05-05-2025
Rabada free to play after drug shock; DA leader killed: 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.
DA Mayco member and councillor gunned down in Stellenbosch
- DA councillor Xolile Kalipa was shot and killed in Stellenbosch on Sunday night.
- Kalipa was a proportional representation councillor and mayoral committee member for community services.
- Police are investigating the murder and searching for the suspects.
SANITISED | How City of Johannesburg failed to act on 'unlawful' R18m tender by top official
- The SIU rejected a legal opinion that dismissed its findings of corruption in a Johannesburg Covid-19 cleaning tender.
- The City of Johannesburg used the legal opinion to disregard the SIU's recommendation of disciplinary action against acting COO Helen Botes.
- The SIU maintains its findings and recommendations despite the City's decision.
'There were no secrets': McKenzie says he delivered amid R3m Central Karoo fundraising probe
- Gayton McKenzie claims he fulfilled service delivery promises as Central Karoo mayor despite a dispute over R3 million raised at a gala dinner.
- McKenzie's report to the council states R1.82 million was paid, while the council speaker says R1.182 million was later deposited after the meeting.
- The council chose not to formally acknowledge McKenzie's report, which is now part of ongoing legal proceedings.
Eskom supplier Exxaro parts ways with its suspended head of coal
- Exxaro Resources and its former head of coal operations, Kgabi Masia, have reached a mutual separation agreement.
- Masia was suspended in November 2023 pending an independent probe into issues including alleged coal cost increases and theft.
- The separation agreement comes after the resignation of former CEO Nombasa Tsengwa, who had overseen Masia's suspension.
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Employment Equity Act: Ramaphosa backs reform as most top jobs still held by white males
- President Ramaphosa defended the Employment Equity Act, highlighting its purpose to combat unfair discrimination and address historical inequalities from apartheid.
- He argued that worker protections and economic growth are not conflicting goals, citing studies showing worker rights improve productivity.
- The DA is challenging the Employment Equity Amendment Act in court, arguing its race-based quotas negatively impact jobs and rights, while Ramaphosa contends the Act is necessary to address persistent racial disparities in the economy.
Rabada free to play after drug shock as possible 'substances of abuse' listed
- Kagiso Rabada's one-month suspension was due to a positive test for a "substance of abuse", as confirmed by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport.
- The positive test occurred on 21 January after an SA20 match, and the suspension, which has now been served, began on 1 April.
- Rabada is now eligible to play for the Proteas in the World Test Championship final at Lord's in June.
OPINION | Volvo EX90: The new electric flagship that's lovely, but at what cost?
- Volvo's new all-electric EX90 is a technologically advanced and luxurious SUV with impressive range and safety features, but its high price point may be a deterrent in the South African market.
- While the EX90 boasts a powerful electric drivetrain, sustainable interior, and advanced safety technology, it faces stiff competition from established luxury brands offering more traditional options.
- The article questions whether the EX90, despite its merits, is the right vehicle to revitalise Volvo's presence in South Africa given the country's limited EV infrastructure and the vehicle's high cost.
