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The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: RIP Presley Chweneyagae
Here's your daily news update for Tuesday, 27 May 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, the late actor,Presley Chweneyagae, has been remembered by industry colleagues and fans of his work following the announcement of his death. Meanwhile, Gauteng police are searching for a man who uses the name John (pseudonym), believed to be linked to the murder a 30-year-old Olorato Mongale. Furthermore, President Cyril Ramaphosa faced tough questions in the National Assembly, including criticism of his United States (US) trip. Weather tomorrow: 28 May 2025 High winds and fire danger warnings in Western and Eastern Cape. Fine and cool weather with morning fog expected in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Free State; windy in North West and Northern Cape. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. 'Working with Presley and keeping a straight face is almost impossible' — industry mourns Chweneyagae In an interview four years ago, renowned actor Presley Chweneyagae said he would retire at 40. 'I'll quit acting when I turn 40, and I won't be involved in the entertainment industry as I'll focus on different work and environment,' Chweneyagae told Daily Sun in 2021. Presley Chweneyagae, who was loved by many fans, died at the age of 40. Picture: @BafanaSurprise/X However, those words took on new meaning on Tuesday morning as South Africa woke up to the news of the actor's demise at 40. His management team, MLA, confirmed his passing. 'It is with profound sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of one of South Africa's most gifted and beloved actors, Presley Chweneyagae,' the statement read. CONTINUE READING: 'Working with Presley and keeping a straight face is almost impossible' — industry mourns Chweneyagae Police hunt alleged woman killer who uses the name of John Gauteng police are searching for a man who uses the name John (pseudonym), believed to be linked to the murder of a 30-year-old Johannesburg woman. According to police, Olorato Mongale was last seen on Monday went she went on a date with her 'alleged killer' who picked her up from her residential complex driving a white VW polo with cloned number plate that belong to a Toyota Hilux. The woman's body was found in less than two hours. Picture: Michel Bega Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said during investigations it emerged that the vehicle is fitted with fake registration number plates. The fake registration number plate is: LT 57 JG GP. 'The man fetched Olorato at her residential complex in Athol, Johannesburg, at around 3 pm on Sunday, 25 May 2025. He drove with the victim in the township of Alexandra, proceeded to Kew and between Alexandra and Lombardy West in Johannesburg, this man allegedly murdered Olorato and dumped her body.' CONTINUE READING: Police hunt alleged woman killer who uses the name of John Ramaphosa defends US trip amid economic criticism during Q&A President Cyril Ramaphosa faced tough questions in the National Assembly, including criticism of his United States (US) trip, his government's failure to curb the rising cost of living, slow economic growth and the high unemployment rate in South Africa. Ramaphosa responded to questions from members of the National Assembly on Tuesday, with economic growth and the cost of living among the issues for deliberation. President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Nieuwmeester Dome in Cape Town on 13 February 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams EFF Treasurer-General Omphile Maotwe criticised the government for not achieving the projected economic growth. 'We saw you taking a trip to the US last week, and we are asking ourselves what economic strategy and economic interventions you are trying to lock in,' she asked. Ramaphosa said that the primary aim of his trip was to restore the deteriorating relationship between South Africa and the emphasised the significance of both countries in each other's economies and their political relations. CONTINUE READING: Ramaphosa defends US trip amid economic criticism during Q&A Remembering Darren Scott: A radio man's radio man There are thousands of kind words that can be said about Darren Scott. He was a friend to many, a smoke break partner of note, and a broadcaster like few others. He was also a doting dad and, with his charity One Wingz of Change, impacted lives well beyond his immediate and extended circle. Late radio veteran Darren Scott . Picture: OFM Darren Scott, who passed away at 61 after battling stage 4 melanoma cancer for decades, will be sorely missed on the airwaves by friends and colleagues. Sometimes, just knowing that he's on the other end of a WhatsApp message meant a lot to many. CONTINUE READING: Remembering Darren Scott: A radio man's radio man Bus driver monitored by police after fatal bridge plunge in KZN The driver of a bus that plunged more than 50 metres from a bridge near Tongaat, killing three people and injuring twelve others, is alive and being monitored by police in hospital as authorities investigate potential