
24 hours in pictures, 30 July 2025
Through the lens: The Citizen's Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world.
A touristic amphibious bus goes ashore during a road test in Busan, South Korea, 30 July 2025. The Busan metropolitan government plans to launch the service of a 27-seat touristic amphibious bus in the first half of 2026. The vehicle has a maximal speed of 100 km/h on land and about 18.5 km/h in the water. Picture: EPA/YONHAP Mduduzi Mnisi before his charges were dropped at Roodepoort Magistrates' Court, West of Johannesburg, 30 July 2025, for murdering a 14-year-old former Ikusasalethu Secondary School learner, Likhona Fos. Picture: Nigel Sibanda /The Citizen Firefighters and GNR members try to extinguish a forest fire in Bemposta, Penamacor, Portugal, 29 July 2025. The fire that broke out on 28 July in Penamacor, in the Castelo Branco district, has entered the aftermath and surveillance phase, according to the Civil Protection. Picture: EPA/MIGUEL PEREIRA DA SILVA People participate in the grand civic-military parade commemorating the 204th anniversary of Peru's independence, in Lima, Peru, 29 July 2025. Picture: EPA/Paolo Aguilar Mourners and music fans line the streets to pay their respects as the funeral cortege of Ozzy Osbourne, the late lead singer of Black Sabbath, makes its way through Birmingham, central England on July 30, 2025. Thousands are expected to line the streets in Ozzy Osbourne's UK hometown of Birmingham on Wednesday to honour the heavy metal hell-raiser Ozzy Osbourne as he is laid to rest. Osbourne, nicknamed the 'Prince of Darkness' and who once bit a bat while on stage while performing with his Black Sabbath band, died on July 22 at the age of 76. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) MKP supporters marching outside the Constitutional Court during an urgent bid to challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa decisions on Minister Senzo Mchunu and the corruption Inquiry at Constitutional Court on July 30, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa made the decisions after serious allegations surfaced about corruption and criminal infiltration within key government institutions. (Photo by Gallo Images/Luba Lesolle) Advocate Dali Mpofu and Colleen Makhubele during an urgent bid to challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa decisions on Minister Senzo Mchunu and the corruption Inquiry at Constitutional Court on July 30, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa made the decisions after serious allegations surfaced about corruption and criminal infiltration within key government institutions. (Photo by Gallo Images/Luba Lesolle) An aerial photo shows fishermen pulling a net at a beach in Banda Aceh on July 29, 2025. (Photo by CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN / AFP) Indian school children participate in the 'Save Our Tiger' awareness campaign on the International Tiger Day organised by the non-governmental organisation Art Cultural Educational Enlight Foundation in Bangalore, India, 29 July 2025. The International Tiger Day is observed annually on 29 July to raise awareness about the risk of extinction of tigers and the need to save them. Picture: EPA/JAGADEESH NV A migrant runs to board a smuggler's inflatable dinghy in an attempt to cross the English Channel off the beach of Gravelines, northern France on July 29, 2025. (Photo by Sameer Al-DOUMY / AFP) Fishermen sit in a boat at the River Indus, as sufficient water comes in downstream at Ghulam Mohammed Barrage Jamshoro, in Hyderabad, Pakistan, 29 July 2025. Authorities have opened the spillways of Rawal Dam as the water level surged to 1748.40 feet, nearing its maximum capacity of 1752 feet, following heavy rainfall in Islamabad. Residents nearby have been urged to stay cautious. Picture: EPA/NADEEM KHAWAR
MORE: 24 hours in pictures, 29 July 2025
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
‘A layer of sweetness': Jackie Phamotse reflects on nomination amid two-year sentence
