Latest news with #Newzroom405
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
WATCH: Starlink not debated with Trump, Ramaphosa says
Government plans to offer a workaround to local black ownership laws so that Starlink can operate in the country. US President Donald Trump meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 21, 2025 amid tensions over Washington's resettlement of white Afrikaners that the US president claims are the victims of 'genocide'. Photo; AFP While South African-born Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service was not debated with US President Donald Trump during their working lunch at the White House, the government wants to create an 'environment for investment' in the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa says. Ramaphosa met Trump on Wednesday. He was joined by four ministers, renowned businessman Johann Rupert and golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen. Rupert talks Starlink It was Rupert who first brought up Starlink during the open bilateral talks with Musk standing among the media in the Oval Office. Rupert also addressed Trump during the meeting, calling for US support in tackling crime, putting paid to the 'white genocide' narrative Trump seems to believe. Rupert told Trump that crime is a 'South African problem' and occurs everywhere. 'We have too many deaths, but it's across the board. It's not only white farmers. We need technological help. We need Starlink at every police station.' WATCH Cyril Ramaphosa speaking about Starlink in South Africa [WATCH] President Cyril Ramaphosa says Starlink was not debated during a meeting with President Donald Trump.#Newzroom405 — Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 21, 2025 ALSO READ: Government to offer Musk's Starlink before Trump-Ramaphosa meeting — report Starlink not discussed However, Ramaphosa said Starlink was not discussed with Trump behind closed doors. 'The Starlink issue, was it part of our discussions? No. What we are able to do – and this is part of the offer that we are talking about – is create an environment for investments to take place. 'What do we want? We want US companies to come and invest in South Africa. That is the real deal for us,' Ramaphosa said. 'We want foreign direct investment, and to do that we've got to create a conducive environment for foreign direct investment. 'For instance, in the past, we've been able to do so and attract US companies and utilise regulatory frameworks such as, instead of BEE compliance, you could have equity equivalents, and companies have embraced that. 'That shows that they are willing to go along with our regulatory framework, which we have crafted to attract investors to South Africa,' Ramaphosa said. Bringing Starlink to SA This week, The Citizen reported that government planned to offer a workaround to local black ownership laws so that Starlink can operate in the country. The offer came at a last-minute meeting between Musk or his representatives and a delegation of South African officials travelling with Ramaphosa, according to three people familiar with the discussions. Talks on launching Starlink in South Africa stalled earlier this year after Musk and Trump ramped up public rhetoric against policies such as BEE laws, which mandate that foreign-owned telecoms companies allocate at least 30% of local equity to historically disadvantaged groups, primarily black South Africans. Musk, who is South African-born, previously claimed Starlink was barred from operating in South Africa because he is not black, an allegation South African officials refuted. What is Starlink? With its wide coverage and increasing affordability, Starlink presents a chance to close the connectivity gap in rural areas while also appealing to urban users. Starlink operates thousands of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet globally. With 4.6 million customers globally, the service targets expansion in underserved markets, such as Africa, to drive its growth. ALSO READ: EFF threatens legal action over plans to offer Elon Musk's Starlink [VIDEO]
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa not 'apprehensive' about meeting with Trump
Ramaphosa's visit comes just days after the US welcomed a group of 49 white South African 'refugees' who President Donald Trump claims are being persecuted in SA. The Presidency says President Cyril Ramaphosa is prepared for his much-anticipated meeting with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, amid concerns that talks might be heated between the two leaders. Ramaphosa touched down in Washington on Monday afternoon with his delegation for his working visit to the US amid tensions between the two countries. The visit comes just days after the US welcomed a group of 49 white South African 'refugees' who Trump claims are being persecuted in South Africa because of their race, and are facing a 'genocide'. Ramaphosa and Trump Ramaphosa and Trump are expected to meet at the White House on Tuesday to iron out several issues, including members of the US administration snubbing the G20 meetings, the recent resettlement of 49 Afrikaners being offered asylum under false claims that white South Africans and farmers are under attack. The agenda is also expected to include aid cuts and the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza. The government said the purpose of the visit is to 'reset and revitalise bilateral relations between South Africa and the United States (US).' 