criminal charges including murder. Speaking to the media at the scene, KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma revealed that the driver survived Tuesday morning's devastating crash on the R102 near Maidstone Sugar Mill and is receiving medical treatment while under police supervision. The wrangled remains of the bus. Picture: IPSS Medical Rescue. The bus was fully loaded with passengers when it careened off the Maidstone Road bridge in what preliminary investigations suggest may have been caused by brake failure. Duma indicated that authorities are exploring serious criminal charges against the driver, moving beyond typical culpable homicide charges to potentially more severe penalties. CONTINUE READING: Bus driver monitored by police after fatal bridge plunge in KZN Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: MK party threatens Starlink gazette | Six die in shack fire | Fuel levy pain
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First Post
27-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Yunus called Sheikh Hasina 'autocratic', now Bangladesh is calling him that
Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who branded Sheikh Hasina's government as the 'world's worst autocratic,' is now facing similar accusations himself, amid growing concern over his combative and unilateral style of rule read more Bangladesh's former PM Sheikh Hasina has mounted a fresh attack on Muhammad Yunus and termed him a 'militant leader'. File image/AFP Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who last year used his Victory Day speech to target ousted Sheikh Hasina and labelled her administration as the 'world's worst autocratic government', now finds himself facing similar accusations from across the country, with growing concerns over his increasingly combative and unilateral style of governance. 'Because of our faults we could not give completeness to our achievements and of late a monstrous autocratic government had grabbed the country which virtually promised that it will not allow anything to remain which could benefit the country,' said Yunus referring to ousted Sheikh Hasina-led government what he described as the the 'world's worst autocratic government' in the Victory Day speech. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Once seen as a champion of democratic ideals, Yunus is now being viewed by many as replicating the same authoritarian tactics he once condemned, marked by a series of unpopular decisions and confrontational policies. His administration's crackdown on government employees, open defiance of court orders, hardline approach towards the business community, and growing tensions with the military over election delays have drawn sharp criticism. Yunus going after govt employees Protests have erupted nationwide over a controversial new public service law championed by Yunus's administration. The legislation, which allows for the swift dismissal of government employees for misconduct, has drawn sharp criticism from civil service unions. They have labelled the ordinance as 'repressive' and a 'black law', and argue that the new provisions infringe upon their constitutional rights. The protesting employees have vowed to continue their protests until the ordinance is repealed. On Tuesday, the fourth straight day of the protest, government employees crippled administrative functions at the heart of Dhaka, demanding the repeal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025. In response to mounting protests, the government began talks with protesting employees. On May 27, 2025, officials met with leaders of various staff associations at the Secretariat to discuss their demands and seek a resolution. The protest was called off at the secretariat earlier today after the government assured them it would review the contentious law, reported Daily Sun. As elite SWAT units and Border Guards maintain a heavy presence outside the Secretariat, growing protests are now seen as more than just resistance to a controversial civil service law— they signal a deepening rebellion against the authority of Muhammad Yunus's interim government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What initially appeared to be a bureaucratic dispute is rapidly evolving into a broader flashpoint, adding fuel to a national crisis marked by political instability, widespread public discontent, and mounting questions over the legitimacy of an unelected regime. The Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 amends the Public Service Act of 2018, introducing provisions that classify four types of conduct by government employees as misconduct, allowing for their dismissal without formal departmental proceedings. The government has stated that these amendments aim to streamline disciplinary actions and reduce bureaucratic delays. Meanwhile, thousands of teachers in government primary schools have also begun an indefinite leave from work, demanding a wage hike. Yunus defying court orders In a parallel crisis, the Dhaka South City Corporation remains paralysed due to a standoff involving the mayoral seat. Civil servants have gone on strike, demanding that BNP leader Ishraque Hossain be installed as mayor following a court order. Although the Election Commission did not challenge the decision, Yunus's interim government has defied the ruling and appealed to the High Court, seeking to block Hossain's swearing-in and preserve the role for its own appointed administrator. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On May 22, the Bangladesh High Court summarily rejected a writ petition seeking a stay on the Election Commission's (EC) decision to declare Hossain as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The dispute stems from a March 27 ruling by Dhaka's First Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal Judge Md Nurul Islam, who overturned the 2020 DSCC election results, declared Ishraque the rightful winner, and directed the EC to issue a gazette within ten days. The EC complied on April 27. On May 14, DSCC resident Mamunur Rashid submitted the writ petition to the HC challenging the legality of the tribunal's verdict and EC's gazette notification. He argued that the ruling was rushed and did not follow due legal process. In the petition, Rashid said the EC did not wait for the law ministry's opinion before issuing the gazette notification declaring Ishraque as DSCC's mayor, adding that since the mayoral term had already expired and the position was vacated through an ordinance, the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to declare Ishraque elected as DSCC mayor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Business community up in arms Yunus has also come under fire from Bangladesh's business community. In an extraordinary press conference held on Sunday, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI), along with other industry groups, condemned what they described as a deteriorating business climate. Prominent business leader Showkat Aziz Russell likened the targeting of entrepreneurs to the killings of intellectuals during the 1971 Liberation War, warning that economic instability could spark a famine-like crisis as layoffs rise and consumer confidence plummets. 'We don't know how we will pay bonuses and salaries to workers ahead of Eid-ul-Adha,' The Telegraph quoted Russell, president of the Bangladesh Textiles Mills Association, as saying 'You are inviting foreigners to invest in the country… (but) foreigners know that investment in Bangladesh is not viable. They know Vietnam is more profitable than Bangladesh,' he added. Growing discord between Yunus and military leadership Tensions between Bangladesh's interim government and the military leadership have spilled into the open, with growing concerns over delayed elections and controversial security-related policy decisions, particularly a proposed humanitarian corridor into Myanmar's conflict-ridden Rakhine state. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reports suggest mounting discord as the armed forces question both the timeline for restoring democratic rule and the implications of certain foreign policy moves. In a significant development, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, along with the Navy and Air Force chiefs, met Yunus last week to press for elections by December. Their message was clear: the military wants a swift return to elected government and has expressed reservations about the proposed Myanmar corridor initiative. Meanwhile, the following day, General Zaman convened a meeting with senior officers at Dhaka Cantonment, where he reportedly said that he was unaware of several strategic decisions taken by the government, despite the military's key role in national affairs. According to The Daily Star, during a 30-minute address and a subsequent hour-long Q&A, the army chief said, 'Bangladesh needs political stability. This is only possible through an elected government, not by unelected decision-makers.' The military has also decided to crack down on increasing incidents of mob justice, reflecting a broader concern over law and order during the interim regime's tenure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As speculation over a civil-military rift grew, the Bangladesh Army issued a clarification on Monday. Brigadier General M Nazim-ud-Daula, the Army's operations director, said the military was not in conflict with the interim administration but remained resolute in its constitutional role. 'We (the government and army) are working to help each other. There is no scope to misinterpret it," he told reporters. However, Daula made it clear that the military would remain firm on matters of national interest. 'There would be no compromise when it comes to the country's independence, security and sovereignty," he said, adding, 'The issue involving the corridor is highly sensitive. For the army, national interest comes first.' The military leadership has also reportedly raised concerns about key decisions made without electoral legitimacy, including the potential foreign management of the Chattogram Port and the approval of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service — moves they fear could compromise national security. These developments come amid rising discontent across various sectors, including the civil service and business community, over the Yunus-led interim government's policies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yunus now faces growing criticism for what many see as an increasingly unilateral and authoritarian approach, fueling political uncertainty and deepening national unease. With inputs from agencies
