were eroding the 'non-recognition' approach of the West and ushering in 'creeping normalization.' The Taliban feel comfortable in the region and have found an acceptable way of operating, while the region has adjusted to their presence. 'What we've seen in the last four years is not real pressure (on the Taliban), but rather normalization and appeasement,' Nader said. 'For those of us watching from inside and outside Afghanistan, this is not just political, it's personal. It's painful. It confirms our fear that the suffering of Afghan women is being sidelined in favor of political interests.' The real test for the Taliban is yet to come Until April, the U.S. was the largest donor to Afghanistan, where more than half of the population relies on aid to survive. But it terminated this emergency assistance due to concerns that the Taliban were benefiting from such aid. Thousands of Afghans, including women, will lose their jobs as nongovernmental organizations and agencies scale back their work or shut down. The loss of jobs, contracts, and the shrinking humanitarian footprint also equate to a loss in revenue for the Taliban. One U.N. agency said there were 'reputational and staff security risks' where humanitarian agencies were forced to suspend operations due to reduced funding, causing grievances among communities, or after partners couldn't pay suppliers or complete contracts. Aid officials warn that frustration and an increase in tensions will trigger spontaneous violence as people compete for resources and services. The cuts coincide with the mass expulsions of Afghans from neighboring countries, swelling the population and the ranks of the unemployed while also halting the flow of inward remittances. The World Health Organization estimates the population will increase by 85% to 76.88 million by 2050. Afghanistan needs to give people food, shelter, and economic opportunities. Thomas Ruttig, from the Afghanistan Analysts Network, recalled meeting a leading Taliban figure in a 'completely rundown' office during the late 1990s. The Taliban fighter told him they could live under those circumstances, but foreigners couldn't. 'What they also say is that Afghans can live under those circumstances, which, to an extent, is true,' said Ruttig. 'They were forced to live under those circumstances and have learned how to cope.' Now their means of coping — houses, land, and some savings — are gone. The Taliban took it for granted that they won the war with the help of Allah and the population, he explained. He added that, although the Taliban were a reflection of Afghans' ambitions, they needed to open up and listen to people's concerns. 'But they know the more they open up, the more they are questioned, and their rule might be undermined.' The Taliban needed to think about whether they wanted to govern the country simply to rule it, said Ruttig. 'Or do we want to rule this country to make Afghanistan a better place to live? That's probably the big question in front of them.'
News24
2 hours ago
- News24
The great talkathon: Could SA's National Dialogue risk becoming just more noise?
EDITORIAL: The great talkathon: Could SA's National Dialogue risk becoming just more noise? South Africans are not afraid to speak out about the challenges facing their country. The airwaves are filled with concerned voices, or citizens choose the route of protest action. They've also had opportunities to attend imbizos or engage with the National Council of Provinces' initiative, Taking Parliament to the People. While South Africans are eager to participate in initiatives aimed at addressing the country's issues, trust in public institutions – a cornerstone of any functioning democracy – is steadily declining. This erosion of trust is exacerbated by the recurring pattern of countless inquiries being launched, their reports left to gather dust, with little to no action taken, despite recommendations being made that politicians face prosecution. A pressing question is whether the much-anticipated National Dialogue will turn out to be another costly tick-box exercise, yielding no tangible results. Many share this fear. In this week's edition of Friday Briefing, we explore both sides of the debate on whether a National Dialogue is the appropriate step forward for the country. Independent analyst Ebrahim Fakir argues against the concept, stating that while a National Dialogue may create a sense of unity and optimism, it fails to address the deeper issues of state capacity, policy incoherence, and lack of political will. National Dialogue co-convenor Tinyiko Maluleke offers another perspective, telling in-depth writer Muhammad Hussain that he believes it is a credible process and that its credibility can only increase. We also have input from Cosatu general secretary, Solly Phetoe, and reflect on the views of Maluleke, Nombiniso Gasa and Bheki Ntshalintshali, who are all members of the Eminent Persons Group. You can read these full submissions below. Dialogue, distraction or deception? Ordinarily, one should never silence or dissuade anyone from talking in a democracy, unless they are propagating violence or promoting hate. But there are instances in which it is wise to ask people to stop talking, especially if talking is a distraction and a waste of time and money, writes Ebrahim Fakir. Read the the rest of the article here. Q&A with Tinyiko Maluleke | 'We are the guarantors of the National Dialogue's credibility' Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, who is the co-chair together with Roelf Meyer of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) for the National Dialogue, responds to concerns about the dialogue's implementation challenges and explains the group's role in ensuring credibility. Read the rest of the article here. SA's triple crisis: Can National Dialogue fix jobs, graft and division? With 72% youth unemployment tearing the country apart and fake news fueling racial hatred, President Cyril Ramaphosa's National Dialogue is South Africa's last chance to force government, business, and citizens into a brutal reckoning with decades of failed promises, writes Solly Phetoe. Read the rest of the article here. GCIS Why the National Dialogue is still credible - EPG As the reputations of many of the EPG are on line, the group has this week defended the process to the hilt - which is its mandate. We ask some of the eminent persons when will risking your reputation be too much, especially with major warning signs of a credibility and legitimacy crisis. Read the rest of the article here. Show Comments ()
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
'It's coming home' - the undignified row over the body of Zambia's ex-president