'In this regard, the visit will focus specifically on reframing bilateral, economic and commercial relations.' WATCH Vincent Magwenya addressing the media in the US [WATCH] Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya engages the media in Washington on President Cyril Ramaphosa's time in the country, and his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump. @ZiyandaNgcobo #Newzroom405 — Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 19, 2025 ALSO READ: Mantashe standing in as SA president 'Not apprehensive' Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the president is not 'apprehensive' about the meeting with Trump. 'He's looking forward to it, he's highly enthused, and we're looking forward to a very successful meeting aimed at resetting the relationship between South Africa and the United States. He's not apprehensive at all. 'We don't think President Trump invited President Ramaphosa for that kind of treatment. There are issues of concern on the side of the US and on our side as well. It is possible that those issues may trigger a rather robust discussion, that is only the nature of these engagements. But we believe that the kind of courtesy that we are accustomed to, that heads of state extend to one another, will be in full display tomorrow,' Magwenya said. Zelensky treatment While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was not afforded the same kind of courtesy Trump during their meeting, Magwenya said 'the issues are different'. 'President Ramaphosa is not President Zelensky. He's got his own style of engaging. He's got his own style of communicating, and so we cannot attribute that event to what may or may not happen tomorrow.' Afrikaners Magwenya said the issue of the white Afrikaner refugees being granted asylum in the US by Trump will be addressed by Ramaphosa. 'In the build up to tomorrow's meeting, there's been an increasing or rather, let me put it this way, the assertion that there's a persecution of white people in South Africa has kind of been made repeatedly, and so clearly it's an issue that needs to be addressed, and it won't be addressed. 'But the president is not planning to spend an inordinate amount of time on that issue. Really, the focus, as I was saying, is on researching this relationship and refocusing towards a revised and more enhanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship,' Magwenya said. Meeting This is the first time Trump will host an African leader at the White House since he took office in January. South Africa, which currently presides over the G20, will hand over leadership to the US in November. Elon Musk Ramaphosa also plans to discuss business opportunities for Elon Musk's companies, especially Starlink. Asked about the question of licencing for Musk's satellite company Starlink, Magwenya said: 'Certainly, the issue will be discussed.' Musk, who is South African-born, has previously claimed Starlink was barred from operating in South Africa because he is not Black, an allegation South African officials refuted. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa said in March that Starlink had not applied for a licence. ALSO READ: Starlink making strides in transforming broadband access — Report
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- The Citizen
‘Most-wanted' CIT murder suspects dead in Boksburg shootout
The suspects are linked to cases in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The gun battle took place in Boksburg on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Vision Tactical Two of South Africa's most wanted cash-in-transit and murder suspects have been shot dead during a shootout with police in Boksburg. The gun battle took place in Boksburg on Saturday afternoon. Shootout Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, were recovered. 'Fortunately, no members of the Saps were harmed during the incident. 'The suspects are linked to cases in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provinces'. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni said the operation involved various police units, security companies, and counterintelligence forces. 'Since the start of the year, 76 such incidents have been recorded nationwide, with 18 security guards tragically killed since January 2024'. WATCH the briefing by Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni Several suspects linked to violent crimes in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal were fatally shot during a police operation in Boksburg. Newzroom Afrika's @sholwana_z reports live from the scene. #Newzroom405 Watch: — Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 17, 2025 ALSO READ: Five suspected CIT robbers including kingpin shot dead in Durban [VIDEO] Police visibility Mthombeni said operations had increasingly required advanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing to track potential suspects. He added that to counteract the surge, Gauteng has been divided into north and south working teams to bolster efforts, enhance police visibility. 'We aim to stabilise the situation by being proactive and ensuring law enforcement is always a step ahead'. Mthombeni said recent arrests in key heist cases in KZN and Gauteng demonstrate 'significant progress'. Bravery Ministry of police spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi applauded the efforts of the law enforcement officers involved in this operation. 