Budget 3.0 on track; R900K accommodation for Mashatile: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
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.
Mlungisi Louw/Gallo Images/Volksblad
Asbestos tender trial postponed to 2026, frustrating Ace Magashule
- The asbestos tender case involving former Free State premier Ace Magashule has been postponed to 26 January 2026, frustrating Magashule.
- The postponement follows the State's request to appeal the court's ruling upholding Moroadi Cholota's special plea regarding her extradition.
- Magashule expressed his dissatisfaction with the delay, questioning the State's readiness and citing the likelihood of further postponements.
Land of the rising costs: R900 000 for accommodation for Mashatile, wife on R2.3m Japan trip
- Deputy President Paul Mashatile's trip to Japan in March cost taxpayers R2.3 million, including over R900 000 for his and his wife's lodgings.
- Mashatile's lavish spending on international trips, including a previous R5 million trip to Ireland and the UK, is under scrutiny following revelations about his opulent lifestyle.
- ActionSA is questioning the high costs of executive travel, calculating that such expenses have already cost taxpayers over R184 million since July of last year.
Phill Magakoe/Gallo Images
Two young sisters in therapy after alleged sexual assault by motorsport executive
- Two young sisters allegedly sexually assaulted by a motorsport executive are undergoing psychological and medical assessments.
- The accused appeared in court on Wednesday, facing charges including rape, sexual assault and sexual grooming of a minor; the case was postponed to 13 August for further investigation.
- The parents of the girls expressed their concern for their children's well-being and emphasised the importance of protecting children and listening to them when they speak up about abuse.
'Too aloof, too arrogant': MKP prepares to name new SG after Shivambu's reshuffle to Parly
- Floyd Shivambu has been removed as the MK Party's secretary-general and will be redeployed to Parliament, reportedly due to 'sloppy' administration and his aloofness.
- Phumlani Mfeka, a traditional leader and Jacob Zuma loyalist, is expected to be announced as the new secretary-general, having been personally lobbied by Zuma to join his party.
- Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Bongani Baloyi were considered for the position, but Mfeka's influence with traditional leaders gave him more political weight within the party.
Storm Simpson/News24
Budget 3.0 on track: Bonds extend gains as finance committee backs fiscal framework
- South African lawmakers have backed the National Treasury's fiscal framework, signalling the annual Budget is likely to be approved.
- The National Assembly's finance committee approved the framework, which outlines economic policy, revenue projections and spending limits.
- South African bonds rallied following the news, with the benchmark government rand bond yield falling significantly.
Rachel Kolisi's switch from Benz to Yaris sparks debate on humility, divorce and marriage law
- Rachel Kolisi shared on Instagram about driving a borrowed Toyota Yaris instead of her Mercedes-Benz, sparking speculation about her financial situation post-separation from Siya Kolisi.
- A legal expert clarified that without details of their divorce or marital property regime, it's unclear if Rachel's car choice reflects financial challenges or a personal decision.
- South African divorce laws can lead to lifestyle adjustments for one spouse, depending on marital property arrangements, liability distribution or a spousal maintenance application.
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News24
2 hours ago
- News24
Fake Sassa grants ‘news' is exploding online. Here's how to spot the lies
YouTube channels and fake news websites are pumping out dozens of false stories about Sassa grants and jobs every month. These hoaxes prey on vulnerable recipients, spreading confusion, false hope or panic. Many are clearly fake, Andrew Thompson writes, but they have still managed to infiltrate public discourse and be widely shared. South Africa's social grant system is under digital siege. A flood of fake news targeting the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has spread across Facebook, YouTube and a network of low-quality, foreign-run websites. These stories are designed to mislead, confuse or panic grant recipients, often with the aim of generating clicks and ad revenue by preying on vulnerable beneficiaries. YouTube channels with tens of thousands of subscribers and some videos with hundreds of thousands of views have together uploaded hundreds of fake videos this year alone. They claim imminent changes to payouts, onerous new rules, or exciting bonuses. Dozens of websites posing as job boards or news sites have also published false notices about new jobs, grant amounts, pension cuts, and backlogged payments. Screengrab None of these channels have any connection to South African state institutions, yet they continue to reach large audiences and prompt real-world concern, forcing Sassa to issue repeated denials. In May, Sassa issued a media statement highlighting the extent of the problem and warning that it is 'concerned about the mushrooming and the rapid spread of fake news and disinformation targeting the Agency and its services almost daily'. It stressed that it has made no announcements about 'double grants', changes to pension rules, or automatic top-ups, which are among the most popular fake news stories that tend to gain traction. 