25-04-2025
The scramble to undo VAT hike; KZN flood disaster: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
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.
Zuma loses latest bid for Downer's removal, then argues for acquittal due to trial delays
- Jacob Zuma's lawyers argue for his acquittal due to trial delays causing the death of "crucial" witnesses, a claim disputed by the NPA, who blame Zuma for the delays.
- The NPA contends Zuma's repeated attempts to remove prosecutor Billy Downer are a "Stalingrad defence" aimed at delaying the trial.
- Zuma's legal team insists the State's case is weak, citing the deceased witnesses and the cost of the prosecution, while the NPA maintains there is sufficient evidence, including documents and potential testimony from Zuma himself.
'Tone deaf': Bocelli superfan hospitalised, says organisers failed to ensure accessibility
- Elize Kriel, who has an autoimmune disorder and spinal issues, missed most of an Andrea Bocelli concert in Cape Town after being stretchered off due to pain and spasms caused by walking a long distance to the stadium.
- Kriel was unable to secure accessible parking because it was sold out, and her requests for alternative assistance from Ticketmaster were ignored.
- Ticketmaster stated that accessible parking was limited and sold out quickly, and that they are not responsible for event organisation or accessibility arrangements, placing the onus on event organisers.
Durban flood disaster: One dead, dozens taken to hospitals in Umlazi
- Heavy flooding in Umlazi, south of Durban, has resulted in one death and several hospitalisations.
- Numerous homes were washed away, displacing residents and causing road and bridge closures.
- A Level 4 weather warning remains in effect for KwaZulu-Natal, with further heavy rain expected.
After spending millions to prepare, many SA firms are now scrambling to undo a VAT hike
- Businesses should prepare to reverse the planned VAT increase, despite legal uncertainty surrounding its official withdrawal.
- The preparation and subsequent reversal of the VAT hike has cost companies hundreds of millions of rands.
- Major retailers, including SPAR and Woolworths, have already paused implementation of the VAT increase, pending legal clarity.
SA SPEAKS: Is it time for BEE to end?
- Eleven out of every 25 South Africans (44%) believe government should keep Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) going.
- Nine out of every 25 (36%), over a third of the population, believe government should end all BEE policies.
Five in every 25 (20%) don't know what government should do with the controversial legislation aimed at redressing the historical economic inequality created by apartheid.
SA National Champs: New 100m king Leotlela denied gift of sprint double by hamstring tweak
- Gift Leotlela, after winning the 100m title, pulled up injured in the 200m heat with a suspected minor hamstring strain.
- 17-year-old Leendert Koekemoer broke a long-standing national junior record in the 400m heats.
- Several other athletes, including Udeme Okon and Prudence Sekgodiso, advanced in their respective events.
Reality TV star Mel Viljoen. (Supplied/Showmax)
Mel Viljoen, Coconut Kelz and Patricia de Lille heat up lineup for roast of Helen Zille
- Reality TV star Mel Viljoen joins the all-star lineup for the Showmax Roast of Helen Zille.
- The roast, hosted by Tumi Morake and Trevor Gumbi, will take place on 2 May 2025 at the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival.
- Helen Zille says she's ready for the roasters and plans to give as good as she gets.