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Working with Presley and keeping a straight face is almost impossible' — industry mourns Chweneyagae
His performances on The River made him more endearing to Mzansi as the hilarious older brother with an English twang. Presley Chweneyagae, who was loved by many fans, died at the age of 40. Picture: @BafanaSurprise/X In an interview four years ago, renowned actor Presley Chweneyagae said he would retire at 40. 'I'll quit acting when I turn 40, and I won't be involved in the entertainment industry as I'll focus on different work and environment,' Chweneyagae told Daily Sun in 2021. However, those words took on new meaning on Tuesday morning as South Africa woke up to the news of the actor's demise at 40. His management team, MLA, confirmed his passing. 'It is with profound sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of one of South Africa's most gifted and beloved actors, Presley Chweneyagae,' the statement read. MLA described Chweneyagae as more than a client to them. 'He was a friend, a mentor to many, a beacon of creativity and perseverance. His passion for empowering the next generation of artists will remain an integral part of his legacy.' His management added that details regarding memorial services will be shared in due course. ALSO READ: 'The River' and 'Tsotsi' star Presley Chweneyagae dies at 40 Rest in peace Cobra Alongside the 'RIP Presley Chweneyagae' hashtag that trended on Tuesday morning, the Cobra hashtag was also atop the trending list on X. South Africans revered and appreciated Chweneyagae's acting from the moment the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi took over the world. However, in recent years, his performances on The River made him more endearing to Mzansi as the hilarious older brother with an English twang. In order to honour Cobra and find healing in losing him, let's make a thread of his best moments on TV as our entertainer. We lost a legend here, Cobra will forever be remembered as a remarkable actor 😭! #RIPPresleyChweneyagae — Slaughter. (@BafanaSurprise) May 27, 2025 His performances were so good that a spin-off of The River, centred on Chweneyagae's character, Cobra, was launched. Titled Cobrizi, the 13-episode series premiered in March. 'Working with Presley and keeping a straight face is almost impossible,' Ishmael Songo, Presley's co-actor on Cobrizi, told The Citizen. Songo, who plays the role of Peanut on Cobrizi, said Chweneyagae was good at improvisation. 'You never know which way he will tell a story in the most comedic way. His amount of talent to improvise in any given situation is impeccable,' shared Songo. Songo also worked with Chweneyagae on Tsotsi in 2003 and describes their working together on Cobrizi as their last dance. 'I was privileged to work with him in the year 2024 when we shared a stage again and shot Cobrizi. Little did I know that I'm saying goodbye to a legend that we had our last dance with. May his soul rest in peace.' ALSO READ: Papgeld: Potential deadbeat Presley Chweneyagae leaves 'The River' fans disappointed A giant of South African film Actress Sana Mchunu, who worked with Chweneyagae on The River, briefly took The Citizen's call while on set. 'I'm still in a state of shock, I don't know what happened. I'm on set…I'm just in shock,' Mchunu told The Citizen. Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the talented Don Presley Chweneyagae. One of our own ❤️💔. Rest in Power 🕊️.#RIPPresleyChweneyagae — NetflixSA (@NetflixSA) May 27, 2025 ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula also tweeted his homage to the actor, describing Chweneyagae as a giant of South African film. 'Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Presley Chweneyagae. A true giant of South African film and theatre, his legacy in Tsotsi, The River, and beyond will live on. Condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his brilliance,' the politician wrote. 🕊️ Rest in Power, Presley Chweneyagae A true legend of South African cinema. It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Presley Chweneyagae — a powerhouse performer whose talent left an indelible mark on our screens and in our hearts.#RIPPresleyChweneyagae#SAFTAs — South African Film & Television Awards #SAFTAs (@SAFTAs_1) May 27, 2025 As recent as last year, Chweneyagae won a South African Film and Television Awards (Safta) for his performance on The River as Cobra. 'It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Presley Chweneyagae — a powerhouse performer whose talent left an indelible mark on our screens and in our hearts,' the Safta wrote on their X account. NOW READ: 'Tsotsi' star Presley Chweneyagae implicated in dodgy lottery grant
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Sheikh Hasina brings up St Martin's island, accusing Yunus of 'selling' Bangladesh to US