'Furthermore, reports have been spreading like wildfire that Sassa has announced 'New Rules Could Affect Your Pension' from 10 June. The report has even gone further and announced various dates for different provinces. This is not an official announcement from Sassa,' the cautionary statement reads. How fake Sassa grant news spreads: volume, panic, and false hope The wave of Sassa disinformation in 2025 has followed two broad patterns, regardless of the medium or the outlet disseminating it, and the content is broadly split into two themes: fake job adverts and fake grant updates. The job advertisements regularly go viral. They claim that well-paid government positions requiring no experience are available and often direct users to deceptive forms or clickbait sites that mine data. These regularly appear as images on fake government letterheads that circulate widely on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and X. SASSA The fake grant updates employ a more familiar disinformation approach with a different motive. These mostly AI-generated false news articles report on increased or double payments, pension rule changes, or Sassa 'deadlines' that risk non-payment of grants. All are presented without basis, and often spill over from clearly fake websites into public discourse. Fake news websites and YouTube accounts repeatedly publish variations of similar videos and articles, many of which use text-to-speech tools and AI-generated thumbnails to appear convincing. The tone ranges from panic ('rules changing next week!') to false reassurance ('you can still claim your R7 000 today'). Most rely on sheer volume, hoping that one story or job advert will catch on and spread - as many already have. News24's Disinformation Desk has counted hundreds of fake news articles about Sassa currently online, and although many fade into obscurity, an increasing number are breaking through requiring official responses. Screengrab For now, the motive of these platforms appears to be financial gain. Most of the videos are hosted on monetised channels, and the websites link to Google Adwords accounts. If these get enough traction from panicked recipients, they will generate some revenue for the owners. Yet ironically, much of the vitality of this material reveals itself on platforms like WhatsApp without direct links to the source, which do not generate the website owners income but have the same impact on grant recipients. The majority of the Sassa disinformation that gains mainstream traction appears not to have an overt political motive or agenda, yet. Instead, it is riding on the wave of attention afforded by this vulnerable target market, many of whom are understandably deceived by the deluge. Rapid-fire Sassa debunks from the last few months alone News24's Disinformation Desk has identified hundreds of fake news stories and videos targeting Sassa recipients published in the last few months alone. Here are the most prominent examples, with their themes often emulated across other fake news sites: A viral post linking to a website called All Provinces Jobs claimed that 'South African government jobs 2025' were open for applications. The link leads to a fraudulent website not affiliated with any government department. Similar posts appeared on Facebook pages falsely advertising hiring opportunities through Sassa, often featuring job titles and closing dates to lend false credibility and create a sense of urgency. YouTube channels 'SASSA Benefits Updates' and 'Stimulus Sam' have released several dozen videos each about grant payments in South Africa, including that increased Sassa payments would be made in June 2025. The videos utilise text-to-speech narration featuring a vaguely South African accent and footage that is clearly created with generative AI. Both channels are entirely fake. A report hosted on the fake news website Debtcol Council claimed that 'new rules could affect your pension' from 10 June. Sassa has confirmed that this is also false. Another story on that website claimed application backlogs had been cleared, while yet another suggested a new top-up payment was in progress. All are fabricated. A website called Prabh Honda published a story about Sassa grant suspensions, which is entirely baseless and without truth. A piece on Rise Up WV, a website responsible for several prominent fake news items, stated that grant beneficiaries needed to reapply for doubled payments due to 'SASSA system updates'. There is no basis for this in any of Sassa's official communications. Why it matters - and how to protect yourself or family members Many of the intended recipients of these grants are older, economically vulnerable, and may not be experienced with digital literacy or fact-checking online. The combination of desperation and trust in anything that looks official makes this a fertile ground for exploitation via disinformation. These false reports don't just casually mislead - comments beneath even palpably false news items and videos indicate the confusion and desperation many experience about this topic. This fake news also distracts Sassa, which is already stretched in the payment grants, by forcing them to correct disinformation. To stay safe, advise family members of the following: Check only official Sassa channels: Information is reliably published on and Sassa's verified X and Facebook pages. Do not trust any information sent via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Sassa does not communicate important information via forwarded messages. Never enter personal information into a form on a website claiming to offer Sassa job opportunities. Ignore YouTube channels with videos claiming to be the Department of Social Development or Sassa. Sassa's official YouTube page is not used to share news about grants. When in doubt, don't share: spreading false information, even with good intentions, can cause unnecessary panic.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial recap: Combs accuser 'Jane' testifies the music mogul is still paying her rent
The trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs continued Friday in Manhattan federal court, with 'Jane' — a pseudonym for an alleged victim and ex-girlfriend of Combs — returning to the stand in the high-profile sex trafficking case. Jane's testimony over the last two days has been strikingly similar to that of Cassie Ventura, another ex-girlfriend of Combs and one of his alleged victims. Jane said she fell 'head over heels' for Combs in the first few months of their romance, but testified that the relationship hit a turning point in 2021, when it became dominated by drug-fueled sexual encounters she called 'hotel nights,' which she said she felt obliged to participate in to appease the music mogul. Despite their breakup and Combs's arrest last September, he is still paying her rent, she disclosed on Friday. Jane's lawyer told Judge Arun Subramanian that social media users and news outlets are attempting to reveal Jane's identity. Her lawyer said these attempts threaten her safety and privacy. The judge told Jane's attorney to identify who is trying to out her, and added that if someone is found to have violated the rules, he will consider issuing 'a gag order to the media.' Federal prosecutors say that for decades, Combs abused, threatened and coerced women to participate in marathon sexual encounters called 'freak offs' and used his business empire, along with guns, kidnapping and arson, to conceal his crimes. The 55-year-old hip-hop mogul is facing five criminal counts: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face life in prison. Here are some key takeaways from Friday's testimony culled from various reporters and news organizations in the courtroom, including CNN, NBC News, the Associated Press and the Washington Post. Jane testified that in March 2023, she and Combs entered into a two-year 'love contract' in which Combs agreed that he would pay her a $10,000 per month allowance, which she spent on rent for a new home. She confirmed during Friday's testimony that Combs is still paying her rent. 'Who's paying your rent now?' prosecutor Maurene Comey asked. 'Sean,' Jane replied. Jane testified that she repeatedly told Combs, either in person or through text messages, that she didn't want to have sex with other men. She said since Combs had financial control over her life, she felt 'obligated' to participate and wanted to make him happy. In order to get through the 'hotel nights,' Jane said she 'had to' take drugs because 'it would just make things easier,' she said, breaking down in tears. 'When I wouldn't, it would just feel too real.' In 2023, Jane said, she told Combs she wanted to stop having 'hotel nights.' She told him in a text message that she wished they could go back to their early dating days, and said she didn't 'want to feel obligated to perform these nights for you.' Jane said that in 2023 she flew to Miami to celebrate her birthday with Combs. Despite already telling him she no longer wanted to do 'hotel nights,' Combs had set one up. 'It's your birthday and let's have fun,' she said Combs told her. Jane described it as a 'gulp moment' because she wasn't expecting it, but 'just accepted it' as she didn't want Combs to be unhappy with her. Jane tearfully recalled feeling robotic about having sex with a total of three male entertainers until the early morning hours as Combs watched. Jane testified that the longest 'hotel night' lasted about three and a half days, with the shortest being 12 hours, over New Year's in 2022. She stayed awake with ecstasy and didn't sleep at all. Big picture: Jane's testimony is similar to that of Ventura, who testified that the 'freak offs' with Combs would span multiple days and that she used drugs to stay awake. Jane recalled through tearful testimony the many health issues she had following the 'hotel nights,' which included constant back pain, frequent urinary tract infections and yeast infections. She said she was forced to have these sexual encounters before she was fully recovered. Jane said if she suggested pausing the sessions on multiple occasions, Combs would become 'upset, defensive, belittling, dismissive.' Big picture: Ventura had also testified that she suffered from UTIs after enduring marathon 'freak offs' and felt forced into participating before she was fully recovered. Combs would record the 'hotel nights' on his cellphone, saying they were 'just for him,' Jane testified. She said she was used to it and was always high on drugs when he recorded. 'It was just a part of what was happening,' she said. The jury listened to audio from a video recording of one of the 'hotel nights.' In the clip, Jane asked one of the male entertainers to wear a condom, but Combs expressed his disapproval and intervened. Between May 2021 and October 2023, Jane testified, Combs typically kept cash in hotel bedroom nightstands in order to pay the male entertainers that would participate in the 'hotel nights,' which she said took place in multiple states: California, New York and Florida. Combs ran out of cash 'every so often' and he would call members of his staff to bring him more. On two occasions, Combs asked Jane to bring a package of drugs from California to Miami in her checked luggage, she testified, describing how nervous she was smuggling pills on commercial flights. Jane said she was uncomfortable with the idea, but that Combs's chief of staff Kristina Khorram told her, 'It's fine, I do it all the time.' Jane testified that she delivered the drugs to Combs and ended up using some of them with him. Big picture: Prosecutors are trying to show with Jane's testimony that what began as a romantic relationship with Combs turned into coerced sex acts and transportation of drugs across state lines. Combs is charged with racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The government needs to prove that the alleged victims were forced into acts they normally wouldn't be comfortable participating in.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Trump v Musk: 10 ways they can further hurt each other
