19 August 2025: 'Trump rejects ceasefire for Ukraine peace deal' and other world headlines
If you wish to stay up-to-date – for FREE – on the latest international and South African news, then bookmark The South African website for all that plus the latest in the world of finance, sport, lifestyle – and more.
Did we mention it was 100% free to read …?
What are your thoughts on Trump's stance? Share your views in the comments below.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
4 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Cybersecurity an ‘economic and safety imperative'
Last month, National Treasury confirmed that it found malware on its Infrastructure Reporting Model website. A risk strategy firm says cybersecurity is not just a technical concern, but an economic and safety imperative. The firm was responding to the recent large-scale software hack, which impacted millions worldwide, including businesses and the National Treasury in South Africa. Treasury attack Last month, National Treasury confirmed that it found malware on its Infrastructure Reporting Model website, an online infrastructure reporting and monitoring system. It said the issue was related to the recent attacks on SharePoint, a widely used web-based platform developed by Microsoft for collaboration and document management. Commenting on the hack, Spiros Fatouros, CEO of Marsh McLennan Africa and South Africa, said emerging technologies are fuelling new vulnerabilities, with hackers using them to carry out larger and more sophisticated attacks than ever before. 'Because modern software and systems are so well integrated, one system's weak spot can allow access to vast amounts of highly sensitive or confidential data. 'With over 400 businesses, entities, and government departments from around the world impacted by the attacks, it will take time to fully assess the extent of the breach and the types of data accessed by hackers,' he said. ALSO READ: South Africa remains a global hotspot for data breaches WEF golbal risks report The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 Global Risks Report identified cyber risks as a major threat to economic stability. In recognition of this, the South African government earlier this month moved to include cyber risks in its National Security Strategy. The Global Risk Report also highlights the interconnectedness of risks, with cyber threats closely linked to geopolitical risks, supply chain disruptions, illicit activity and conflict. Cyber risk Fatouros said effective cyber risk management demands a multi-layered approach that includes technical defences, secure data storage, staff training and the inclusion of cybersecurity professionals from the start of any new technology project. He said businesses must also have plans and processes in place to limit data and economic losses, reduce reputational harm and recover quickly in the event of a breach. Microsoft issued patches for two versions of the software, noting that one, SharePoint 2016, remains vulnerable to attacks. READ NEXT: Data breaches cost SA organisations over R360m in 3 years
IOL News
34 minutes ago
- IOL News
Eskom's clean energy era begins with 291MW solar drive
Eskom continues to develop a balanced energy mix, including coal, nuclear, gas, renewables, and energy storage solutions such as battery energy storage systems and pumped hydro. Image: Matt McClain | The Washington Post Eskom has taken a major step in shifting South Africa's energy mix with the launch of its first Renewable Energy Offtake Programme. The initiative invites large power users to procure 291MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) from Eskom-owned renewable energy sites. The programme follows an expression of interest process and extensive engagement with commercial and industrial customers, which showed strong demand for direct contracting through PPAs. These agreements allow businesses to align with global sustainability standards, reduce carbon footprints, and green supply chains, boosting competitiveness. Electricity generation and distribution both showed slight declines in June 2025 compared with the same period last year, although overall output and consumption edged up in the second quarter compared with the first. The launch of the offtake programme, particularly focused on solar PV, is part of Eskom's push to stabilise supply while increasing renewable capacity. Crown Prince Adil Nchabeleng, independent energy expert, has estimated that less than 1% of households have solar, making the point that most solar subsidies have gone to big businesses and not households. He added that the subsidies were limited to panels and didn't include other aspects such as batteries. In a world where energy dynamics are constantly shifting, Sakhile Ngcongwane, Business Development Manager at SolarAfrica, said that renewable energy is no longer confined to the simplistic installation of a few rooftop panels. Successful bidders will enter PPAs ranging from five to 25 years, with energy delivered in phases from multiple Eskom projects. The first project is expected to reach commercial operation by December 2027. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'This is the next step in the focused execution of our strategy to integrate additional renewable energy into the grid, in line with global electricity industry trends for environmentally sustainable solutions,' said Eskom CEO Dan Marokane. Marokane noted that, 'just over a year into our turnaround strategy, we are not only focused on ending loadshedding but are also pivoting Eskom into a sustainable and competitive company while ensuring security of supply through a customer-centric approach'. Eskom Distribution acting group executive Agnes Mlambo added, 'by offering customised renewable energy offtake solutions, we are enabling our customers to transition to low-carbon operations while ensuring a secure and competitive supply. Engaging with the private sector in this structured manner gives impetus to Eskom's efforts to create a sustainable pathway for clean power integration into the grid.' Eskom continues to develop a balanced energy mix, including coal, nuclear, gas, renewables, and energy storage solutions such as battery energy storage systems and pumped hydro. A dedicated renewable energy business will accelerate deployment, targeting 2GW of construction-ready projects by 2026 and scaling up to 32GW, including Green Hydrogen, by 2040. IOL Business
The South African
34 minutes ago
- The South African
SASSA SRD payment dates for August
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed the August COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant payment dates. Beneficiaries will receive funds between 27 and 30 August. SASSA urged beneficiaries to note the set dates. The agency explained that payments will be processed in cycles, and applicants with outstanding issues will only receive funds once their details have been cleared. 'The next payment date for August for COVID-19 SRD is from 27 to 30 August,' the agency stated. Many applicants continue to question what a 'referred' status means when checking their SRD applications. According to SASSA, this status signals that the applicant must verify their identity before receiving payment. 'It means you must verify your identity,' the agency explained. SASSA added that the measure is part of its security checks. 'You get referred status to enhance security, ensure that we are paying the eligible beneficiary and minimise the risk of paying the wrong person,' the agency said. Beneficiaries who resolve their 'referred' status will not lose their payments. SASSA confirmed that once the verification process is completed, the applicant's payments will resume normally. 'If referred status has been resolved you will get paid from the next payment cycle and historic payments will be paid as per the schedule,' the agency noted. The SRD grant continues to support millions of South Africans who face economic hardship. However, SASSA has reminded applicants to keep their personal information updated to avoid delays in accessing the funds. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