"It's coming home!" – a phrase indelibly linked to English football fans – has now gained currency among some Zambians in the battle over what to do with the body of former President Edgar Lungu. The 68-year-old died two months ago in South Africa where he was being treated for an undisclosed illness. In the latest episode of what is now a full-blown saga, a Pretoria court ruled in the Zambian government's favour, saying that in the public interest, Lungu's remains can be repatriated and given a state funeral, against the wishes of the family. The decision triggered celebrations among some governing party supporters, who shared Facebook posts with the phrase: "It's coming home," as if Zambia had won a trophy. An undignified response, perhaps, but it has come to symbolise how divisive and partisan this has become. For some, who are fed up with the row, the sorrow and grief that came with Lungu's passing have faded into feelings of fatigue. But despite a host of more pressing economic problems, public discussions continue to be dominated by the fallout from the death of the former president, who led the country for six years from 2015. The seeds of the controversy were sown in the feud between Lungu and his successor – the man who soundly beat him in the 2021 election – Hakainde Hichilema. But it has now spiralled into a row laced with wild accusations of witchcraft. When the judge in South Africa made his ruling last week, the ensuing anger from Lungu's older sister was telling. Bertha Lungu burst into a fit of rage, crying uncontrollably as she hurled unsavoury words at Zambia's Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, who was also present in court. "Kabesha, Lungu is not your father's son… he's not Hakainde's son… This is really painful. I don't want to go to Zambia," she cried as people, including her niece, Tasila Lungu, struggled to comfort her and cover her mouth. The body has not yet been repatriated to Zambia because the Lungu family is appealing against the South African judge's decision – a case that is due to be heard on Friday. This was all supposed to have been settled in June, when the family initially agreed that there could be a state funeral in Zambia. But the plans were scuppered over a dispute about what role President Hichilema would play. Lungu's family said one of his dying wishes was that Hichilema should not go anywhere near his body. The key to understanding the animosity was the more than 100 days that Hichilema, opposition leader at the time, spent in detention in 2017, awaiting trial on treason charges. He was accused of endangering the life of then-President Lungu after his motorcade allegedly refused to give way to the one transporting the head of state. The charges were only dropped after the intervention of the secretary general of the Commonwealth. This was one of several times that Hichilema was arrested while he was in the opposition. In turn, the Lungus have alleged persecution under Hichilema. Tasila and the former president's widow, Esther, continue to face corruptions charges, which they deny. Lungu's family have vowed that they are prepared to wait for the court process as long as it takes to ensure he receives a burial they consider dignified, even if it means stalling the process, according to their spokesperson Makebi Zulu. They insist that while they were open to burying Lungu in Zambia, they want to honour his wishes that Hichilema should not attend the event. The presidential feud that even death couldn't end From Dos Santos to Mugabe - the burial disputes over ex-leaders But the authorities are adamant that the former president should be accorded a state funeral to be attended by his successor and given a proper send-off as a former president. The government, through the attorney general, has even indicated Lungu may have to be buried without the family's involvement. "If they want to set a precedent, let them give us reasons why the current president should not go near the casket. And who has told them that he wants to be near the casket, anyway?" he told the state broadcaster ZNBC. "We are ready as government to discuss with the family, we will never ignore the family unless the family just walks out... but the family has a right to say: 'We are not coming, we are not part of it.' Then we will proceed and bury without them." There is no Zambian law that stipulates how former presidents should be buried. Traditionally, all ex-leaders have been accorded state funerals and buried at Embassy Park, which is specifically reserved for them. Sishuwa Sishuwa, a Zambian historian and senior lecturer at South Africa's Stellenbosch University, strongly disagrees with the idea that Lungu could be buried without his family's involvement. "Such reckless statements are culturally insensitive, undermine the government's claims that its actions are motivated by the desire to accord Lungu a dignified burial, and indicate that political considerations rather than public interest are the key drivers at play," he told the BBC. "The failure by Hichilema to rein in on the unruly conduct of his officials and supporters has fed public perception that the president approves of such conduct and consequently heightened divisions." He argues that had Hichilema publicly indicated that he would stay away from the funeral, Lungu would have been buried long ago. Dr Sishuwa says that the authorities' determination to take the body of Lungu from the grieving family - in the name of giving him a dignified funeral - has not only worsened political divisions but has also fed the belief that the body may be wanted "for occult reasons", in a country where the belief in witchcraft is widespread. Nevers Mumba, the leader of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy, which is in a political alliance with Hichilema's party, has defended the president. "What drives [the president] is not obsession, but a deep, deep sense of duty. Hakainde Hichilema never gives up on anything he pursues as long as he believes he is doing the right thing," Mumba, who is also a pastor, wrote on his Facebook page. "He fights, with a clear conscience till the end, and he keeps on refining his methods until he gets it right." How long this fight will go on for is not known, but several episodes of the saga are yet to be written. Zambians may shrug and try to focus on other matters, but they will still get drawn into the debate about whether the body should "come home". More about Zambia from the BBC: Funeral row causes chaos for mourners of Zambia's ex-president Zambia dismisses US health warning after toxic spill in copper mining area 'My son is a drug addict, please help' - the actor breaking a Zambian taboo Artist explores the toxic mining legacy of Zambia's 'black mountains' Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Focus on Africa This Is Africa