Jackie Phamotse was sentenced to house arrest for defaming media moguls Romeo and Basetsana Kumalo in a tweet a few years ago. 'The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory' are words that are ringing true for author Jackie Phamotse. This is after her book, The Tea Merchant, was nominated at this year's Sunday Times Literary Awards in the Fiction Prize category. 'The recognition means a lot to me, especially considering the book's release coincided with a challenging time in my life,' Phamotse told The Citizen. The Tea Merchant was released a year ago in August, following Phamotse's sentencing to two years of correctional supervision (house arrest) and ordered to perform community service by the Randburg Magistrate's Court. The judgment came after a six-year-long legal battle for defaming media moguls Romeo and Basetsana Kumalo over a tweet alleging that Romeo had engaged in a sexual encounter with another man. 'Being sentenced to two years of correctional supervision certainly adds a layer of sweetness to this nomination. It's a testament to the book's impact and resonance with readers,' shared Phamotse. ALSO READ: Jackie Phamotse announces 11th book months after being sentenced to house arrest Phamotse in a 'good place' Soon after the judgment, Phamotse said God had given her strength and peace. 'I'm covered. I'm home, lost nothing but given more time to do what I'm called to do,' she said in 2024. Speaking to this publication 12 months after the court's decision, Phamotse expressed the same conviction. 'I have never focused on things that don't serve me. I have used my time to study and write. I am in a good place and feel blessed that I can still do what I have always set out to do,' shared Phamotse. 'This nomination is a big one, as I started as a self-published author and now work with Penguin Random House. My work will outlive me, and I am very proud of it.' Phamotse said she was a writer, and that is her main priority. 'I tell stories that no one dares to, and The Tea Merchant was a book that held me up during my trial. I wrote it, hoping that it would inspire and give light to our historical heritage of the Khoi and San people. It's a story about extreme prejudice and racial oppression. But it's a resilient story.' ALSO READ: Author Jackie Phamotse sentenced to two years house arrest and community service in Kumalos case Readers' response to The Tea Merchant Since releasing the book, Phamotse has been invited to book festivals and book clubs across the country to share the book. She was a guest at the Franschhoek Literary Festival and the Kingsmead Book Fair, and also received an invitation to an all-male book club by Black Dads Unplugged. 'The reception of The Tea Merchant has been overwhelmingly positive, with invitations to various book festivals and clubs. I'm humbled by the response, and it's clear that readers have connected with the story and its themes,' Phamotse said. She says one of the most surprising aspects has been seeing how readers relate to the characters and their struggles. 'It's something completely different to the BARE series; this speaks to my consistency in the literature space. I have written books that have stayed in the hearts of people.' The book tackles several topics, including depression, stalking, and racial community dynamics. Set in 2005 in the north of Cape Town, involving rooibos farming, the book required meticulous research. 'While it was challenging, I enjoyed delving into the history and culture surrounding rooibos. The detailed setting was crucial in bringing the story to life, and I'm glad readers have appreciated the effort that went into crafting the world of Cameron Coal and Luna Parks . This will be my 13th book,' says Phamotse. Through The Tea Merchant, the author says she aimed to celebrate South African heritage while exploring complex themes and characters. 'I'm passionate about using my platform to spark meaningful conversations and raise awareness about important issues,' Phamotse averred. Part of her conditions is that she is allowed to travel for work purposes. ALSO READ: 'Blesser's Game' author Jackie Phamotse pivots to children's books Book 2 on the way The Tea Merchant is Book 1 of a two-part series, and those who've already read it are already making enquiries about its sequel. 'I'm currently working on Book 2, which will continue the story of Cameron and Luna. While I don't have a specific release date, Book 2 is called The Advocate and is scheduled for release in September 2025,' shared Phamotse. She said the second book will delve deeper into the mysteries and secrets hinted at in The Tea Merchant. 'I'm excited to share the next part of the series with readers…. And I'm looking forward to exploring the characters' journeys further.' NOW READ: Author Jackie Phamotse's open letter to Ramaphosa: 'Do you not understand the risks you have created in your agenda with Nigeria?'

IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
MK Party condemns ConCourt's dismissal of court challenge against Ramaphosa
Judiciary's failure to hold President Cyril Ramaphosa accountable sparks outrage from MK Party Image: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL Politics The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has voiced its strong condemnation of the Constitutional Court's recent decision to dismiss a critical challenge against President Cyril Ramaphosa's actions, asserting that the judiciary has failed to hold the head of state accountable for what the party describes as 'flagrant constitutional violations.' Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela issued a statement on Monday criticising the court's move. 'To the shock of most South Africans who believed that the rule of law still prevails, the Constitutional Court has unfortunately chosen to turn a blind eye and take the easy way out by hiding behind technicalities, instead of addressing the real issues that the MK Party has presented.' He added that the court's decision to defer the matter to the High Court effectively sidesteps what the MK Party sees as a looming constitutional crisis. The challenge was rooted in President Ramaphosa's decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave and to announce Professor Firoz Cachalia as the acting Police Minister, a move the MK Party argues contravenes constitutional provisions and undermines accountability. 'The Constitutional Court has abdicated its responsibility to hold the Executive accountable,' the statement continued. 'This decision disregards the courageous efforts of whistleblowers like General Mkhwanazi and many others who are committed to fostering a safer, more accountable South Africa.' The MK Party is not backing down and announced that it is exploring all peaceful avenues to press for justice. 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 As part of its next steps, the party stated it issued a formal letter of demand to President Ramaphosa, requesting him to explain the ongoing constitutional turmoil. The party stated that among the questions posed are issues surrounding the funding of two Police Ministers and an allegedly 'illegal Commission of Inquiry', which the party says are politically motivated and fiscally irresponsible. 'We have also demanded that President Ramaphosa respond to a list of 15 questions by August 8, 2025, concerning his dealings with the CR17 and Phala Phala scandals, which continue to cast a shadow over his presidency,' Ndhlela explained. 'This crisis is unfolding at the expense of South Africans who deserve honest leadership and transparency.' In addition, the MK Party said it plans to write to the Chief Justice, urging the judiciary to furnish the reasons behind its recent ruling adding that once all pertinent information is obtained, the party promises to outline its next steps and inform the public accordingly. Furthermore, Ndhlela said the MK party remains unwavering in its stance that President Ramaphosa's resignation is in the country's best interest. 'Any political party or member of Parliament who votes against our forthcoming Motion of No Confidence should be prepared to face the justified anger of South Africans,' Ndhlela warned. The MK Party said it continues to organise peaceful demonstrations in support of whistleblowers and advocates for Ramaphosa's removal from office. IOL Politics


Mail & Guardian
6 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
Hidden cost of justice denied: What the Vodacom ruling reveals about SA's social priorities
The Please Call Me case ruling shows the gap between corporate profit and public good. The constitutional court's recent ruling in favour of Vodacom, effectively overturning a supreme court of appeal decision that would have awarded Nkosinathi Makate between 5% and 7.5% of the revenue generated from the Please Call Me innovation, is more than just a legal outcome. It reflects a deeper problem in South Africa — the widening gap between law and justice, black versus white, between corporate profit and the public good and ultimately, between the rich and the poor. At its heart, this case symbolised the struggle of a young black innovator against a telecoms giant. Makate's idea, born of necessity and intended to help the poor communicate without airtime, turned into a billion-rand revenue stream for Vodacom. That he will walk away without fair compensation sends a chilling message to many South Africans. A purely intellectual contribution from the bottom of society can be ignored, undervalued and erased. The court might have ruled within the bounds of legal technicalities but the ethical and socio-economic implications are devastating. For the poor, particularly the millions in townships and rural areas who relied on Please Call Me to reach family members, employers or even emergency services, this ruling confirms a painful truth. Even when your ideas change the world, recognition and reward are still reserved for those with legal teams and boardroom access. But this case also strikes at the core of South Africa's post-apartheid of inclusion, justice and transformation. The Constitution is meant to be a living document that not only protects legal rights but also upholds the dignity of all citizens. That a case like this could end in favour of a multibillion-rand corporation, after years of arbitration and negotiation, while Makate continues to fight for recognition, damages our national moral compass. In practical terms, this ruling has broader implications for social welfare. It reinforces the dangerous perception that corporations can profit from ideas generated by the poor without meaningful accountability. It signals to future innovators from underprivileged backgrounds that their efforts could be appropriated without fair compensation. And it indirectly discourages creativity and entrepreneurship at a time when the country desperately needs new economic drivers to combat unemployment and stagnation. It's not just a legal setback, it's a societal one. At a time when South Africa's Gini coefficient remains one of the highest in the world, and when poverty continues to deepen despite marginal growth projections, this ruling throws away an opportunity to affirm the value of grassroots innovation and affirm the rights of the economically marginalised. The ruling comes in the same week the South African Reserve Bank cut interest rates to a low not seen since 2022, signalling an attempt to stimulate consumer spending and reduce the cost of living. While this will offer minor relief to those in debt or on variable loans, it does little to address the structural inequality that the Makate case epitomises. If anything, the timing highlights the stark contrast between technocratic policy efforts to uplift the economy and the lived experience of injustice on the ground. In a country that frequently speaks of transformation, empowerment and black excellence, the Makate decision is a sobering reminder of how far we still need to go. True transformation cannot happen when corporate power overrides individual rights. And social justice cannot exist when the legal system protects profits over people. Makate might have lost in court, but he has not lost in the court of public opinion. Mavimbela Awam is a PhD candidate at the University of the Free State, a registered social worker, columnist and a published author.