DA slams move to expand GNU; National Convention pushes on: Today's Top 7 stories in 7 minutes

News24

2 days ago

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 slams ANC's move to expand unity government, labelling it a recipe for chaos
- DA leader John Steenhuisen criticised the ANC's plan to expand the government of national unity (GNU), arguing it would complicate the existing arrangement.
- Steenhuisen revealed that the DA, a major GNU partner, hasn't been consulted about the expansion, potentially violating the signed statement of intent.
- He urged the GNU to focus on improving internal relations, conflict resolution, and consultation before considering adding more parties.
GPAA annual report
Ghost contract: No building, but govt pensions still paid R270m for lavish refurb
- The Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) paid Shula Developers R35.9 million and Dikeamo Architects R26.7 million for office refurbishment and design, respectively, for a building they cannot access.
- The Brooklyn Bridge office building, central to the lease deal, is owned by Attacq, which denies selling or leasing the property to either Shula Developers or the GPAA.
- The GPAA committed an additional R270 million for contractors to fix up the offices, despite the lease agreement appearing invalid and the lack of a competitive tender process for the contracts.
Marvin Charles/News24
High Court rescinds R1.25m payout order in Hank's Olde Irish Pub racism row
- The Western Cape High Court rescinded a R1.25 million default judgment against Christopher Logan, who was accused of falsely claiming racism at Hank's Olde Irish Pub.
- Judge Nathan Erasmus granted Logan's rescission application, setting aside the November 2024 default judgment, and instructed Logan to submit his notice to defend.
- The case originated from a December 2022 incident where Logan alleged his friend was denied entry to the pub due to his race, leading to social media backlash and a lawsuit for loss of income.
Amanda Khoza/News24
Task team assures legacy foundations' withdrawal won't impact National Convention
- Legacy foundations withdrew from the National Dialogue's Preparatory Task Team and National Convention, citing government control and rushed planning.
- The organising committee says the withdrawal will not impact the National Convention, which is set to take place at Unisa in Pretoria with around 1 000 delegates.
- The National Convention aims to start the National Dialogue, finalise themes for discussion, and establish a steering committee, with a focus on citizen-led talks and community dialogues.
Getty Images/ Malikov Aleksandr
Ad watchdog orders J&J to drop 'number 1' nasal spray claim based on data whiff
- The ARB has ruled that Johnson & Johnson's Sinutab commercial claiming it's SA's 'number 1 decongestant spray' is unsupported.
- The ruling followed a complaint by Procter & Gamble, who argued their Iliadin nasal spray had higher overall sales.
- The ARB found the claim too broad and the disclaimer unclear, violating advertising code sections.
Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
FIRST TAKE | Rassie's Libbok backing confirms he is still SA's premier playmaker
- Rassie Erasmus' selection of Manie Libbok as flyhalf for the Test against Australia demonstrates his high regard for the player.
- Libbok's selection indicates that Erasmus trusts him despite the emergence of Feinberg-Mngomezulu and the presence of Handre Pollard.
- Libbok's attacking skills and improved goal-kicking make him a key player for the Springboks, especially in their plan to play a fast-paced game.
Vans are much better than double cabs bakkies for real-world people moving and leisure activity logistics.
Lance Branquinho/News24
OPINION | Ford vans dominate the EU: Can they convince SA's bakkie buyers?
- Ford's Transit and Tourneo vans offer space and customisability for adventurous owners and large families, presenting an alternative to the popular double cab bakkies and SUVs in South Africa.
- The Transit Custom Sport caters to those needing only two seats and a customisable load area, while the Tourneo prioritises family seating with its adjustable track system and USB ports for all passengers.
- Despite their advantages, Ford vans have smaller fuel tanks and require AdBlue, which may be a consideration for long-distance travel compared to vehicles like the Ranger double cab.