Daily news update: Putin calls Ramaphosa, ActionSA’s Emfuleni campaign, smoking bill, Boks crushed

In today’s daily news update: Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the grain deal goal and upcoming Brics summit in a telephone conversation with President Cyril Ramaphosa, and ActionSA has launched its campaign to dissolve the Emfuleni council.

Meanwhile, the proposed new smoking bill has sparked controversy among smokers and non-smokers alike, and Dr Nandipha Magudumana is kept in the hospital wing of Kroonstad Correctional Centre.

Daily news update: 16 July 2023

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

Putin calls Ramaphosa

The Presidency confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to his Russian counterpart on Saturday. Vladimir Putin’s call follows hot on the heels of Ramaphosa’s telephone conversations with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Putin reportedly told Ramaphosa that the main goal of the grain deal, namely the supply of grain to countries in need, including on the African continent, has not been implemented.

The grain deal which eased fears of a global food crisis sparked by the Russian offensive in Ukraine, is due to expire late Monday.

The Kremlin also said the two leaders also discussed preparations for the upcoming Brics summit in Cape Town next month.

READ: Call from the Kremlin: Putin tells Ramaphosa grain deal goal was ‘not implemented’

ActionSA wants Emfuleni council dissolved

ActionSA has launched its campaign calling on the Gauteng provincial government to dissolve the Emfuleni council, in Boipatong on Saturday.

The party wants fresh elections for the embattled Emfuleni Local Municipality, citing poor service delivery as the main reason for its campaign.

ActionSA Gauteng chairperson Funzi Ngobeni said residents’ plight has steadily worsened despite the provincial intervention in 2018 of placing the struggling municipality under administration.

READ: ActionSA calls on Gauteng government to dissolve Emfuleni council

Controversial smoking bill

The new proposed tobacco legislation, which has been submitted for public comment, has sparked mixed reactions among smokers and non-smokers.

The new proposed bill aims to enforce stricter regulations on smoking and the sale of tobacco products, with up to 10 years’ imprisonment for petty misdemeanours.

READ: People express mixed reactions to ‘controversial’ smoking bill

Springboks suffer crushing defeat against All Blacks

The Springboks’ paid the price for their dismal start in their Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks at the Mount Smart Stadium, in Auckland, on Saturday.

The All Blacks powered their way to an impressive 35-20 victory over the Boks who at least triumphed over the Wallabies last Saturday.

READ: Boks crumble against All Blacks: Four key points

In other news:

• VIP highway assault: Suspended blue light officials still get full pay
• VIP highway assault: Suspended blue light officials still get full pay
• High-profile ‘holding cell’? Why Dr Nandipha Magudumana is in prison hospital
• SAHRC suffers defeat in court over hate speech finding against Malema
• Concerns mount over political killings ahead of 2024 elections

Daily news, 15 July

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