Daily news update: Eskom graft, Ukraine war and Thabo Bester escape

Here’s your morning news update: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way.

Daily news update: 12 May

‘We can’t run a banana republic’ – Ramaphosa on why he isn’t investigating ministers over Eskom graft

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he has not been presented with evidence implicating any members of Cabinet or other senior government officials in corruption at Eskom.

Ramaphosa took the podium in the National Assembly to answers questions from MPs on Thursday.

READ MORE: ‘We can’t run a banana republic’ – Ramaphosa on why he isn’t investigating ministers over Eskom graft

Ukraine war: US ambassador accuses SA of supplying weapons to Russia

The US Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety has reportedly accused government of supplying weapons to Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Brigety said South Africa provided ammunition to its Brics partner through a Russian ship that docked at Simon’s Town naval base in Cape Town in December last year.

READ MORE: Ukraine war: US ambassador accuses SA of supplying weapons to Russia

Nandipha Magudumana’s bail application postponed after ‘crucial evidence’ emerged

Dr Nandipha Magudumana, the lover of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester, has withdrawn her bail application due to new evidence that has emerged.

Magudumana and five other accused persons appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for a bail application hearing after they were arrested for their alleged involvement in aiding Bester to escape from prison last year.

READ MORE: Nandipha Magudumana’s bail application postponed after ‘crucial evidence’ emerged

Government appealing load shedding court ruling to avoid grid collapse – Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended government’s decision to appeal the court judgment that ordered the exemption of key facilities from load shedding.

Last week, the Pretoria High Court ordered Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan to “take all reasonable steps within 60 days” to make sure there was sufficient electricity supply to all public hospitals, clinics, schools and police stations.

READ MORE: Government appealing load shedding court ruling to avoid grid collapse – Ramaphosa

Uncle Waffles’ star keeps rising as Beyoncé includes Waffles’ ‘Tanzania’ to her set

The Renaissance World Tour is Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s first solo headline tour since 2016 and the superstar entertainer included one of Uncle Waffles’ hits in her set that has left the Eswatini born amapiano lass gushing at Queen Bey’s co-sign.

The South African DJ and record producer took to her Instagram stories on Wednesday to express her delight at her song being used in Beyoncé’s set.

READ MORE: Uncle Waffles’ star keeps rising as Beyoncé includes Waffles’ ‘Tanzania’ to her set

Gallants’ Mdaka optimistic of reaching Caf Cup final despite loss

Despite their loss to Young Africans FC, Marumo Gallants coach Raymond Mdaka remains optimistic that they will reach the final of the Caf Confederation Cup.

READ MORE: Gallants rue missed chances as Young Africans grab Confed Cup advantage

Gallants lost 2-0 to Yanga in the first leg of the semi-final clash at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Wednesday.

READ MORE: Gallants’ Mdaka optimistic of reaching Caf Cup final despite loss