Amid the political turmoil in Bangladesh, ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina has accused interim head Muhammad Yunus of "selling" the nation to the United States. The former PM and Awami League leader's social media post come after reports of Yunus mulling resignation surfaced. While these reports were dismissed by close advisors to the interim head, the reports sparked fresh protests across the nation. In a lengthy Facebook post, the ousted leader accused Yunus of wanting to sell the nation and highlighted Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's assassination after the founding leader refused to cede St Martin's Island to Washington. "When America wanted St. Martin's Island, my father did not agree. He had to give his life. And that was my destiny. Because I never had the thought of selling the country to stay in power," Sheikh Hasina wrote on the social media platform. As the turmoil in Bangladesh continues, here's a look at what St Martin's Island is and why exactly it's so significant to the nation. St Martin's Island is located in the northeastern region of the Bay of Bengal. The island is close to the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar and stands nine kilometres away from the southern tip of Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar-Teknaf peninsula. With a population of around 8,000 people, the Daily Sun states that St Martin's Island is a prominent tourist attraction. Along with this, it serves as Bangladesh's only coral island. Five thousand years ago, the island was part of the Teknaf peninsula. However, as time passed, the island submerged into the sea. About 450 years ago, the southern suburbs of the island resurfaced, which we now know as St Martin's island. The island, which was annexed by the British during in the 1900s, became a part of Pakistan after the partition of India and Pakistan in 1948. However, in 1971, Bangladesh retained the island after its liberation from Pakistan. Over the years, St Martin's Island has been a key economic and environmental asset for the country. With access to resources such as fish, oil and gas, the island also falls into Bangladesh's Exclusive Economic Zone. Additionally, the island being a popular tourist attraction also contributes to Bangladesh's economy. St Martin's Island's strategic value and location make it a popular region. With eyes from the US, China and India, a potential military base on this island would provide any country with oversight of the Bay of Bengal. The island is also near the Strait of Malacca, which is one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes. Furthermore, St Martin's Island also gives global powers such as the US, more access and eyes in the Indo-Pacific region. As per reports, the US has always expressed its interest in the key island and wanted to set up military bases. Shortly after her ouster, Sheikh Hasina alleged that a "white man offered her a hassle-free election" in January 2024, provided "she allowed a foreign country to establish an air base in Bangladesh territory.' After her claims in 2024, the US State Department denied any intentions to acquire an island. However, unconfirmed reports add that the US' interest in the island recently increased due to China's growing influence in the region, especially after Beijing's assistance in building Dhaka's first submarine base - BNS Sheikh Hasina. Furthermore, China's Belt and Road initiative, which goes through Bangladesh and Myanmar, has also caught Washington's eye.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistan envoy honeytrapped in Bangladesh? Sudden exit after viral videos sparks row
Pakistan's high commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof , has abruptly gone on leave after videos of his alleged honeytrap surfaced online, according to Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo. Maroof left Dhaka on the morning of 11 May, travelling to Islamabad via Dubai. That same day, the Pakistan high commission in Dhaka formally notified Bangladesh's ministry of foreign affairs of his departure, a senior ministry official told Prothom Alo on Tuesday. Diplomatic sources in Dhaka suggest that Maroof's recall may be linked to controversy surrounding a personal visit to Cox's Bazar during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, and his alleged association with a female Bangladeshi government official, Daily Sun reported. Under diplomatic protocol, when an ambassador takes leave, the host country's foreign ministry is informed of the duration and who will assume responsibilities in the interim. While the Pakistan high commission confirmed that deputy high commissioner Muhammad Asif will serve as acting high commissioner, no timeframe for Maroof's leave was provided in official communication, Prothom Alo noted. Maroof had played a high-profile role in Dhaka and Islamabad ties, particularly following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government on 5 August 2024, in the wake of a student-led uprising. Rumours of the scandal escalated after photos and alleged intimate videos surfaced online, showing Maroof with a Bangladeshi woman. This also led to speculation that the envoy had been honey-trapped.