The falling-out between the world's richest person and the president of the world's largest economy will have consequences – for both of them. Elon Musk, as the boss of multiple companies including Tesla, and Donald Trump, who has benefited from Musk's support in his journey to the White House, have had a mutually beneficial relationship up until now. Here are 10 ways in which Musk and Trump could hurt each other if they fail to broker a peace deal. Cancel government contracts related to Musk's businesses Responding to Musk's criticism of his tax and spending bill, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Thursday that cancelling the billionaire's government contracts would be a straightforward way to save money. 'The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!' Trump said. In 2024, the New York Times reported that Musk's companies – which include electric vehicle maker Tesla and rocket company SpaceX – have over the past year been promised $3bn across nearly 100 different contracts with 17 federal agencies. Investigate Musk's alleged drug use The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal have made allegations of heavy drug use by Musk, raising questions about Nasa requirements for its contractors – including SpaceX – to maintain a drug-free workforce. The Times alleged that Musk has received advanced warning of the tests. SpaceX has been contacted for comment. Responding to the Times allegations on X last month, Musk wrote: 'to be clear, I am NOT taking drugs!' In 2024 he said he sometimes used ketamine on a doctor's prescription. Challenge Musk's immigration status Steve Bannon, a Trump ally and influential 'alt-right' figure, told the Times on Thursday that Musk's immigration status should be investigated. 'They should initiate a formal investigation of his immigration status, because I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately,' Bannon said of South Africa-born Musk, who is a US citizen. Use general presidential powers against Musk When Trump was elected, observers pointed to the myriad ways in which a Musk-friendly White House administration could benefit the financial interests of the world's richest person. That benign environment, which includes awarding of government contracts and directing federal agencies giving Musk's businesses an easier ride, could of course be turned hostile. Richard Pierce, a law professor at George Washington University and a specialist in government regulation, told the Guardian at the time: 'All federal regulators and prosecutors work for the president. He can tell them to do something or not to do something with the understanding that he will fire them if they disobey.' Ostracise Musk from the Maga movement Trump, as the leader of the 'Make America great again' vanguard, can close doors on Musk. The Republican congressman Troy Nehls excoriated the billionaire on Thursday, telling him: ''You've lost your damn mind.' He added: 'Enough is enough.' Musk can handle such opprobrium and, given his considerable wealth, he is an important source of funding for Republican politicians. Turn X against the White House Musk used his X platform, and his more than 220 million followers on it, to rally support for Trump's victory in the 2024. It also provided a platform for rightwing views that helped publicise the Maga agenda. Theoretically, Musk could at least use his own X account to criticise Trump with as much regularity as he pumped the president's policies (the Tesla chief executive is a prolific user of his own platform). However, this also depends on Musk's influence with the US electorate. Five out of 10 US adults say they have an unfavourable view of Musk, according to the Pew Research Center. But it should be noted that seven out of 10 Republicans or Republican-leaning adults hold a favourable view – he's not going to sway many Democrats who dislike Trump anyway. Form a new political movement Musk, who is worth more than $300bn (£220bn), could divert his considerable financial resources away from the Republican party and start a new political entity. Musk spent $250m on getting Trump elected in 2024, signalling his willingness to invest heavily in politics. On Thursday he posted a poll on X and asked: 'Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?' More than 80% of the 4.8 million respondents voted 'yes'. Create geopolitical problems with his businesses The Starlink satellite broadband platform, owned by Musk's SpaceX, is playing a key rule in Ukraine's fight against a Russian invasion, while China is an important manufacturing and consumer base for Tesla. Through his businesses, Musk also has political contacts around the world and is regularly photographed in the company of global leaders. However, any damage Musk causes to Trump's international standing or interests will have to be balanced with any knock-on effect on his own businesses. Create problems for Nasa Nasa has a close relationship with Musk's SpaceX, with the company's Dragon spacecraft being used to transport the agency's astronauts to and from the International Space Station. Musk immediately pledged to decommission Dragon in the wake of the Trump spat on Thursday – before quickly signalling an about-face. Nonetheless, SpaceX is a crucial part of Nasa's ISS operations. Tell-all on Trump Musk has been a fixture of Trump's inner circle for a considerable period of time and, as the contents of his X account show, he is capable of taking multiple damaging swipes at people. However, members of Trump's inner circle will have had the same access to Musk, whose personal life is becoming a media staple.
