Ramaphosa touts state capture gains; Citrus at risk: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
Graphic: Sharlene Rood/News24
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.
Ramaphosa claims 'significant progress' in implementing state capture recommendations
- President Ramaphosa claims 'significant progress' in implementing accountability and institutional reforms related to state capture, reporting 48% completion of actions from the Zondo Commission's recommendations.
- Nearly R11 billion in stolen public funds has been recovered, with high-profile state capture cases scheduled for trials in 2025-2026.
- Despite progress, criticism remains regarding implicated ministers still in office and the effectiveness of reforms in preventing future state capture.
Lisalee Solomons/News24
Alleged Cape Town baby snatcher Shamiema Jacobs granted bail
- Shamiema Jacobs, accused of kidnapping a nine-day-old baby in Cape Town, was granted R4 000 bail.
- The magistrate imposed strict conditions, including that Jacobs cannot go to Mitchells Plain and Strandfontein and must report to the police three times a week.
- Jacobs faces charges of kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice after the baby was found at her home.
Emma Powell resigns as DA's international relations spokesperson
- Emma Powell resigned as the DA's international relations spokesperson after being accused of spreading disinformation about South Africa during a US visit.
- The DA had previously requested protection for Powell amid allegations that she undermined SA's international relations by pushing an anti-government agenda in the US.
- Ryan Smith will take over Powell's role, and she will remain a member of the DA caucus in Parliament with a new portfolio to be announced soon.
Gallo Images/Die Burger/Theo Jeptha
Ramaphosa denies Mchunu special treatment, justifies Cachalia costs in court papers
- President Cyril Ramaphosa defended his decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave amid corruption allegations, citing it as rational and constitutional.
- MK Party and Jacob Zuma challenged the special leave, Cachalia's appointment, and the inquiry in the Constitutional Court, claiming they are unconstitutional.
- Ramaphosa justified appointing Professor Cachalia as acting minister to uphold criminal justice legitimacy, despite the costs, and denies giving Mchunu special treatment.Citrus farmers warn of rotting fruit as US tariff deadline looms
- The SA Citrus Growers' Association (CGA) is concerned about a looming 30% tariff from the US on 1 August, which could make farmland unprofitable.
- The CGA is requesting urgent government intervention to secure a new trade deal with the US or a special extension of the 10% universal tariff for fresh produce exports.
- If the 30% tariff is implemented, farmers could see 500 to 1 000 hectares of farmland become unprofitable, and many cartons of citrus will be left unsold.
Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
Gutted Wallabies give Rassie fresh incentive to mobilise his '7-1' Bok brew
- Despite improved performances from Skelton and Valetini, the Wallabies still lack consistent forward power.
- The Springboks may use a forward-heavy bench split (6-2 or 7-1) to exploit this weakness in the upcoming Rugby Championship matches.
- South Africa has dominated Australia in recent matches, winning the last four encounters.
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