'Their bravery and professionalism continue to disrupt organised crime and protect our communities. These actions serve as a clear message that law enforcement remains resolute in the fight against violent crime and will continue to pursue justice without fear or favour'. CIT shootout Last week, a security officer was killed in a deadly CIT on the link road between Mandeni and the N2 in KZN after a group of armed suspects ambushed a security vehicle. IPSS Medical spokesperson Samantha Meyrick said the suspects launched a violent attack on the security vehicle. 'The cash-in-transit vehicle had been targeted by a group of gunmen, which led to one security officer being shot.' Meyrick said the robbers reportedly attempted to use explosives to access the cash but failed. ALSO READ: Five murder suspects shot dead in gunfight with police in KZN
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Andiswa Mengo tells tribunal a 'father figure' was abusing her
Ntomboxolo Brenda Jobela told the tribunal that Mengo had forwarded her images she claimed were sent by a judge, including one depicting male genitalia. Ntomboxolo Brenda Jobela from the Gqeberha High Court gave testimony in relation to the complaint before the Judicial Conduct Tribunal. Picture: X/Judiciary The Judicial Conduct Tribunal has heard how High Court secretary Andiswa Mengo told a colleague she was being abused by a judge who was a 'father figure'. The tribunal is hearing sexual harassment allegations brought by Mengo against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge. Mengo filed the complaint against Mbenenge, stating that his unwanted sexual advances made towards her between 2021 and 2022 were unwelcome. Pictures During Thursday's proceedings, Gqeberha High Court secretary Ntomboxolo Brenda Jobela told the tribunal that Mengo had shown her images she claimed were sent by a judge, including an explicit photo of male genitalia. Jobela said Mengo had not named the judge. 'I could not immediately at the time when I received the picture,' she said, noting how she could not immediately identify who the pictures belonged to at the time she received them. 'This is also because before she sent the picture, there was a message that she sent before sending the picture. I was also in a bit of shock after receiving the picture'. WATCH Ntomboxolo Brenda Jobela testifying before the tribunal [WATCH] Former secretary to Judge President Selby Mbenenge, Ntomboxolo Jobela, recalls Andiswa Mengo sending her three explicit pictures, claiming they were from the Eastern Cape top judge. #Newzroom405 — Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 8, 2025 ALSO READ: Ex-JSC advisor disputes claim Zondo 'not satisfied' with Mbenenge sexual harassment complaint Message Evidence leader Salome Scheepers asked Jobela what message was sent before the picture was sent. 'She said there's an older man or father who is abusing me. She then said he is sending me pictures, and what I hate is the fact that I am in the same age group as his children. She then sent the pictures that I mentioned initially.' Jobela testified that there was also a message in which Mengo stated that she told the judge that he was 'getting too familiar with me and that she was not that type of woman'. 'I asked her who sent these pictures to her. She said she would tell me when we meet.' Jobela said she later asked Mengo: 'Is this JP who is sending you these things?', to which Mengo replied: 'You do not disappoint.' 'Male organ' Jobela said one of the pictures was a screenshot of a 'male organ' and another seemingly downloaded from the internet of a naked white couple, while the third was of a leg, covered with dark striped pants with a pointy shoe visible. She said it had been taken in an office which she later recognised as Mbenenge's office at the Makhanda High Court. On Tuesday digital forensic expert Francois Moller testified before the tribunal that no evidence of the 'penis picture' could be found on Mengo's cellphone. Cross-examined by Mbenenge's advocate Griffiths Madonsela, Jobela said that she was only confirming that Mengo had sent the pictures to her. While Jobela could not confirm the date of the pictures, she conceded it could have been in late November 2022. ALSO READ: WATCH: Emojis bone of contention at Mbenenge's sexual allegations tribunal Meeting Earlier in the proceedings ,Abongile Tshete, a judge's secretary based in Makhanda, told the tribunal that Mbenenge had asked him to approach Mengo, who was a friend and colleague, to set up a meeting to discuss Mengo's allegations, which she had by then made public. While Mbenenge has admitted to 'consensual' conversations with Mengo, he has vehemently denied sending sexually explicit pictures to her. Laptop, no laptop The tribunal resumed with former Judicial Services Commission (JSC) Law advisor Kutlwano Moretlwe wrapping up her testimony. Moretlwe helped Mengo file her complaint against Mbenenge. She insisted that Mengo had a copy of the complaint on her laptop, which Mengo denies, as stated by her counsel, Advocate Nasreen Rajab-Budlender. 'Ms Mengo disputes that she had her laptop with her on the 7th and 8th of December [2022] when she came to Johannesburg. And she disputes that she typed any part of that complaint'. Jobela responded saying: 'That is not correct. She had her laptop as I've indicated because she said that she's going to work. She brought it so that she can finalise a judgment that she was working on'. Evidence concerning Rajab-Budlender was not satisfied. 'Ms Moretlwe, I must tell you that I find your evidence concerning and I will argue that your version should not be accepted, particularly as it relates to Ms Mengo'. Moretlwe responded with: 'I have no comment'. Mengo was visibly emotional and even crying during proceedings. After three days of detailed testimony from digital forensic analyst Francois Moller, who examined two mobile devices, and forensic and legal linguist Dr Zakeera Docrat, who analysed the use of emojis, Moretlwe became the third witness to testify before the tribunal about what transpired when Mengo lodged a complaint against Mbenenge. The tribunal resumes on Friday. ALSO READ: WATCH: Mbenenge emojis showed 'agreement and warmness' – expertC
TimesLIVE
08-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Fans vow to invade Moses Mabhida — even without tickets
Though fans who thought they received tickets, only to find they were unsuccessful, for Saturday's Nedbank Cup final have been warned not to go near Moses Mabhida Stadium, some have threatened they will make the trip to Durban and attempt to gain entry. Chaos surrounded ticket sales since they went up for purchase at 10am on Monday for the Soweto derby cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates (3.30pm). Scores of supporters complained they have bought tickets online with providers Open Tickets and Computicket, but then did not receive them or any indication that they will receive them. Others were turned away from retailers and told to buy on the internet, but Open Tickets' online system was reportedly overwhelmed and many were unsuccessful. Many supporters who thought they had their purchase confirmed received messages via email or WhatsApp that there had been over-selling and they were in fact not successful. [WATCH] Stadium Management SA managing director Bertie Grobbelaar says the 41 000 general tickets that were up for sale for the Nedbank Cup final were sold out within 90 minutes after being made available. #Newzroom405 — Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 7, 2025 The PSL confirmed on Thursday Open Tickets' and Computicket's systems crashed due to overwhelming demand on Monday, resulting in tickets being over-sold past the stadium's 41,000 capacity allocated for the public by about 10,000 extra tickets. It said those who were accidentally sold non-viable tickets have been or are being refunded. However, many fans spent thousands of rand on travel and accommodation in Durban, believing they had been successful buying tickets. Some vowed to go to Moses Mabhida and try to buy tickets from touts. Tsietsi Mkansi, a staunch Chiefs fan from Sandton, had long made plans to travel to Durban for the derby final. He said he could not purchase a ticket because of the chaos that ensued once they went on sale this week, despite having already forked out R15,000 on flights and accommodation. 'I booked accommodation, a flight and hired a car after Chiefs beat Sundowns in the semifinals [in Tshwane mid-April]. Overall, I have spent R15,000, so I don't know what to do, but I will still go to Durban, hoping I can buy tickets there. There are three of us travelling,' Mkansi said. 'When I tried to buy a ticket, I received a reference number, saying I would get one, but this morning I got an email telling me my ticket wasn't generated. I was so disappointed.' Tebogo Matlala, a Chiefs supporter from Polokwane, explained how he and his four friends find themselves 'compelled' to go to Durban even without tickets, hoping they will buy them from touts outside the stadium. 'We arranged accommodation — four single rooms at R1,300 per night each,' Matlala said. 'The plan was always to drive down to Durban with my three brothers. The problem started on Monday when we couldn't buy tickets. As the SAPS, we will be very strict on the ground. If you know you don't have tickets to watch the game, rather stay away or go somewhere else where you can watch the match [on TV] instead of coming to the stadium to cause unnecessary conflict. SAPS Maj-Gen Phumelele Makoba 'We just received reference numbers, but today we got notifications that we couldn't secure tickets and we be refunded. We will still go there and I hope we can buy tickets from people outside the stadium.' However, KwaZulu-Natal deputy police commissioner responsible for policing and operations Maj-Gen Phumelele Makoba promised a strict response to deal with fans who try to descend on the sold-out venue without tickets. 'As the SAPS, we will be very strict on the ground,' Makoba said. 'If you know you don't have tickets to watch the game, rather stay away or go somewhere else where you can watch the match [on TV] instead of coming to the stadium to cause unnecessary conflict.' The final will be the second Soweto derby on successive weekends after Pirates beat Chiefs 2-1 in a Betway Premiership clash at a packed FNB Stadium on Saturday. Chiefs are aiming to avoid going to a decade without silverware in the final. Pirates want to give outgoing coach José Riveiro the perfect send-off of another cup trophy — he has won five out of six — with a third successive Nedbank Cup winners' medal, which would also give the Spaniard a record six derby wins in a row in all competitions.
